How to Apply for the Director of Study Abroad and International Programs from an International Education Perspective

Soka University of America (SUA), a highly respected liberal arts institution, is seeking applications for its Director of Study Abroad and International Programs role. If you are passionate about higher education, global citizenship, and the power of transformative international experiences, this is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in an institution that places global education at the core of its curriculum. From an international education standpoint, here are tips and insights to strengthen your application and align it with the university’s values:

Key Components of the Job

This role offers the opportunity to provide strategic leadership for education abroad programs, promote cultural exchange, and foster global citizenship among students. You will oversee academic coordination, compliance management, and operational duties while fostering partnerships with institutions worldwide. Highlights of the position include:

• Leadership of semester-long study abroad programs integral to students’ academic trajectory.
• Managing partnerships with global institutions to enhance educational outcomes.
• Supporting the development of intercultural competency.
• Showcasing SUA’s commitment to inclusive and diverse education for international and domestic students.

What Sets Soka University Apart

Soka University is rooted in the principles of peace, human dignity, and the interconnection of life. A significant proportion of SUA’s student body consists of international students, and its innovative educational approach includes compulsory study abroad programs and a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. As an applicant, consider the following ways to tailor your application:

1. Demonstrate Responsiveness to International Perspectives: Highlight how you’ve worked successfully with diverse populations, both domestic and international. Mention specific intercultural communication strategies, partnerships you’ve developed globally, and how you’ve championed inclusive programming.
2. Align With SUA’s Mission: Showcase your commitment to fostering global citizenship. Explain how you see education abroad programs as a transformative experience that shapes students’ cultural awareness, critical thinking skills, and ability to contribute to a better world.
3. Leverage SUA’s Liberal Arts Environment: If you have experience working in interdisciplinary or liberal arts institutions, emphasize how your past work complements Soka’s approach to education.

Recommended Application Tips

Here are specific steps aspiring international education leaders can take to stand out:

1. Submit a Tailored Letter of Interest – When writing your interest letter, articulate how your past experiences align with the job’s essential duties. Speak authentically about your passion for creating innovative international programs and developing students into global citizens. Address SUA’s emphasis on rigorous academics, community engagement, and ethical leadership.
2. Highlight Results-Oriented Leadership – As the role involves strategic program development and operational oversight, specify examples of how you’ve successfully enhanced international partnerships, implemented student-centered policies, or improved education outcomes in previous roles.
3. Focus on Your Global Network and Cultural Insights – Outline your professional network locally and internationally, as well as your personal experiences living, working, or studying abroad. If you are multilingual, detail how this has enriched your ability to communicate and build relationships cross-culturally.
4. Demonstrate Compliance Expertise – Outline your familiarity with U.S. and international regulations, risk management strategies, and student support systems. Highlight your ability to navigate complex regulatory environments successfully.
5. Quantify Your Success – Address budget management, alignment of program costs with institutional goals, and any data-driven results from previous program assessments.
6. Deepen Awareness of Liberal Arts – If you have direct experience with liberal arts institutions, detail specific ways in which your global programming enriched a holistic academic environment.

Advice for International Education Professionals

If you are considering applying to SUA, here are best practices:

• Emphasize Intercultural Communication Skills: Working with international students and stakeholders is central to this role. Illustrate how you navigate diverse cultures and languages successfully.
• Address Global Trends in Education: Highlight your knowledge of emerging best practices in international education programming, such as virtual exchange opportunities, sustainability initiatives in study abroad, or innovative partnerships.
• Showcase Flexibility and Strategic Vision: Given SUA’s emphasis on thoughtful program review and expansion, demonstrate how you have proactively developed institutional relationships, strategized around fiscal and academic goals, and transformed global learning programs in prior roles.
• Foster Inclusion and Diversity: Talk about how you create equitable access to opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds, removing barriers to participation in study abroad programming.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

To strengthen your application, make sure your resume clearly addresses the following:

• Required Credentials: A master’s degree in international education, higher education administration, or related fields. Be sure to give examples of how your academic background has prepared you for this leadership role.
• Essential Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible experience in education abroad administration, including managing budgets and supervising teams. Showcasing flexibility, creativity, and adaptability are important aspects.

Should you possess the preferred qualifications, such as knowledge of SUA’s distinct mission, experience living or working abroad, or proficiency in another language, make these points prominent in your application.

Applying to Soka University

If you believe your professional experience matches this position, submit the following materials:

• Letter of Interest: Tailor your narrative to highlight SUA’s commitment to global citizenship and how your leadership will honor and advance this mission.
• Resume: Detail accomplishments related to international education, program development, and leadership in a liberal arts context.
• References: Provide three professional references familiar with your demonstrated ability to deliver high-impact global education experiences.

Application Link: All applications should be submitted using the online platform here, and inquiries can be directed to jobs@soka.edu.

By aligning your application with SUA’s core values and demonstrating your track record in international education, you can position yourself as an invaluable candidate for this critical leadership role. Soka University’s global focus ensures this opportunity is both meaningful and impactful in shaping the next generation of global citizens