The departure ceremony and farewell party for exchange students for the 2026 academic year were held – students will study in 27 countries and regions.

On Wednesday, July 1, the departure ceremony for Soka University exchange students for the 2026 academic year was held in Global Square. An exchange study program is a program that allows students to study abroad at an exchange school while still enrolled, based on an exchange agreement with an overseas university. This send-off ceremony targets exchange study group B, who will depart around August~October, with 74 students studying at 46 overseas universities in 27 countries and regions including Kenya and the United States.

At the departure ceremony, International Affairs Office President Taeko Yasutake gave a speech and said, "The exchange program at University of Philippines during my student days was a major step in opening up my life. I hope it will be a meaningful study abroad experience for everyone."
Next, two student representatives shared their aspirations. Kyoko Kawase (3rd year, Faculty of Law), studying in Jagiellonian University, Poland, shared her experience participating in international conferences on climate change and passing a difficult scholarship exam, saying, "I will use this exchange program as the first step toward becoming international policymakers who can contribute to solving climate change and grow into individuals who can contribute to peace in the international community." Shinichi Endo (3rd year, Faculty of Economics), studying at O.P. Jindal Global University in India, reported on his plans to participate in a project focused on African child poverty and find practical solutions, stating, "This challenge will not be limited to individuals but will lay the foundation for the next generation of juniors to spread their wings on the global stage."
Finally, President Mika Suzuki offered encouragement, saying, "I hope each individual will grow to think from a global perspective and take action from the ground up, and that in the future, they will play an active role in their mission."

After the departure ceremony, a farewell party was held at the New Loire Restaurant.
The following comments were received from students who participated in the farewell party:
I am filled with joy and gratitude for this gathering. I will not forget that I will carry the name of Soka University with me, and I will forge my own new path with a renewed sense of purpose. Furthermore, I will study with all my might in order to contribute to Soka University and to the younger students who will follow in my footsteps.

This was a valuable opportunity to talk with my fellow travelers who are embarking on this journey together. I hope we can all gather again, having grown together, and celebrate each other's progress. Furthermore, I want to grow into a global leader, recognizing myself as a "global citizen," and expand the circle of friendship overseas.