On December 6-7, 2023 we rolled out the red carpet for a delegation visiting from our partner universities in Japan: Ohkagakuen University, the University of Kitakyushu, and Ritsumeikan University. The trip was facilitated by our partner agency UCOM Inc. and the National Federation of University Co-Operative Association (NFUCA), a consortium that oversees student services for over 100 universities in Japan.

The delegation consisted of 8 representatives who were here to conduct a site visit for our new Global Leadership Program to recruit students for our official launch in Fall 2024.

The five-month program includes 12 credits of coursework in:

• Business Management
• Leadership Development
• United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals
• Academic Training Practicum, which allows students to develop essential global workplace competencies through internships with our esteemed partner Hyatt Regency Orlando.

Karla Martell, International Program Manager at SAGE, arranged the 2-day agenda, which included a tour of Union West housing, strategic meetings with SAGE, an overview of the curriculum, and a visit to Second Harvest Food Bank, where students will be volunteering as part of their sustainability course.

The most impressive part of the visit was our extensive tour of the Hyatt Regency Orlando, where students will be placed in paid internships/practicums. Located on International Drive close to many tourist attractions, our students have opportunities to work in all areas of the hotel such as their many restaurants, market, front desk/reception, recreation, the spa, and conference center. The program is ideal for students majoring in hospitality, culinary/baking, business, and tourism. The tour was provided by Ms. Rakhee Shah, Talent Acquisition Manager, who is excited about this partnership with Valencia and the opportunity to work with our international students.