SAF reached a significant milestone in its longstanding relationship with Sophia University last month with the official signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
The landmark agreement marks the beginning of expanded opportunities for Sophia students to engage with SAF programs around the world and gain valuable international experience. The move also formalizes a partnership that has been years in the making with one of Japan’s leading private research institutions.
“SAF Japan team has interacted with international staff at Sophia University for over a decade, and since 2010, 20 Sophia students have benefitted from SAF programs,” said Carol Carmody, SAF Senior Associate Vice President. “But it was not until late November that Sophia formally signed an MOA with SAF. We look forward to welcoming more Sophia students to our programs.”
This agreement paves the way for greater academic and cultural exchange, giving Sophia University students access to enriched global learning experiences.
Yuka Fukumura, Team Leader at Sophia University’s Center for Global Education and Discovery, attended the historic signing, while delegates for SAF included Brett Rumminger, Director of SAF Japan, and Amber Mercier, VP for Strategy & New Business Initiatives.
In addition to the MOA signing, Sophia University hosted the International Association of Universities (IAU) annual conference, a global gathering of higher education leaders to explore how core values guide universities in decision-making, ethical practices, and meaningful engagement in today’s rapidly changing world.
Held from November 22-24 on Sophia’s picturesque campus in Tokyo’s Chiyoda ward, the conference welcomed 356 university officials, making it the largest IAU conference in history.
The event offered SAF representatives a valuable opportunity to connect and engage with university officials from countries including Australia, China, Japan, and Romania. These discussions strengthened existing partnerships and paved the way for new collaborations, aligning well with SAF’s mission and vision for future growth and expanded opportunities for students going into 2025.
As SAF and Sophia University celebrate their new partnership, the success of the IAU conference highlights Sophia’s role as a hub for international academic exchange. Together, these milestones reflect a shared commitment to expanding study abroad opportunities and fostering global academic collaboration.
For more information about Sophia University and other leading universities in SAF’s network, consult an SAF representative.