Students swimming abroad

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University students and community members have the chance to experience new countries and cultures this academic year thanks to faculty-led study abroad programs.

Five programs have been finalized:

All three programs are open to students, alumni and community members, said Blum, Northern’s Study Abroad and CEIB Advisor. Interested students can start by filling out this online application.

Program Details

In the Germany program, participants will explore the country’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, by cable car; tour the Linderhof Palace built by King Ludwig II; tour the German Parliament (Bundestag) and Reichstag Building, the center of Germany’s political life; and much more.

During the program in Guatemala, participants will be working with a village to build a local school so kids don’t have to walk two hours to school one way. The service learning experience takes place over Northern’s spring break.

The Costa Rica program will include a tour of San Jose, stopping at the National Museum, Plaza de la Democracia and National Park; a visit to the Doka Coffee Plantation and La Paz Waterfall; an intercultural exchange with local students; and much more.

‘It’s Life-Changing’

Gonzalez, who is leading the Costa Rica program, said he studied abroad during college, traveling to Peru in 1973. Now, he’s thrilled to lead NSU students on a similar experience.

“I’m so excited to help students share this experience,” said Gonzalez, professor of Spanish. “It’s life-changing.”

Students will get the chance to engage with the language and culture, practicing their Spanish language skills in a safe, stable environment.

“This brings the Spanish we’ve been studying in the classroom alive,” Gonzalez said.

Students will also gain other valuable life skills, such as the confidence to leave home.

“This can be a stepping stone toward further life experience,” he said.

Additional Information Sessions Added

The following information sessions are set:

  • Germany Faculty-Led Info Session: Thursday, Sept. 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m., NSU Library Creation Lab.
  • Guatemala Service Learning Info Session: Tuesday, Sept. 17, 1–2 p.m.; Student Center Gold Room
  • Peru Faculty-Led Info Session: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 5–6 p.m.; TC 369
  • Costa Rica Faculty-Led Info Session: Thursday, Sept. 26, 3–4 p.m.; Student Center Gold Room

For more information on NSU Study Abroad, contact Blum at studyabroad@northern.edu.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.

  • Peru Faculty-Led Info Session: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 5–6 p.m.; TC 369