The Study Abroad and Away office supports San Jose State University (SJSU) and Professional and Global Engagement in developing accessible and academically focused cross-cultural programming for all SJSU students. We aim to foster global competencies in our students and scholars through innovative programming and the development of targeted, mutually beneficial partnerships with institutions, agencies (governmental and NGOs) and companies that share and support the globalization ethos and the University’s priorities and values.

Our Vision

Our vision is one of study abroad for all, including underserved students who may not have historically participated in a global experience. Our role is to make global learning and experiences an integral part of every SJSU student’s college career, through reimagining how we approach experiential and cross-culturally immersive programs that meet the needs of our diverse student population.

Learning Outcomes

The Study Abroad and Away department strongly believes in the role that a study abroad or away experience can have in a student’s academic, personal and professional development. Through participating in a study abroad or away program, San Jose State University students will develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that foster personal and professional growth, develop intercultural competencies and prepare them to be dynamic and productive global citizens who are deeply cognizant of living in a connected and interdependent world. Students will be able to accomplish outcomes in the following areas as a result of their study abroad or away experience:

Personal Growth and Development

Students will be able to:

• Demonstrate awareness of their own values and identities
• Adapt to new and unexpected situations and demonstrate increased tolerance for and comfort with ambiguity 
• Demonstrate increased confidence in navigating challenges independently 
• Develop critical thinking skills, specifically the ability to learn through observation, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, explanation, problem solving and decision making

Career Readiness

Students will be able to:

• Develop skills that are essential for participating in a global workforce, including but not limited to, problem solving, flexibility and collaborating with individuals from diverse cultures, experiences and perspectives
• Identify the knowledge, skills and attitudes gained during their study abroad and away experience that are relevant to the NACE career competencies and articulate them within their professional documents and career search
• Reflect on how to integrate their study abroad and away experience into their professional development and future careers 

Global Citizenship and Community Engagement

Students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an increased understanding of global issues and how they connect with their local realities
• Develop the skills required to be active global citizens who engage with community and reflect on social justice issues 
• Develop an understanding of the realities of privilege, inequality and diversity in relation to one’s personal experience and within a global context

Intercultural Competence

Students will be able to:

• Describe, interpret, and demonstrate an appreciation for the differences and similarities between their home and host cultures, and within their own communities and peers’ experiences
• Recognize cultural differences in verbal and nonverbal communication and begin to participate in creating a shared understanding based on those differences
• Consider the value of diverse perspectives and increase their understanding of others’ worldviews and experiences
• Develop an awareness of one's own identities, privilege, biases and cultural values and how those shape their experiences in the world and interactions with others