Exchange Student Program The Soka University is presently engaged in academic exchange agreement
with 96 universities in the world. In the Philippines, U.P . had entered
into this agreement with the Soka University in 1988, and De La Sale in
1996. Every year, two exchange students from each university are dispatched.
Aside from that, because this is the only English speaking country in
Asia, many Soka University students came here to study at their own expense.
Furthermore, short term language training program is launched in Kalayan
College where Dr. Abueva, a friend of President Ikeda, serves as principal.
File 005: December 2006
Yoko Yuasa (De La Salle University)
Hello, my name is Yoko Yuasa.
I am senior student and majoring in primary education at Soka University
in Japan.
I have been studying at De La Salle University here in the Philippines
as an exchange student since May of this year.
I am taking education course here, and will be staying until March next
year.
My First Impression of the Philipppines
with my roommate
It was the first time for me to go abroad, to live away from home and to
take classes in English. Everything was my first time.
In the first few months of my stay in the Philippines, I felt awkward because my life was so different in Japan. Specially the language, it was my biggest problem. I could not understand what people said and could not make myself understood to them. I felt embarrassed, sad and depressed almost everyday.
And, it was my mother who always encouraged me. I also chanted to the Gohonzon (object of fundamental respect) every morning and evening with my roommate and, no matter how much depressed I was, I began to regain strength and was able to make up my mind to start a new day. I really realized how important our Gohonzon is in our life.
Anyway, I already feel at home here, and enjoy my life now.
Experiences in the Philippines
De La Salle University
a statue in De La Salle University
with Korean friend
with classmates
What surprised me in the beginning of my school life here was that many
people seemed to be so familiar with Japan's culture, particularly Japanese
anime. They even knew some Japanese words. It was good for me so I could
make friends easily.
On the other hand, I felt sad when I was reminded of history between Japan
and the Philippines. As you know, there is a statue in De La Salle University.
It is a memorial to teachers and citizens who fell as victims of the Japanese
militarists. I felt so small when our professor mentioned the Second World
War in our class.
Many Filipinos seem to like Japanese and they are actually nice to us but
it does not mean they have forgotten what Imperial Japanese Army did to
their country. I have many friends from Korea and China as well, and their
countries were also overrun by Japanese once. I wouldn't have realized
this if I did not come here.
I remember what Ikeda sensei said all the time: "Even though our country did terrible things to them in the
past,
we could still make a good relationship if
we try to know them well
and respect them.""
As we all know, Ikeda sensei, being Japanese, has so many friends all over the world. And, his friends are mostly top leaders or intellectual persons of their countries. Some are even from the countries that were invaded by Japan once.
Another thing I was surprised was the Filipino's national character. Before
I came, I expected a big difference in living standard compared to that
of Japan because this country is categorized as developing country.
Although I expected a difference somehow, I was shocked when I actually saw the way deprived people live here. I saw many needy people around me.
But, on the other hand, I was surprised to see how cheerful they are.
They must have hard time making ends meet each day but they are unexceptionally
cheerful. I really respect them being so cheerful and friendly despite
the situation of their daily living. At the same time, I keenly feel that
poverty is a serious problem in this country.
Generally, Filipinos are shy but they are so friendly. Even though I cannot speak English well, they are always nice to me and help me a lot. Additionally, I think that men here are very kind to women. They respect and support the women.
It is kind of different from Japan in this aspect. I think there are many
things that the Japanese should learn from Filipino.
My Determination
at Yoshinoya, Japanese beaf bowl restautant
As for SGI activity, I have been engaged in Diamond Kotekitai since I came
here. All members are very purehearted and eager to know about Japan, Soka
University and Ikeda sensei. I thought we, Japanese members, are very happy
because we could feel Ikeda Sensei everyday through Seikyo Newspaper or
his speech at the right time even if we cannot meet him in person.
It is difficult to tell members about Sensei but I want them to know more about Sensei and Soka Gakkai. So, I want to tell them everything I know of Sensei and Soka Gakkai
I still have a hard time in speaking in English and feel often down. But,
I am enjoying my life in the Philippines. I am really happy that I have
many good friends around me, and if it were not for them, I cloud have
not done anything here. I really appreciate them.
I only have three months more to stay here so I like to learn more and return a favor to everyone who helped my studying here in the Philippines.
