Soka University announced today that it would launch the Soka Global Citizenship Program (SGCP) from April 2010. The program aims to foster broad humanistic perspectives on international issues for 30 specially selected undergraduates who seek careers in Japan’s Foreign Service, NGOs, international agencies and multinational corporations, or pursue postgraduate studies abroad.

The SGCP curricula includes advanced English language training, problem identification and resolution, and other disciplines in a seminar course setting, with students provided with private tutorials under the supervision of a professor over the four-year program.

Program candidates will be chosen through a rigorous screening process that includes a written exam and interviews. If selected, students must complete their undergraduate degrees in the majors of their choice in addition to 36 SGCP credits. Selectees will also be provided with various benefits, including travel and training expenses, and allowed to participate in a two-week training course overseas each year.

SGCP is a centerpiece of the Grand Design initiative commemorating Soka’s 50th anniversary. The equivalent of an honors program adopted by foreign universities, the Soka program is considered a groundbreaking initiative in Japan.