SAN DIEGO, Friday, Jan. 25, 2002 — The international business program at San Diego State University has won the distinction of the best study abroad program in the nation.

The New York-based Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Andrew Heiskell Awards, which honor best practices for internationalizing universities, recognized the SDSU international business program for its innovative exchange programs and comprehensive study requirements. Dr. Steven J. Loughrin-Sacco, chairman of international business at SDSU, will pick up the award in New York on Jan. 28.

“The international business program at San Diego State University has been a leader in international education for almost a decade,” SDSU Provost Nancy Marlin said. “This program well reflects the university’s commitment to prepare our students for an increasingly global world in which they will be living and working.”

SDSU’s international business program is the largest in the nation with 734 students. It was the first program of its kind to establish a transnational dual-degree program (MexUS), and now offers the most dual-degree programs in the country (six).

International business recently launched the first triple-degree program of any kind in this country (CaMexUS) in a joint venture with Mexico and Canada. Each CaMexUS student studies and completes an internship in all three countries then receives three bachelor degrees emanating from the three NAFTA countries, enabling the student to be prepared to work anywhere in North America as a result of the language skills and intercultural expertise.

Academic standards are very high in the international business program. The university places its students at business schools where coursework is taught in the host country’s native language. SDSU’s international business students must enroll in the same semester-long business and regional study courses as their native counterparts. Generally, the university’s international business students are housed with families or in dormitories/apartments with non-U.S. roommates.

Loughrin-Sacco said worldwide opportunity is only one of the reasons more and more of the university’s students are deciding to study for a semester or more in a foreign land.

“Our program is designed to enable these graduates to have distinct advantages when they enter the business world,” he said. “They not only are familiar with international business practices but are fluent in host languages and cultural knowledge, which is key to truly being successful in many parts of the world.”

Marlin said SDSU hopes to tailor an international experience for every degree, and will continue to expand opportunities to new countries.

Among the international business program’s newest projects are programs with Brazil, Italy and Chile.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 78 areas, master's degrees in 61 areas and doctorates in 13. SDSU's more than 33,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information log on to www.sdsu.edu.

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