The University of South Dakota

Myth 1: I can't afford to study away.

• Fact: Study away is much like buying a car. Many types and styles are available to fit a variety of budgets. At USD, we offer many high-quality, low-cost, USD Direct Programs and USD Sponsored Programs that are easily affordable by most students. Both of these programs allow students to utilize both their federal financial aid and USD institutional aid, making these programs incredibly affordable study away options. You don't need to go into major debt to study away.

Myth 2: I need to know a language other than English to study in another country.

• Fact: Although some of our programs are designed for students with a foreign language capability, many programs are taught exclusively in English and in countries where English is either the native language or is widely spoken, such as the Netherlands.

Myth 3: I won't be able to complete any of my major requirements while away.

• Fact: While some USD majors are very specific about how you need to fulfill major requirements, most majors offer some flexibility and many students are able to complete one or more major courses while overseas. What is required is advance planning and consultation with your advisor and Global Learning.   

Myth 4: Studying away will put me behind and I won't graduate on time.

• Fact: As long as you consult with your advisor, department head, and Global Learning, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to graduate on time, even if you attend a full-year program away.

Myth 5: The credits I earn away won't transfer back to USD.

• Fact: When you apply for a USD Global Learning Program, you'll complete the Course Approval Form (CAF). Before you ever leave Vermillion, every course you plan to take while studying away will be approved and a USD equivalent will be determined. Completing the CAF and the rest of the Global Learning application process ensures the credits you earn away will transfer back to USD.

Myth 6: Whether I study away won't matter to a future employer or to a graduate or professional school.

• Fact: The job market and admission to graduate or professional schools gets more competitive every day. Employers and graduate/professional school admissions officers are looking for something that sets you apart from the mass of applications they receive for each opening.  Study away is one of those qualities that sets you apart from the crowd.

Myth 7: I won't be able to use my financial aid if I study away.

• Fact: USD Direct Programs and USD Sponsored Programs allow students to utilize both their federal financial aid and USD institutional scholarships (specifically, Mickelson, Presidential-Alumni, and Coyote Commitment [formerly Promise-Plus]). USD Affiliated Programs give students the opportunity to apply their federal financial aid to their study away expenses. Financial aid eligibility for other programs offered by study away organizations or other U.S. universities that do not have an official partnership agreement with USD is determined on a case-by-case basis; USD institutional scholarships are not applicable to these programs.

Myth 8: To study away, I'll have to commit to a semester or year away from home.

• Fact: While there is much to be gained from a longer experience, such as a semester or year, that immerses you in the culture, we do have many USD Faculty-Led Programs available that can be as short as one or two weeks in length. Our general philosophy is that some study away is better than none.

Myth 9: I'll wait until I after I graduate to go away—I'll have more time and money then.

• Fact: You may have more money after graduation as hopefully you'll have a full-time job, but you won't have more time. Now is when you have the most time-flexibility in your life. Make the most of it. Remember also, if you enroll in a USD Direct Program or a USD Sponsored Program you can apply your federal financial aid and USD institutional scholarships toward the costs of your study away experience.

Myth 10: The world is too dangerous these days to study away—it's safer to stay home.

• Fact: The world can be a dangerous place, but statistically, you are far more likely to have an accident at home than on a study away experience. If you use the same caution you would exercise when visiting a big U.S. city, you won't have any trouble. In addition, Global Learning monitors the situation in each country where we have programs and will cancel a program if the U.S. Department of State issues a Travel Warning. Be careful, but don't be afraid to travel and study away.