【WHY SOKA FILA】-The reason why I chose SOKA FILA
Ms. Daryna Kovalenko 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.
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Daryna Kovalenko
Year Enrolled in FILA: 2025
Grade: 1st year
Home Country: Ukraine
Why did you choose Soka University and FILA?
When I was studying at a Japanese language school and still choosing which university to enter after, I met other Ukrainian girls who were already studying at Soka University. They shared stories about the high-quality and engaging learning process, as well as their fun student life. The girls also told me that there are a lot of other foreign students at the university, which is a great opportunity to get to know different cultures, and that Japanese students are very open and easy to make friends with. They also showed spring photos of the university, with the cherry blossoms in bloom which were incredibly beautiful. I was immediately intrigued and started reading about the majors the university offered. There were many good departments, and choosing was difficult, but honestly, FILA really caught my attention, thanks to its diverse curriculum and the opportunity to study in English while continuing to learn Japanese. I was very inspired by all this and finally my choice of entering Soka University was made.
How did you find FILA?
At first, I continued studying Japanese as a non-degree student for a year, while simultaneously deciding on my major. The university has so many departments, I couldn't decide on just one. With my worries and numerous questions, I went to the International Affairs Office, where I kindly received many consultations and even the opportunity to speak with professors from the departments I was interested in. This was very helpful, but one phrase was crucial: "If you cannot decide what interests you most, you should try studying a variety of subjects, and then you will definitely find something for yourself. And FILA is the perfect option!"
Also, during the language year I met other international students from the FILA and their experience was very inspiring. Communicating with them, watching them organize all the different events and work together on group projects or assignments was something that warmed my heart and gave a confidence that this faculty is the right fit for me. Since then, I was really looking forward to the moment when I could finally immerse myself in the process of studying different subjects: from economics to philosophy, and of course, meet many new friends.
What are your impressions of student life at FILA?
I am very happy with my student life; it is even better than I expected! Even though we have a lot of homework, we are also taught how to manage our time and prioritize wisely. Thanks to this, even though it seems impossible sometimes, I have enough time and energy to do everything. All the professors I have met over these two years have been very responsive and true professionals, I enjoyed all classes I chose.
Honestly, the first semester was difficult to get used to, as everything is now in English, but this experience has helped me improve language skills very quickly. Also, speaking about student life, I cannot help but mention the variety of events at the university, from the Academia Forum, which presents important and serious topics, to fun New Year’s parties. Every year there is a Sodai festival, participation in which can help you discover unexpected talents, whether they be organizational, culinary related, and so on. For example, this year during the festival, I took part in a performance by the Hawaiian dance club, and I enjoyed it so much that I ended up joining the club. Oh yeah, clubs at our university are a whole other story. There are a lot of them, and after visiting the club exhibition at the beginning of the semester, everyone is sure to find something they like or even get the idea to start their own club.
What is your plan after graduation from FILA?
Thanks in part to the diverse education I am receiving at FILA, every month I come up with new thoughts about my future, new ideas, and new ways to achieve my goals. So, at this point, I cannot share a single, accurate action plan after graduation, but I do know that I will do everything I can to apply the knowledge and experience I have gained for the benefit of society. Unfortunately, I have already experienced being a war refugee twice. I have received a lot of support, and in the future, I want to help people with similar life circumstances by participating in various volunteer programs. I also will make every effort to utilize my desire to rebuild Ukraine, because seeing how many of my favorite places filled with memories were destroyed because of the war, was very painful. I will also be incredibly happy if I can contribute to building even stronger relations between Japan and my country. For the remaining 3 years of my studies, I will try my best to achieve all my goals.
Please give a message to prospective international students!
Studying abroad is a huge challenge. You not only have to take responsibility for your own life, but also adapt to a completely different culture and learn the local language at the same time. It will be very difficult, but on the other hand, it will be beneficial. At the end of the day, this is an experience for which you will definitely be grateful. You will discover new talents, meet new people, and experience things you never imagined. You will create unforgettable stories, become strong, independent, responsible, and you will be incredibly proud of this new version of yourself. I understand that if you've just graduated from high school, it's very scary to leave your family for the unknown. Of course, there is always a chance that something will go wrong. But let me encourage you a little – you will not be alone! You will be studying with other international students with same concerns, so you can support each other. Faculty, university administration, and senior students are all always happy to help you in difficult times and sincerely support you during your victories!
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