【WHY SOKA FILA】-The reason why I chose SOKA FILA
Ms. Jahan Himika Israt is a 1st year student of the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA). She talked why she chose Soka University and FILA, and how she feels about FILA.
Profile
Jahan Himika Israt
Year Enrolled in FILA: 2025
Grade: 1st year
Home Country: Bangladesh
Why did you choose Soka University and FILA?
I chose Soka University and the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA) because they align closely with both my academic goals and my personal aspirations. From a young age, I have been deeply interested in Japan because of its culture, values, and the way its people balance tradition with modernity. This long-standing curiosity gradually developed into a strong desire to study in Japan and experience its society firsthand rather than merely learning about it from afar.
When I discovered that Japan offers English-taught degree programs, I became determined to pursue my higher education there. However, financial responsibility was an important consideration for me. I wanted to support myself as much as possible and minimize the burden on my family, so I focused my research on universities that offered substantial scholarship opportunities for international students. During this process, Soka University stood out to me. Its strong commitment to global education and its wide range of scholarships demonstrated a genuine effort to support students from diverse backgrounds.
As I explored the university further, the Faculty of International Liberal Arts particularly captured my attention. FILA’s interdisciplinary curriculum and emphasis on global perspectives resonated with my academic interests. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to study alongside students from different countries while also engaging closely with Japanese students. I believe this environment encourages meaningful cross-cultural exchange and helps develop a deeper understanding of global issues from multiple viewpoints.
Ultimately, FILA played a decisive role in my choice. The faculty’s focus on international communication, critical thinking, and cultural understanding convinced me that this program would not only strengthen my academic foundation but also prepare me to become a globally minded individual. For these reasons, Soka University and FILA were the natural and confident choice for my academic journey.
How did you find FILA?
I discovered the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA) while researching Soka University in depth. During this process, I realized that Soka University offers a wide range of academic departments, which initially left me feeling somewhat uncertain about which path to choose. At that time, I was certain of one thing, I wanted to explore something new and distinctive like an academic field that would challenge me beyond the limits of what I had previously studied.
My academic background in high school was primarily in science, and although it provided me with strong analytical skills, I felt a growing desire to explore a different area, particularly the business and social sciences. As I compared various departments, I found myself especially drawn to both the business-related programs and FILA, as both represented unfamiliar and exciting opportunities for growth. However, this also made the decision more challenging, since I had little prior exposure to either field.
As I reflected more deeply on my interests and personality, I began to see FILA as a better fit. As an extroverted individual, I value communication, collaboration, and engagement with people from diverse backgrounds. FILA’s interdisciplinary approach, combined with its emphasis on global perspectives, languages, and cross-cultural understanding, resonated strongly with me. I felt that this faculty would not only broaden my academic horizons but also help me develop personally by encouraging active discussion and international interaction.
Motivated by this realization, I conducted further research into FILA’s curriculum, learning environment, and academic focus. The more I learned, the more confident I became that FILA was the ideal program for me and one that would allow me to step outside my comfort zone while fully utilizing my strengths and interests.
What are your impressions of student life at FILA?
My impressions of student life at the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA) have been very positive, and I am genuinely glad that I chose this program. FILA students appear to maintain a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and extracurricular activities. Many students actively participate in club activities while managing their studies effectively, which creates a lively yet disciplined campus environment.
One of the most impressive aspects of FILA is the encouragement students receive to explore new experiences. The faculty strongly promotes participation in group work, discussions, and student organizations. I have observed that students who were initially hesitant to engage in group or club activities gradually gain confidence in this supportive atmosphere. Over time, they become more comfortable expressing themselves and actively contributing without hesitation.
Another notable impression is the strong sense of community within FILA. Students build meaningful relationships with peers from diverse international backgrounds while also maintaining close ties with students from their own cultural or national communities. This balance helps create an inclusive environment where students feel both globally connected and personally supported.
Additionally, I feel that the facilities and academic resources available to FILA students continue to improve as the faculty grows. This ongoing development reflects the university’s commitment to enhancing student life. Overall, student life at FILA is engaging, inclusive, and highly supportive of both academic and personal growth.
What is your plan after graduation from FILA?
My plan after graduating from the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA) is to gain professional experience in a corporate environment before pursuing graduate studies. I believe that working in the corporate sector will allow me to apply the interdisciplinary knowledge and communication skills I have developed at FILA to real-world situations, while also helping me clarify my long-term academic and career goals.
As a first-year student, I recognize that I still have sufficient time to plan my future carefully and strategically. For this reason, I have already begun researching Japanese corporate culture and workplace practices so that I can prepare myself both professionally and culturally. Understanding the expectations, work ethic, and communication styles of Japanese companies is particularly important to me, as I hope to build a strong foundation for my career in Japan.
My interest in corporate life was further strengthened when I had the opportunity to participate in an internship arranged through the university. This experience allowed me to gain brief but valuable exposure to the Japanese corporate environment, and it confirmed my enthusiasm for working in this field. It also motivated me to continue developing my professional skills and adaptability.
After gaining practical work experience, I plan to pursue graduate studies to deepen my expertise and expand my career prospects. Overall, my goal is to combine academic knowledge with hands-on professional experience, enabling me to grow into a globally competent professional prepared for future challenges.
Please give a message to prospective international students!
To all prospective international students, deciding to begin a new journey in an unfamiliar country can feel overwhelming. Choosing a new place, a new culture, and a new academic environment requires courage, and hesitation is completely natural. However, once you begin to see the opportunities for growth and self-discovery that come with this decision, you may realize that the challenge is truly worth it.
Studying at the Faculty of International Liberal Arts (FILA) offers more than just academic learning. It provides a space where you can explore your potential, develop new perspectives, and discover strengths you may not have known you possessed. Through daily interactions with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, you will gradually grow more confident, independent, and open-minded. I personally experienced this transformation and was surprised to see a new version of myself emerge through this journey.
I want to assure you that FILA is a place where both personal and professional growth are nurtured. The faculty prepares students for future careers by encouraging critical thinking, communication, and global awareness. At the same time, FILA feels like a large, supportive family. Students connect with one another deeply, support each other through challenges, and ensure that no one feels alone.
If you are seeking an environment that challenges you while supporting you every step of the way, FILA may be the perfect place to begin your journey.
Discover More Stories from FILA Students
Soka University Faculty of International Liberal Arts SNS【Instagram / X】
We are posting information about an introduction of current and alumni students, events, and much more about the FILA on Instagram and X!
