【WHY SOKA FILA】-The reason why I chose SOKA FILA
Mr. Domingues Mateus is a 1st year student of the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA). He talked why he chose Soka University and FILA, and how he feels about FILA.
Profile
Domingues Mateus
Year Enrolled in FILA: 2025
Grade: 1st year
Home Country: Brazil
Why did you choose Soka University and FILA?
For the past four years, I have been living and working in Japan, following the same routine every day. While I was grateful for the stability, I slowly began to feel that my life had stopped moving forward. I wanted more than comfort—I wanted growth, challenge, and a sense of purpose. I realized that if I did not act, I would remain trapped in an endless cycle.
Although my Japanese ability allowed me to live and work here, it was not enough to open doors to a new professional path. Deep inside, I knew I wanted to study something meaningful, something connected to a passion I had carried since childhood. I had always been fascinated by the world: different countries, cultures, and ways of thinking. As a child, I memorized flags and country names simply out of curiosity, without imagining that this interest could one day shape my future.
While searching for a university, a close friend told me about her experience at Soka University. The way she spoke about the campus, the people, and the values immediately caught my attention. When I explored the university online and discovered the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA), it felt like everything suddenly connected. FILA was exactly what I had been looking for—an academic space where global perspectives, diversity, and humanistic values come together.
From my very first contact with the university, I felt genuinely welcomed. When staff members remembered my name and greeted me warmly on my first day, I knew I had made the right choice. Soka University did not just accept my application—it embraced me as a person.
How did you find FILA?
Finding FILA was not just a result of research, it was the result of self-reflection. When I decided to return to studying, I knew I wanted more than a degree. I wanted an environment that would challenge my thinking, expand my worldview, and help me grow as a global citizen.
I began searching for universities in Japan that offered English-based programs with a strong international focus. As I explored different options, Soka University stood out for its philosophy of human-centered education and its commitment to fostering peace and global understanding. While browsing the university’s website, I came across FILA, and immediately felt drawn to it.
What resonated most with me was FILA’s interdisciplinary approach and its diverse, international community. The program did not limit students to one narrow field; instead, it encouraged curiosity, dialogue, and critical thinking across cultures and disciplines. It felt like a place where my interests, experiences, and future goals could truly come together.
However, what truly confirmed my decision was the people. Throughout the application process, I felt supported and respected. By the time I arrived on campus and experienced the welcoming atmosphere firsthand, I realized that discovering FILA was not a coincidence—it was a turning point. FILA became not just a program I found, but a path I chose with conviction and hope for the future.
What are your impressions of student life at FILA?
My impression of student life at FILA has been extremely positive and reassuring. From the very beginning, what stood out the most to me was the strong sense of support within the FILA program. Both professors and staff members are genuinely attentive, kind, and approachable, which makes a meaningful difference in everyday student life.
The professors at FILA are not only highly knowledgeable, but also deeply committed to their students’ growth. Classes are interactive and discussion-based, creating an environment where students feel comfortable expressing ideas, asking questions, and constructively challenging different viewpoints. Learning feels collaborative rather than hierarchical, which has helped me build confidence both academically and personally.
Equally impressive is the support from the administrative and international affairs teams who work closely with students. They are always willing to help and do so with warmth and sincerity. What truly surprised me is how happy and motivated everyone seems to be in their roles. This positive attitude naturally shapes the atmosphere of the program and makes students feel welcomed and valued.
Because of this environment, student life at FILA feels balanced and healthy. Studying alongside classmates from diverse cultural and national backgrounds enriches daily life, turning group work, discussions, and even casual conversations into opportunities for learning and connection.
Overall, FILA offers much more than academic education. It provides a supportive, human-centered environment that makes student life meaningful, engaging, and inspiring every single day.
What is your plan after graduation from FILA?
After graduating from the Faculty of International Liberal Arts, my goal is to build a career that combines diplomacy and international business, while embodying the values of global citizenship promoted by Soka University. I aspire to work in roles that support companies and organizations seeking to expand across borders, helping them navigate cultural, linguistic, and social differences with respect and understanding.
FILA offers a broad and interdisciplinary education that prepares students to engage with the world thoughtfully and responsibly. Through my studies, I am gaining knowledge in international relations, economics, culture, and communication, which allows me to approach global issues from multiple perspectives. This academic foundation is essential for working in environments where dialogue, cooperation, and mutual trust are key.
Soka University’s emphasis on humanistic education has deeply influenced the way I view my future. Rather than focusing only on business outcomes, I aim to contribute to international cooperation in a way that promotes sustainable relationships and mutual growth. I believe this mindset is fundamental to becoming a true global citizen—someone who acts with empathy, responsibility, and awareness of global challenges.
Another important part of my plan is to continue expanding my language skills. In addition to English and Japanese, the university provides opportunities to study other languages, which has motivated me to learn Chinese by the time I graduate. This multilingual ability will allow me to engage more effectively in international and diplomatic contexts.
Ultimately, my goal is to apply the knowledge, values, and global perspective I have developed at FILA to make a positive contribution to the international community.
Please give a message to prospective international students!
To prospective international students, I would like to share an honest message from my own experience. Choosing Soka University is not just about selecting a place to study, it is an investment in self-awareness, growth, and perspective. Even if you do not have a religious background or any connection to Soka Gakkai, as I did not, you will find a university that respects and welcomes you as you are.
Religion exists as part of the university’s history, but it is not what defines your experience here. What truly matters is what Soka University offers you as a human being. The education you receive goes far beyond textbooks and lectures. It challenges you to think deeply, reflect on your values, and see the world from perspectives you may never have considered before. That kind of learning is priceless.
This is not a university where you simply sit in class, listen, and go home. Here, you will meet people who engage with you, who question your ideas respectfully, and who encourage you to grow through dialogue. These interactions are not meant to divide, but to help you understand the same concepts from different angles, cultures, and life experiences.
At Soka University, learning continues outside the classroom, conversations, friendships, and moments of reflection. You will be challenged, supported, and inspired in ways that stay with you long after graduation. If you are looking for an education that shapes not only your career, but also the way you see yourself and the world, Soka University is a place where that journey truly begins.
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