Student InterviewsWe interviewed Japanese and international students from around the world regarding their experiences at FFLC and their plans for the future.
KOTHALAWALA RUWANTHIKA VISHARADHI
Course: Department of International Culture International Business CourseMotherland: Sri Lanka
Why did you decide to study in Japan?
I decided to leave my university in Sri Lanka and study abroad, in Japan. I chose Japan because, first of all, it is far from Sri Lanka, and second, their cultures are very different, and this interested me.
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
When I was a university student, I assumed that I would immediately get a job after graduating. However, I took an interest in studying abroad and working in business, and those interests deepened. When I looked for a vocational school in Fukuoka where I could study business, I noticed that both Japanese and international students attend FFLC, and I thought that such an atmosphere would be quite interesting, so I chose FFLC.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
As there are so many schools to choose from, many people may become perplexed, but rest assured that FFLC offers a wide variety of events and classes through which you can learn about other cultures. You can have fun while learning about Japanese culture, and if you are not sure about something, whether in your studies or your job search, the instructors will support you. I find this to be hugely reassuring. If you are having trouble deciding, I recommend that you choose FFLC.
KIM HYUNSOO
Course: Department of International Culture Pre-University 1-Year CourseMotherland: South Korea
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
I chose FFLC because of the tuition discount system and the convenient location. First of all, JLPT certificate holders qualify for a tuition discount, so the economic burden is lessened. Second, the commute is extremely convenient since subway and JR stations are located within a 5-minute walk from the campus. I really benefit from this, both when I go to school and also when I go to work after classes.
What would you like to do after graduation, and what are your goals?
Currently, Japan is a world leader in robotics technology. Therefore, after graduating from FFLC, I want to enter the graduate school at Kyushu University, expand my knowledge of electrical engineering and electronics, and in the future, play an active role in the robotics industry.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
Besides communication difficulties, financial and other hardships swarm around international students. When you confront challenges like these, please remember the determination and enthusiasm that you had when you first decided to study abroad. The faculty and staff of FFLC do their utmost to support students in achieving their goals. Believe in FFLC; do your best, and don't give up. I'm rooting for your success at FFLC.
SHIHO TAKEGUMA
Course: English CourseMotherland: Japan
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
The opportunity to interact with students from over 30 countries while remaining in Japan appealed to me. Then after classes began, I did actually make friends with people from all over the world.
What kind of campus life do you have?
I have an enjoyable student life with instructors and classmates who are overflowing with personality. After classes, I have lunch with my friends, and then we do homework together, helping each other as we go. After that, we split up and go to our part-time jobs or continue working on assignments and studying. We are free to use the afternoons and evenings as we like, so even students who are on their own and supporting themselves can combine working and studying.
What would you like to do after graduation, and what are your goals?
My dream of becoming a Japanese instructor grew out of my friendships with international students at FFLC. After graduation, I intend to become certified in teaching Japanese as well as improve my English, and then I want to go overseas to teach Japanese to people who are planning to study in Japan.
KSHETRI BIR BAHADUR
Course: Department of International Culture International Hotel & Tourism Hospitality CourseMotherland: Nepal
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
When I looked at the FFLC home page, I noticed that older friends of mine were already enrolled, and that students from various countries were studying there, and I thought that I'd be able to study comfortably in such an environment. After studying Japanese in the Japanese Course, I enrolled in the International Hotel & Tourism Hospitality Course. I chose that course because of its high job placement ratio, and because the curriculum and even the environment are immediately practical.
Please tell us about your life as a student.
A week in my life is a well-rounded mix of activities centered on studying at school, but it also includes an internship at a hotel, other part-time work, and going out with friends. When I first arrived here as an international student, life was terribly difficult, but I've adjusted and am living independently now.
What would you like to do after graduation, and what are your goals?
I have already accepted a job offer from a Japanese company, so after graduation, I will do my absolute best as I assume my new role there. After accumulating many experiences in Japan, I think I would like to run my own business.
HUARD MINA MINEA ALEXANDRA
Course: Pre-University 1-Year CourseMotherland: France
Why did you decide to study in Japan?
I studied Japanese and the culture of Japan when I was still in France. I wanted to actually use the language as well as see Japan with my own eyes and experience it directly.
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
I heard that in the Pre-University 1-Year Course, in addition to advanced Japanese, I would be able to study mathematics and general education subjects to prepare for the EJU. I thought it would be the perfect way to prepare for continuing my education at a university.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
The student body at FFLC is highly diverse since they have come from many different countries. There are also many courses to choose from, so I think this school will help you achieve your goals. Feel free to visit the campus and ask questions!
YOSHIKI TOKUNAGA
Course: English CourseMotherland: Japan
What kind of campus life do you have?
My life as a student is truly fulfilling. Through international get-togethers that are held monthly, I've made friends with many foreign students, and our friendships are deepening as we talk after school and at other opportunities. On weekdays, all of my classes are in the morning, so I spend some time studying for the TOEIC and EIKEN, and I also participate regularly in extracurricular activities. Futsal practice, for example, is twice per week after school, and it has been fruitful. At the annual meet, FFLC claimed 2nd place.
What would you like to do after graduation, and what are your goals?
I'm thinking about attending a university in the US and majoring in IT because I've been interested in that field since I was in high school. After becoming skilled in IT, I'd like to work as a programmer in the US for several years. I would also like to create an IT service that connects people through sports. To accomplish those, I intend to increase my value to employers by honing my English and IT skills.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
I would recommend FFLC to anyone who wants to improve their English, attend a university overseas, or unlock potential in their life. If you raise your English level before beginning your studies, then you will be able to concentrate on producing output once you do begin, so it is best to start studying English as soon as possible. Also, when you obtain an EIKEN or TOEIC qualification, you will get a discount on tuition at FFLC, so you can study English with this as your target.
VITANZA ROBERTO
Course: Japanese DepartmentMotherland: Italy
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
Fukuoka is just the right size, is easy to live in, and is not expensive like Tokyo, so I looked for a school in Fukuoka. When I found out that Japanese students as well as international students from various countries attend there, I chose FFLC.
What would you like to do after graduation, and what are your goals?
In the future, I would like to start my own business. Currently I'm enrolled in the Japanese Course, so I'm focused on learning Japanese, but when I complete it, I'm planning to enroll in the International Career Course to acquire business knowledge and learn business Japanese.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
The instructors at FFLC are always willing to help you, and while you are there, you can talk with students from all over the world, including Japanese students. If you choose FFLC, I think you will gain a wide range of experiences and friends.
NGUYEN THANH SON
Course: Department of International Culture International Career CourseMotherland: Switzerland
Why did you decide to study in Japan?
I've had an interest in Japanese culture and animation since I was a child, and I've always wanted to know more. Although I was already working in my home country, I decided to study in Japan because I thought it would be a great chance to make my dream a reality.
What would you like to do after graduation, and what are your goals?
Using the skills that I master in Japan as well as the knowledge that I already built up at home, I would like to develop appealing products that contribute to building a healthy relationship between Japan and my home country, Switzerland.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
Whether the topic is pleasant or sad, FFLC instructors are always happy to talk with you, so if you decide to study here, I think you will have a wonderful time!
MAY MYAT THWE OO
Course: Department of International Culture International Career CourseMotherland: Myanmar
Why did you decide to study in Japan?
I wanted to use the Japanese that I learned while attending university in Myanmar to communicate smoothly with Japanese people. I also wanted to experience the lifestyle in Japan, so I decided to come here to study.
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
Instructors at my Japanese school had recommended FFLC, and I also heard from friends who had studied there that it was a good school. In addition, I thought the International Career Course would benefit my future career, so I decided to enroll.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
"You found a great school! Congratulations! One or two years is a significant chunk of your life that you can never get back, so make sure you choose a school that provides a truly valuable education."
YUTO TORIGOE
Course: English CourseMotherland: Japan
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
There were two reasons: First, attending FFLC would enable me to continue my education overseas. When I was a high school student, I longed to attend a university in a different country, so FFLC's support system for transferring overseas was attractive to me. Second, students from all over the world attend FFLC alongside Japanese students, so I expected that my way of thinking and my worldview would change as a result of learning about other cultures.
What would you like to do after graduation, and what are your goals?
After graduating from FFLC, I am planning to enroll at Rangsit University in Thailand to study international economics and management. Through my studies, I will intermingle with people from various countries, and also compete against them, causing me to grow as a human being as well. After graduating from Rangsit, I want to become a successful manager or business owner. In order to accomplish that, I will first of all go to Thailand and study hard for two and a half years.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
When I first arrived at FFLC, I had trouble keeping up in my classes. After two years of studying every day though, and owing to the support of the instructors and my friends, I've achieved a score of 700 on the TOEIC and 2nd grade on the EIKEN. The two years that I spent as a student at FFLC have changed the course of my life 180 degrees, I believe, so I encourage you as well to take on a variety of challenges at this school!
LIU YAQIAO
Course: Japanese DepartmentMotherland: China
Why did you decide to study in Japan?
Since my 3rd year of university, I've been consistently studying Japanese as my second foreign language, and I thought that I'd like to experience the culture and life in Japan firsthand. I also wanted to learn about Japan's unique characteristics and strong points, so I decided to come to Japan as a student.
Please tell us about your life as a student.
I'm really enjoying my life as a student. Spending time with my classmates and the instructors in class every day is truly fun. On Christmas Day, we even had a "Secret Santa" party. I am happy that I've been blessed with so many friends and instructors from different countries as a result of enrolling in this course.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
Enjoy the time with your friends from various countries each day. By all means, concentrate on your studies; use every second of every minute wisely, and do your best to make your time in Japan an experience that you will never forget.
MACARO MARK JAMES
Course: Department of International Culture International Career CourseMotherland: Philippines
Why did you decide to attend FFLC?
I knew that I wanted to study in Fukuoka, and when I searched on the internet for a Japanese school, the first one that caught my eye was FFLC. On the web page, I noticed that students came from many different countries, and I thought it would be fun to join them, so I chose to attend FFLC.
What would you like to do after graduation, and what are your goals?
I would like to work in Japan after graduation. I will look for ways to enjoy life in every way.
Do you have any advice, or a message, for students considering FFLC?
Students from many different countries attend FFLC, so if you come here, you'll experience a variety of cultures. I think you will definitely enjoy your time here, so do your best!
