Welcome to Study Abroad and International Internships

In order to improve language skills and enhance intercultural understanding and awareness, a unique aspect of Soka University of America's curriculum requires that all students participate in a block and semester of Study Abroad/International Internship during their junior year for which they will receive academic credit equivalent to four courses. This requirement reflects SUA's educational philosophy of creating relevance for students between their classroom study and the world around them.

The Study Abroad & International Internships (SAII) experience occurs in a country in which the student's language of study at SUA (currently Chinese, French, Japanese or Spanish) is one of the principal languages spoken. International Internships provide students with the opportunity to meet, work closely and build networks with people of another culture and language. Study abroad takes place in a classroom environment within a university of recognized quality. SUA faculty working with the Study Abroad/International Internships Office determine the academic content of the experience.

Study Abroad & International Internships Program student learning outcomes are:

1. To further advance their linguistic proficiency in the target language (Language Competency Outcome)
2. To further advance their cultural awareness of the host country and, thus, of their own country (Cultural Awareness Outcome)

The cost of the Study Abroad & International Internship has been built into the tuition structure.

For More Information

If you have additional questions regarding the Study Abroad and International Internships Office (SAII) please feel free to contact us:

Alex Okuda
Director of Study Abroad & International Internships
1 University Drive
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Tel: 949-480-4127
Fax: 949-480-4264
aokuda@soka.edu