Hills Bank adds Chinese to UI ATMS

Hills Bank and Trust has become the latest Corridor bank to offer Chinese as a language option on automated teller machines.

The Hills-based bank updated the ATM in the lobby of its Old Capitol Town Center office in mid-December. The bank plans to install Chinese on other ATMs across the University of Iowa campus as part of software upgrades.

Wells Fargo Bank, which offers eight language choices, has offered Chinese on its ATMs nationwide since 2005. Other Corridor financial institutions, such as MidWestOne Bank, offer English and Spanish language options on ATMs.

Last fall, more than 2,600 students from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan were enrolled in classes at the university, according to the UI office of international student services and scholars. Students from the three countries account for 59 percent of the 4,360 international students enrolled at the UI.

Suyun Ma, global external relations coordinator for international programs at the UI, said the addition of Chinese to English and Spanish as ATM language options and other translation efforts in the community will help international students adapt to a new culture.

'I have been in their shoes,” Ma said. 'Immersed in a totally different culture and language, most new international students feel overwhelmed and even scared at some point.

'I appreciate the importance of having this kind of convenience and assistance in local ATMs.”

Kate Moreland, director of collaboration and community relations at the Iowa City Area Development Group, said a task force led by her organization has been working on projects aimed at improving communication with the international community.

'Translation is always an area of focus, and we continue to work with local entities on how to better reach out to our international community and be more welcoming,” Moreland said. 'This includes translating the Iowa City-Coralville Area Convention and Visitor Bureau's welcome guide into multiple languages and working with area banks to add Chinese to their ATMs.”

Tom Markus, city manager in Iowa City, said the task force also is looking at improving housing and international relations.

'We've started communications with the university about how to improve temporary and permanent housing options for new international students who arrive on campus,” Markus said. 'There also is initial discussion on developing an ambassador program to help students, visitors and new residents navigate our community and share in our culture.”