Connections make all the difference. That’s exactly what led one Augustana University student on a 13 hour, one-way trip from Jessheim, Norway, to Sioux Falls in the fall of 2024.
“I always knew I wanted to go to school in another country,” explained Nadia V. Rhodes ‘28. “My mom went here (to Augustana) for a semester and encouraged me to apply.”
Rhodes’ mother, Edyta Rhodes, attended Augustana in Fall 1998 before being offered a full scholarship to another college in Georgia.
“While in high school, we had a representative come talk to us about the possibility of studying at Augustana, so I decided to apply and was accepted,” said Edyta, who studied psychology and is the director of a wraparound clinic for children in Jessheim. “I always wanted to study in the U.S., so this was an opportunity to make that dream come true.”
Even though her time in Sioux Falls was short lived, Edyta has fond memories of Augustana.
“I remember my time as one filled with friendships and comradery. I remember the whole hall hanging out together, and we always had our doors open, so there was always someone to talk to,” said Edyta, who lived in Charles Orin Solberg Hall. “The school’s Norwegian heritage made it extra special.”
Just last summer, Edyta reconnected with Augustana in her home country when the university celebrated 100 years of homecoming in Oslo, Norway.
“Another alum tipped me off about the homecoming,” said Edyta, who attended the Homecoming Banquet at the Oslo Kongressenter or Oslo Congress Center. “It was so much fun to see Donn Grinager (Augustana director of international admission) after all these years and some of my fellow classmates. We talked about old times and all the fun we had together.”
This past fall, after 27 years, Edyta stepped back on campus once again … this time, with her daughter at her side.
“It was strange to be back after so many years. It was amazing how the memories came back when we walked across campus,” said Edyta.
“It is very cool that we are going to the same school. It’s nice to kind of be a part of something that she was,” said Nadia. “The IPO (now the De & Dave Knudson Center for Global Engagement) at AU is a great resource that helped a lot with transitioning to the U.S. university school system.”
Knowing that Nadia is experiencing the same great courses and friendships with her classmates makes her mom “both emotional and very happy.”
“I hope she is able to explore all of her interests and grow, both as an individual and as a student,” Edyta said. “I hope she makes friends who will be with her for many years to come. I hope she is inspired by her professors to think critically and make a difference in the world, which I know she will. No matter what she decides to do in life, I know she will do great things, and I know Augie will be an important contributor to her academic and personal journey.”
Starting off as a psychology major at Augustana, Nadia has since discovered a passion for teaching. After taking a course called Foundations of American Education, she added an elementary education major to the mix.
“I know I want to work with kids and if I follow the path I’m on now, I want to become a teacher at the elementary level,” Nadia explained. “I want to get a good education and be more immersed in the American way of life.”
To learn more about becoming an international student at Augustana, visit augie.edu/international.