摘要
In today’s increasingly globalized world,study abroad programs are receiving unprecedented attention as a significant part of international education.The mission of Soka University of America(SUA)is in line with the trend of producing U.S.graduates in higher education who demonstrate intercultural and international competence.SUA has joined the academic world in this growing area of interest and requires all its students to study abroad.Learning from other institutions and exploring its own path,SUA has developed a comprehensive study abroad program that seamlessly integrated in the liberal arts curricular of the university,which positively affected foreign language learning,improved students’abilities to function as global citizens,and opened various opportunities worldwide for the students.To insure students’study abroad experiences fruitful,the following aspects need to be considered:1.systematic institutional support;2.designated staff to work on study abroad affairs;3.advising students about the courses to take while abroad;4.students need support from the entire home institution;and 5.connect study abroad with a given institution’s broader goals.
基金
The author would like to acknowledge Arch Asawa,Hyon Moon,Alex Okuda and Fran Fujii for supporting this research by allowing her to interview with them and providing her relevant data.