global

The Center for Global Engagement partnered with the German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) San Francisco to host 16 young founders from German universities during the SF Tech Week Innovation Program 2026.

The one-week program introduced participants to entrepreneurship, innovation and the San Francisco technology community through lectures and workshops led by SFSU faculty and industry experts. Participants also attended hackathons, panel discussions and other SF Tech Week events across the city.

The program is part of DWIH’s Innovate initiative, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The initiative supports the internationalization of research and encourages an entrepreneurial mindset among early-stage founders.

The program included a lecture by Hap Klopp, founder of The North Face, who discussed his experiences as an entrepreneur and the importance of creating a culture that embraces failure. Participants also explored San Francisco and the Bay Area through networking activities and cultural experiences.

Find out how you can partner with SFSU to design a customized training program that meets your organization’s goals with International Customized Training.

Launching Spring 2027

San Francisco State University is launching Study Abroad @ San Francisco, a new program that gives international students the opportunity to study at SFSU for one or two semesters. Students can choose academic courses that match their interests, study alongside SFSU students and experience San Francisco and the Bay Area, with its strong connections to technology, business and nearby Silicon Valley.

The new program expands access to SFSU for international students around the world. Students do not need to attend an SFSU partner university to participate, giving more students the opportunity to spend one or two semesters studying at SFSU while remaining enrolled at their home university.

Learn More

Learn more about Study Abroad @ San Francisco, including courses, costs, admission requirements and how to apply.

Explore academic certificate programs at SFSU. Build career-focused skills in high-demand fields while studying at the University. International students welcome.

Programs include:

• Business Administration Certificate
  Build a strong foundation in business with a one-year certificate that can support your path toward an MBA at SFSU.
• Business Analytics Certificate
  Gain practical analytics skills that prepare you for a career or future graduate study in data and analytics.
• Hospitality and Tourism Management Certificate
  Develop business knowledge and industry skills for careers in hospitality and tourism.
• International Business Certificate
  Build expertise in global business practices through a focused two-semester program.
• Liberal and Creative Arts Certificate
  Explore courses in the humanities, arts and social sciences to broaden your academic experience.

Apply by May 15 for priority consideration. Late applications may be accepted if space is available.