Jakub Kozuchowski’s dreams of studying physical therapy in the United States almost didn’t happen.

But thanks to some help from Sen. Mark Dayton’s office and the international students’ counselor at Riverland Community College, Jakub is on his way to learning more in his field of rehabilitation study to take back to his native Poland.

A native of Siedlce in eastern Poland, Jakub, 25, was part of a student exchange program when he first arrived in the United States. He was working as a waiter at the Driftwood Family Resort in Pine River when he met Les Schroader of Alden. They talked, and after finding he had studied physical and massage therapy in Poland, Schroader offered to take Jakub to see the Mayo Clinic, where one of his cousins works.

&uot;So after I was done working, he took me to Rochester,&uot; Jakub said.

Schroader also helped him find a school to continue his studies. Jakub was looking for master’s degree program in physical therapy, since he’d already completed three years of medical university in the medical rehabilitation unit.

He visited Minnesota State University-Mankato, Winona State University, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the University of Minnesota and the College of St. Catherine.

&uot;Then I found out there is no more master’s degree program in physical therapy,&uot; Jakub said. &uot;It’s now a doctor’s degree program.&uot;

The program at St. Catherine seemed to be what he was looking for. Some of his credits from Poland will transfer, but there are some prerequisite courses he needs before he can begin the program. So he’s now taking some of those prerequisite courses at Riverland Community College in Austin, and is staying with Les and Beata Schroader while doing so.

But before Jakub could do that, he needed to extend his visa. &uot;To do that, you have to go abroad to apply,&uot; he said. &uot;So I went home for two months.&uot;

When the counselor at the embassy saw his I-20 form, the main document needed by an embassy to grant a student visa, he couldn’t understand why someone like Jakub, who had already finished his university studies, would want to go to a community college.

&uot;It was like a step back, and he didn’t want to hear my explanation,&uot; Jakub said.

Jakub said he could understand that, because there is the fear that those with student status, who can work full time, will take jobs from citizens.

He called Schroader and explained the situation. Schroader, in turn, contacted the international students’ office at Riverland as well as Sen. Mark Dayton’s office. Dayton’s office faxed a letter of explanation to the embassy, and Jakub’s visa was approved just before Christmas.

Jakub was two days late starting the second semester at Riverland, however, because he had to wait to schedule a flight until he knew his status.

&uot;I had a few days to catch up,&uot; he said.

He’s currently taking classes in calculus, developmental and general psychology, and freshman English. He estimates he’s probably got another semester at Riverland before he can start his physical therapy studies.

Jakub said he likes both the school and his instructors, and has been making friends, especially in the international students’ club.

&uot;The counselor (Miguel Garate) does a good job,&uot; he said, adding he takes the time to organize outings and get-togethers for the students.

Jakub said he hopes to stay for a while after completing his education to put what he’s learned into practice.

I want to get to know the new methods in rehabilitation,&uot; he said. &uot;Who knows? It’s an opportunity. I want to bring some new experiences in rehabilitation to Poland.&uot;