Exchange Student Program Soka University is presently engaged in academic exchange agreement with
96 universities throughout the world. In the Philippines, U.P . had entered
into such an agreement with Soka University in 1988, and De La Salle in
1996. Every year, two exchange students from each university are being
dispatched for the said program.
Aside from that, because this is the only English speaking country in Asia,
many Soka University students come here to study at their own expense.
Furthermore, short term language training program is also launched in Kalayaan
College where Dr. Abueva, a close friend of SGI President Ikeda, serves
as its principal.
File 036: September 2009
Megumi Mamizuka (English Language Program at
University of the Philippines)
at Soka University
Hello! My name is Megumi Mamizuka and I am studying law at Soka University. I was able to attend the English Language Program at the University of the Philippines (UP) from February 8 to 28, 2009.
I would now like to express both my gratitude and determination through
this essay.
My Experiences in the Philippines
with Young Women's Division member
During my stay in the Philippines, I was able to meet with many Filipinos:
including the local SGI members, UP students, and Dr. Jose V. Abueva. President
and Founder of Kalayaan College all of these meetings I consider as my
precious treasure.
When I attended the SGI meeting in Manila, I was so overwhelmed by the
vitality and power of the local SGI members. I was moved by the fact that
I could chant daimoku together with them – a different race in a different
locale. SGI members were seeking Sensei so strongly that I felt that we
have the same mind; we are indeed like-minded people with a noble mission
for world peace.
Thanks to my meeting with the energetic SGI members, I decided within me
that I will take their example and also act cheerfully and confidently
from now on.
My Life at the University of the Philippines
with Soka Students
at the University of the Philippines
In my life at the University of the Philippines, I was able to make friends
with many UP students. Among them were “tomokai” club members – a club
established by UP students who were able to study in Japan. The club members
were very nice and were really kind to us. In the university, they talked
to us in a friendly manner which made us relax and forget about the hectic
English lessons even for a while. When we held a farewell party, they went
out of their way in presenting us with songs and touching messages. I was
so impressed that they really gave importance to our friendship that was
built in a very short span of time of only 20 days.
In our last day, we visited Kalayaan College and met Dr. Jose V. Abueva – its founder. Dr. Abueva had been acting for the sake of world peace grounded on a beautiful bond of friendship with Sensei, so it was truly a precious opportunity for all of us to meet with him in person. He welcomed and treated us so warmly. Through this, I keenly felt how he gave importance to and regarded young people in high esteem. In commemorating our meeting, we sang the song “mother” and the student song of Soka University – that were both composed by Sensei - with strong determination for world peace. For it is us – the youth – who will succeed his will of realizing world peace.
My Determination
with lovely children
Through my stay in the Philippines, I learned the importance of one-on-one
dialogue. SGI President Mr. Ikeda once said, “I hope that all of you will
connect the one-on-one ‘dots’ of dialogue that I am now making with ‘lines’
and create an even solid and magnificent portrait of world peace”. I believe
that this study program in the Philippines has a mission to connect such
“lines”. And in this sense, I think all of the meetings have meaning in
the realization of world peace.
I’ll never forget such great meetings and encounters I was able to make in the Philippines. In order for me to repay the kindness of all the people who support this program, I will further brush up my English communications skill by studying even harder. Moreover, I have resolved to myself to take action for world peace by concretely establishing friendly relations with the Philippines.
