ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University has renewed a unique academic agreement with a South Korean university that allows students to serve as language and cultural ambassadors.

At its meeting this week, the South Dakota Board of Regents approved the renewal of the Global Village Program between Northern and Yonsei University at Wonju.

This program provides accepted students the special opportunity of serving as language and cultural ambassadors, said NSU Director of International Programs Leigh Neys. Students receive a stipend that covers the cost of tuition, airfare, dormitory and some spending money.

Neys said so far, two Northern students have applied for next year’s program, though more could sign up for spring.

Yonsei has also started a new Global Elite Division for high-achieving Korean and international students interested in completing a portion of their studies abroad. 

“Northern State is the first U.S.-based school to accept students for this program,” Neys said. “NSU will receive its first Global Elite Division student this fall semester.”

The exchange agreement, originally approved in 2008, is one of many international offerings at Northern. Other opportunities include an increased emphasis on study abroad programs. This summer, Northern has 56 students studying abroad – triple the number from last summer – and the hope is for interest to continue to increase.

To learn more, visit the NSU International Programs webpage.

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.