Global Engagement

Learning Beyond Borders: Transformative Learning for a Changing World

Sofia University’s Global Engagement Division reflects our commitment to a world where education, mental health, and human connection transcend borders. Grounded in Sofia’s transpersonal vision, we embrace the belief that true learning unites mind, body, and spirit, and that global understanding begins through authentic dialogue among diverse cultures.

Through our Global Engagement initiatives, we create meaningful opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, experiential learning, and professional growth. From international conferences and bilingual degree programs to strategic global partnerships, our mission is to make transformative education accessible to learners and communities worldwide.

The Global Engagement Division advances Sofia University’s mission of holistic and cross-cultural education through three key branches: the Global Mental Health Conference, Global College, and the Global Campus, each serving as a gateway to deeper global connection and shared human understanding.

A diverse group of approximately 25 people stands together in a modern conference room with wood.

A large auditorium filled with hundreds of seated attendees facing toward the front stage area.

Group photo of approximately 30 people posing together in a classroom at Sofia University.

Large group of people posing together in a Sofia University lecture hall with yellow desk seating.

A diverse group of people sit in a circle on the floor during a presentation with a screen.

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Graduates in black robes and blue stoles hold a colorful rainbow balloon arch outdoors.

A group of eleven people holding books pose together indoors under a drop ceiling.

How We Create Impact

Group of people posing on stairs at Sofia University, holding certificates and smiling.

Large group of people posing together at a Sofia University academic conference event.

Large group of people posing for a photo in a university lecture hall.

Seven people pose together in front of a blue 2025 China Study Abroad Forum backdrop.

Global College

As a core initiative under Sofia University’s Global Engagement Division, Global College extends Sofia’s transpersonal education to a global audience through multilingual and cross-cultural academic programs. Established in 2020, Global College serves as the University’s global bridge, bringing together academic rigor, cultural understanding, and personal transformation for learners around the world.

Global College currently offers bilingual degree programs in Chinese and Korean, with planned expansion into Vietnamese, Spanish, and additional languages to create truly inclusive access to transformative higher education. Beyond degree pathways, the College also designs short-term study tours, immersive professional training programs, and specialized non-degree learning experiences for students, educators, and organizations across Asia, North America, and beyond.

To support its global mission, Global College operates offices in key regions worldwide. Among them, the Sofia University China Representative Office serves as the University’s only official and directly affiliated administrative office in the Asia-Pacific region, providing comprehensive services to students, alumni, and partners.

Global Conference on Advancing Mental Health

Since 2023, Sofia University has established the Global Mental Health Conference as an international platform for interdisciplinary psychological research and practice. Over the past three years, the conference has brought together more than 300 speakers from over 20 countries across four continents and has attracted more than 6,000 participants. The topics span consciousness studies, cognitive science, educational psychology, artificial intelligence, and emerging areas in mental health, reflecting Sofia University’s growing role in global psychological dialogue.

Participants include scholars from Stanford, Columbia, and Cambridge, as well as highly cited global researchers, communication leaders of the Royal Society, recipients of major APA awards, and fellows of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society.

Across its three editions, the conference has continued to develop its academic scope:

2023: The inaugural online event convened experts to discuss integrative approaches to human well-being and consciousness.

2024: A hybrid gathering in California expanded interdisciplinary exchange under the theme “Enlightened Minds, Compassionate Hearts, and Embodied Wisdom.”

2025: A virtual global summit broadened participation and discussion on resilience, compassion, and international collaboration.

The conference continues to connect perspectives from East and West, scientific research and lived experience, and theory and applied practice, contributing to a growing international community focused on psychological well-being.

Stay tuned for 2026 as we continue to grow this global movement for mental well-being.

Audience members raise their hands during a presentation in an auditorium with red seats.

Wide angle of stage from back of auditorium

Group photo of approximately 25 people posing indoors with a living green wall backdrop.

Large group of attendees posing together at the 2nd Global Conference at Sofia University.

2023- Advancing Mental Health

The inaugural 2023 Global Conference brought together mental-health professionals, researchers, and students worldwide for a three-day virtual exploration of integrative well-being. Sessions highlighted whole-person education, transpersonal therapy, post-pandemic resilience, and transformative growth.

Pre- and post-conference workshops: Crafting Personal Wellness, the ITA Symposium, and an EDD Fireside Chat turned insights into practice, establishing Sofia’s signature blend of scholarship and embodiment.

2024- Enlightened Minds, Compassionate Hearts, Embodied Wisdom

Held August 16–18 in Los Angeles and online, the 2024 conference expanded globally with satellite events in Shanghai, Seoul, and London. Seven thematic tracks explored consciousness studies, holistic education, youth resilience, integrative medicine, and community well-being. Across three immersive days: keynotes, panels, and experiential sessions—participants cultivated dialogue linking intellect, empathy, and embodied practice. The event marked a milestone in hybrid learning and intercultural collaboration.

2025- Intercultural Dialogue: Solutions for a New Age

The 2025 virtual edition focused on bridging cultures, disciplines, and systems through dialogue. Featuring keynote speakers including Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, Dr. Cassandra Vieten, and Dr. Regina Hess, discussions explored “inner and social bridges” for collective transformation.

Though condensed into a single day, the program maintained depth and diversity, continuing Sofia’s tradition of uniting scholarship, spirituality, and real-world impact across continents.

Featured Past Speakers

Across three transformative years, the Sofia Global Conference has welcomed an extraordinary lineup of international thought leaders, including

Man with arms crossed smiling in front of a bookshelf. — Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman: Cognitive scientist, author of Transcend, and creator of the “Light Triad” model of compassionate leadership.

A man with short gray hair wearing a blue blazer and dark shirt smiles at the camera in front. — Dr. Anil Seth: Cognitive neuroscientist, author of Being You; delivered opening keynote on perception, consciousness, and the nature of reality.

An older man with white hair and glasses wearing a dark suit and tie. — Dr. Robert Frager: Founder of Sofia University and pioneer in transpersonal psychology; shared insights on spiritual growth and leadership.

Ken Wilber in tinted glasses — Ken Wilber: Founder of Integral Theory, Philosopher · Author of 20+ Books · Co-Founder of Integral Life

Woman with long blonde hair wearing a black and white patterned shirt and jeans, smiling. — Dr. Cassandra Vieten: Director of the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness; expert in consciousness, spiritual competencies, and psychedelic research.

A man with dark wavy hair wearing a dark blazer and blue striped shirt smiles at the camera. — Dr. Frederic Luskin: Director, Stanford Forgiveness Projects; expert in mindfulness and happiness research.

Asian woman with short black hair smiling at the camera wearing a black and white patterned top. — Dr. Xiaodong Lin: Founding Director, Education for Persistence and Innovation Center, Columbia University.

A man in a dark blazer and patterned tie smiles at the camera in an indoor setting. — Dr. Benjamin Lovett: Associate Professor of Psychology and Education, Columbia University.

A man wearing glasses, a dark blazer, and burgundy tie smiles at the camera. — Dr. Carroy (Cuf) Ferguson: President, Association for Humanistic Psychology; scholar in humanistic and transpersonal development.

A person with shoulder-length dark hair and glasses wearing a blue shirt smiles at the camera. — Dr. Tanya L. Luhrmann: Professor of Anthropology, Stanford University; researcher on spirituality, voices, and the supernatural.

A man with dark hair and a mustache wearing a light blue shirt stands in front of a whiteboard. — David A. Patterson: Brown University MBSR Center mindfulness educator.

Middle-aged man with gray hair and beard wearing a light-colored shirt against a blue background. — Dr. Glenn Hartelius: Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Transpersonal Studies; founder of Integral & Transpersonal PhD program, CIIS.

Woman with short white hair smiling at the camera with bookshelves in the background. — Dr. Jude Currivan: Cosmologist, author, and futurist; Co-founder of WholeWorld-View, UK.

A woman with curly blonde hair wearing a black cardigan over a white top. — Dr. Regina U. Hess: Transpersonal psychologist, ecofeminist researcher, and founder of the Embodied Spirituality network.

A smiling middle-aged man with gray hair wearing a black jacket against a brick wall. — Dr. Pierre Morin: Physician and author focusing on process-oriented community healing and somatic democracy.

Older man with white hair and glasses wearing a blue shirt against a green foliage background. — Dr. Brian Les Lancaster : Founding Director and Dean, Alef Trust; expert in Kabbalistic psychology and transpersonal research.

Dr. Harris Friedman: Scholar of transpersonal psychology and co-author of The Wiley Handbook of Transpersonal Psychology.

A man with shoulder-length dark hair wearing a dark blazer and blue shirt looks at the camera. — Dr. Skip Rizzo: Director of Medical Virtual Reality at USC ICT; pioneer in therapeutic VR for trauma recovery.

Together, these voices reflect Sofia’s mission to unite science, spirituality, and social transformation through global dialogue.

Global Campus

More Details Coming Soon

Our Global Campus initiative will further extend Sofia’s reach, offering immersive global learning experiences and new platforms for international collaboration. Stay tuned for more information.

Together, these initiatives embody Sofia University’s commitment to fostering global dialogue, diversity, and the holistic development of every learner.