Study abroad opportunities abound at Dakota State

September 3, 2025

Ever dream of traveling internationally, but were intimidated by travel requirements or the potential cost? Dakota State University offers three study abroad programs, providing students with the opportunity to spend a semester or year abroad, learning about other cultures without interrupting their education.

KEI Abroad offers semester or academic-year-long exchange programs in 18 different countries. The Magellan Exchange offers a one-academic-year study abroad program, allowing students to take classes in English and choose from 35 colleges and universities worldwide. Additionally, students can participate in short-term international programs led by faculty members.

Although many believe that studying abroad internationally is unaffordable, discounts are available through programs where DSU is an affiliate school, and benefits and financial aid can usually be used as well, according to Nicole Claussen, director of International Programs.

"Prior to actually researching and pursuing the venture of studying abroad, I always had the impression that something like that was quite expensive, and only available to more well-off people," said Levi Jaacks, who will be spending an academic year in Australia.

"I was pleasantly surprised to find that although still more than what I pay here at DSU, the price wasn't nearly as steep as I expected, and on top of that, since I went through the DSU partner program, all of my scholarships and financial aid still apply."

An added way to alleviate the costs? Scholarships: Dr. Deb Tech has a study abroad scholarship for DSU students. While it's normally awarded to one student a year, this year, two students were selected, Jaacks and Cardan Jost. The two students were selected by the short essays they wrote about their inspiration to study abroad.

"For my essay, I decided to center it around showing both the interest I've taken in Australia throughout my life, and my interest in setting out to discover the perspective of experiencing the world from a new point of view," Jaacks said.

Jost shared that he grew up in a military family and was born overseas, but hasn't traveled abroad at an age where he could remember it.

"I was born in Germany, so I always wanted to go see where I was born and the rest of the world," he said. Family connections in Ireland, led Jost to select Dublin for his study abroad experience. He's excited to have access to public transportation and time to learn about the rich cultural history of the region.

Another concern that often arises is that a semester or year abroad will extend the time it takes to complete their degree. But students are able to take courses that help them continue to stay on their timeline to graduation.

Both Jost and Jaacks appreciated how helpful Claussen was throughout the process while applying for the study abroad program.

In addition to hearing about study abroad opportunities from visits to their classrooms from Claussen, they also appreciated all of the support she provides, through email reminders, advisory meetings, notice of scholarship opportunities, selecting and scheduling of classes, and more.

Jaacks, a digital sound design major, will be attending Griffith University on its Gold Coast campus. Jost, a network security administration major, will be attending Griffith College Dublin. Both are excited to explore the colleges and countries they'll be at.

Jaacks is most looking forward to connecting with locals, whom he's heard are quite friendly and social.

"I'm trying to make as many connections as I can," Jost said. After graduating, Jost hopes to work remotely, so that he can work from anywhere in the world. His semester abroad will give him the opportunity to test those waters.

For anyone interested in any kind of international travel, Jaacks and Jost recommend reaching out to Claussen to explore options and opportunities.

"Don't hesitate," Jost said. "If you're worried about finances, all of your scholarships at DSU should transfer over. And don't be afraid to ask for help with anything. Normally, someone has an answer."

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