Do you want to apply for an academic certificate program? The priority application deadline for fall is May 15. Late applications will be considered. Students will be accepted on a space-available basis.
Prospective International Business certificate students will meet program staff, find out about the certificate and get their questions answered. International students are welcome.
As part of International Education Month (IEM), the Center for Global Engagement will host a panel discussion called “The International Student Journey,” with international alumni from SF State’s English for Academic Preparation program and academic certificate programs.
Attendees will hear unique student stories and valuable advice on reaching academic and professional goals. Center for Global Engagement program alumni will share insights from their academic and professional journeys, focusing on navigating transitions from English language study, to university certificate and degree programs, to career.
The session will be interactive with ample opportunity for Q&A.
If you have any questions, please contact us at globaled@sfsu.edu or +1-415-338-1438.
Sota Watanabe, a former College of Professional & Global Education (CPaGE) International Business student, has been selected one of “100 Japanese people the world respects” by Newsweek Japan for his impressive record as a young entrepreneur. Prior to this, he was selected for the Forbes “30 Under 30 Asia” list in 2022.
Watanabe was an Economics major at Keio University in Japan and wanted to expand his global business experience. He applied to the International Business Professions program run by ICC Japan. As part of this program he enrolled in CPaGE’s American Language Institute to improve his English. Following completion of the English for Academic Preparation program, Watanabe earned a certificate in the SF State International Business program. This program helped Watanabe develop the knowledge and skills to become a global leader.
“The groundwork for working globally, including English and business skills, was developed while I was in San Francisco. Without these experiences at SF State, I can’t imagine where I would be today. It was an experience that allowed me to experience and interact with cutting-edge technology and broaden my horizons,” said Watanabe.
During his program, he spent time in the San Francisco Bay Area attending IT, art and language exchange Meetups and visiting technology headquarters in Silicon Valley. Watanabe was able to visit Google, Facebook and Apple. He also completed an internship for Silicon Valley startup Chronicled. When he left SF State, Watanabe returned to Japan and founded Stake Technologies, the first company in Japan to adopt blockchain acceleration sponsored by UC Berkeley. Watanabe received an unprecedented four rounds of funding from Web3 Foundation, which he is using to further innovation at his company. He also founded another tech company, Astar Network. He later participated in the 2021 International Student Journey event hosted by CPaGE’s Center for Global Engagementas an alumni panelist.
International Business Professor and Department Chair Bruce Heiman taught Watanabe in “Research in International Business and the Global Market.” From his interactions with Watanabe in and outside the classroom he shared that he sees him as an example for past, current and future students. In addition to being a high academic performer while a student at SF State, Watanabe was well respected by his peers and became good friends with many other students as well as professors. The International Business courses he followed while at SF State helped him achieve a solid comfort level working in groups comprised of members from diverse cultures. His outgoing nature and ability to span cultural boundaries has served him well in his career.
“We are proud to have Sota as an example of a graduate of our certificate program,” Heiman said.
“From the first day Sota arrived at SF State, it was clear he was going places,” added CPaGE Assistant Dean Saroj Quinn. “Sota is one of the most inquisitive, passionate and charismatic students I have met. Every time I spoke with Sota during his program, I learned something new about the innovation and entrepreneurship landscape of San Francisco. Sota truly made the city of San Francisco his classroom, using his free time to build a global network.”
Prospective International Business certificate students will meet program staff, find out about the certificate and get their questions answered. International students are welcome.
Nina Iakshimbetova from Russia, and Tatiana Admira from Chad, are both in their final semester of the International Business certificate program. The students pitched Noudji Décor and Arts at the Lam Family College of Business Entrepreneurship Symposium and Innovation Pitch Competition, held on April 28, 2023. The Innovation Pitch Competition was limited to the top five finalist teams. Our international student team was selected by the audience as fan favorite, and was awarded $1,000 in prize money.
Congratulations, Nina and Tatiana!
Looking for a job or internship this spring?
If you are interested in working in the public sector (i.e., local, state and federal government agencies), attend the Career & Leadership Development Employer Table Talk to learn about current job and internship opportunities from a diverse group of employers!
Employer List:
Questions? Contact Dan Curtin at curtind@sfsu.edu.
Prospective International Business students will meet program staff, find out about the certificate and get their questions answered.
Join us at our Virtual Open House, featuring a variety of online information sessions where you can learn about our offerings. Select your session to join us on Zoom. You will learn more about your program of choice and get your questions answered.
Prospective International Business certificate students will meet program staff, find out about the certificate and get their questions answered. International students are welcome.