A Story of a Japanese Student: Saori studying Philosophy 2

Interview

1.   Background of the student

While I got a ‘Certificate for Students Achieving the Proficiency Level of Upper Secondary

School Graduates’, when I was taking a leave of absence senior high school, I was thinking

what I was going to do for the future and career. After I have decided to study in the UK, I

was studying English and reading philosophy books.

2.  Why did you choose UEA and your course?

Since I was a little, I has liked to thinking about something, so I thought philosophy was a good

subject for me to study. As I did not want to go to Japanese university and someone I know

since when I was a child, recommended the UK, I decided to study abroad.  

3.  Tell me about the differences in three years in Undergraduate?

In my first year, I learned each area of foundation in philosophy and laugh background

information in philosophy of history. Moreover, I learned other humanities subjects which is

relevant to philosophy such as sociology and politics. I can see the relation to these other

subjects and philosophy. From the second year, the course is gradually focusing on the detail

and specific philosophers and requires deepen understanding about the subjects and the

capacity to improving my own argument more critically. Although the dissertation module is

not compulsory in UEA BA Philosophy course, I’m enrol the module. This is because that the

dissertation is the culmination of my three years, and a great opportunity to formalise my

thought. So, despite I need to take a balance with other course works, I’m enjoying writing my

dissertation.

4.Troubles of study abroad

The circumstance is totally different from Japan and I had a lot of relocating through my

university life because it is difficult for me to find the peaceful comfortable place to settle

down.  

5.  How did you solve the issue?

I have tried to ask advice to other people and I have tried to solve the issue which I have

currently soon before the new problem comes up.

6. Any rules set for enjoying studying abroad?

I have tried to keep my heart peace. And I have tried to finish study within the certain time

and enjoyed the rest of day, doing other things such as doing my hobbies and talking a walk

on campus. 

7. Satisfaction level of the course

First and foremost, I love studying philosophy! But studying philosophy in second language is

not easy.

8. Engagement of Extra activities

I am part of Japan society, Art society as well as Yoga club and fencing club. Joining those 

activities make my mind clear and it is good thing to do different things J

9. Any opinion about changes that need to be made by UEA

I would like to request to create quieter places for multiple purposes on campus because I

feel UEA has a lot of open public spaces, but less small private spaces.

10. How this degree at UEA will help your career?

Studying philosophy in English is such a strength for me to think about my career.

11.  Opinion about UEA or advice for potential students at UEA

Please try to do whatever you want to do. It is true that there have been lots of challenges,

however, staying in another county brings you a lot of excitements and makes not only your

view but also your own world wider and deeper. I am so glad that I have studied at UEA for

three years.

Thank you Saori!

Done by Yoko, The Japanese Student Ambassador

The original texts in Japanese is here