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June 13, 2024
Pulse Check: Navigating International Recruitment Part 3

Pulse Check: Navigating International Recruitment Part 3

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About the Episode

Ruby Nagashima gives listeners an inside look into what makes Soka University a destination institution for international students. 

Key Takeaways

  • Mission-Driven Recruitment and Inclusion
    Soka University’s mission to foster global citizens shapes every policy, program, and service, creating a culture of belonging for both international and domestic students.
  • Financial Accessibility is a Game-Changer
    Innovative financial aid options, such as need-based scholarships and international student loans, eliminate barriers and enable diverse students to pursue a U.S. education.
  • Holistic Support for International Students
    From credential evaluations to year-round housing and culturally inclusive dining options, SUA integrates international student needs into every facet of campus life.
  • Domestic Students Benefit Too
    By requiring study abroad and foreign language proficiency, Soka provides U.S. students with transformative global perspectives, fostering mutual understanding and empathy.

How Does Soka University Attract and Support International Students?

Soka’s international reputation is rooted in its mission to create global citizens. Initiatives such as generous need-based financial aid, international student loans, and removing barriers like credential evaluation fees ensure accessibility. SUA also prioritizes cultural inclusion through programs that celebrate diverse perspectives, cuisines, and traditions.

What Makes Soka’s Approach Unique?

  1. Equity-Driven Policies: SUA provides laptops, eliminates ancillary fees (e.g., parking, laundry), and offers year-round housing options.
  2. Cultural Sensitivity: From dining options to inclusive campus policies, international students are seamlessly integrated into SUA’s culture.
  3. Mission-Centric Education: Required study abroad programs and language learning reinforce the institution’s commitment to global citizenship.

How Does SUA Balance Domestic and International Student Needs?

Soka’s domestic students are drawn to the opportunity to engage with peers from around the world. The institution’s culture of care encourages dialogue and mutual understanding, while the required study abroad program ensures all students experience cultural immersion firsthand.

What Can Other Institutions Learn from Soka’s Success?

  • Embed Inclusivity into Mission and Policies: Aligning institutional goals with global citizenship fosters an authentic and inclusive culture.
  • Prioritize Accessibility: Offering financial aid, eliminating fees, and accommodating cultural needs makes higher education attainable for international students.
  • Cultivate Empathy: Encouraging domestic students to study abroad or engage in cross-cultural dialogue helps build understanding and resilience.

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Every session at the 2024 Engage Summit (June 25-26) will be live-streamed (and recorded!) and registration is free!

That’s right – you can catch all the groundbreaking insights, innovative AI-strategies, and incredible speakers from the comfort of your own couch. No need to choose between sessions (because we’re recording them all!), no FOMO, and no ticket required.

👉🏻 Register By June 21


People in this episode

Host

Kinnari “Kin” Sejpal is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications/Chief Marketing Officer at University of Redlands where she oversees brand management, enrollment marketing, and communications and digital teams.

Interviewee

Ruby Nagashima

Ruby Nagashima serves as the Director of Student Leadership and Service Engagement at Soka University of America and has over 17 years of experience in higher education.

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