The International Affairs Office Records document the development and management of international initiatives at South Dakota State University (SDSU). These include administrative materials, international agreements, student and faculty exchanges, faculty development seminars, study abroad programs, and collaborative projects with institutions worldwide. The collection is especially rich in documentation concerning three primary university partners: Manchester Metropolitan University (England), Chungnam National University (South Korea), and Yunnan Normal University (China). Additionally, it includes extensive material on global collaborations spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania.
The records consist of administrative records and documentation of SDSU’s international activities from the late 1980s onward. The collection is organized into several series, with a significant focus on SDSU’s partnerships with three international institutions: Manchester Metropolitan University, Chungnam National University, and Yunnan Normal University.
Administrative records include reports, newsletters, correspondence, clippings, and documents related to strategic planning, program funding, internationalization initiatives, and internal committees. This series reflects the university's evolving efforts to globalize curricula, foster faculty engagement in international education, and support international students and visiting scholars.
The collection’s core consists of records related to study abroad and faculty exchange programs. These include agreements, planning documents, photographs, correspondence, reports, and faculty reflections. Files relating to Manchester Metropolitan University document health and pharmacy exchange programs, official visits, and collaborative seminars. Material from Chungnam and Yunnan includes detailed accounts of exchange experiences, seminar documentation, and memorabilia.
A final component comprises materials from SDSU's international engagement with over 30 countries and regions, including agreements, institutional visits, travel itineraries, student and faculty reports, and special programs. Subjects covered range from agricultural development and educational reform to language immersion and cultural exchange.
This collection is a vital resource for understanding SDSU’s internationalization efforts over several decades. It offers a comprehensive view of how academic institutions build global partnerships, support cultural exchange, and integrate international perspectives into higher education. The depth and breadth of documentation highlight SDSU’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and cross-cultural collaboration. The collection is also historically significant in illustrating changing global academic trends, regional partnerships, and U.S. international education policy at the institutional level.
South Dakota State University. Office of International Affairs