(July 1/2) Introduction of non-degree student

Roland: Good evening. My name is Roland and I am from the IT department at FSA. Nice to meet you.

Jeremie: Good evening, nice to meet you too.

Roland: First of all, can you introduce yourself?

Jeremie: Okay, so my name is Jeremie, I am from France, half French and Japanese. My mother is Japanese. I have been at Soka University since last September and I am going back to France in the coming August. I am in the non-degree program and just taking Japanese classes.

Roland: Really, you going back in August?

Jeremie: (Laughter) Yeah, I kind of a tourist here.

Roland: (Laugher) Nah, you are a Soka University student.

Roland: By the way, do you have any hobbies or things you like to do?

Jeremie: I love to learn architecture. Normally, I am taking architecture classes in France. I am putting one year to learn Japanese at Soka University. I will continue my master's program back in France. Also, I did an internship in Sapporo, at Jun Igarashi Architects.

Roland: Wow, so you like architecture. Do you have any favorite architects?

Jeremie: Yes, I have. I really like Tadao Ando and Kuma Kengo.

Roland: Are there things you love to do at Soka University?

Jeremie: Actually, the thing I love about Soka University is about connecting with people and creating relationships and memories with them. Like Rainbow group, Wisdom group and Global groups, I really love those activities, since could meet a lot of people, and at the same time exchange and share many things.

Roland: Is there anything you regret about not doing during your time at SU?

Jeremie: Yes, I have, I wish I could join more club activities. I suggest international students join club activities too. As most Japanese students are shy so it’s sometimes difficult to create deep connections with them. But club activities are the places where we have chances to meet Japanese students and get to know more about them. We can share and exchange culture and learn more about Japanese people and culture.

Roland: Yes, it’s true. I agree with that. I think I should join some too.

Roland: How about your life in Japan?

Jeremie: Hmm, until January, it was autumn semester, it’s my first semester, during that time all of the classes were online and actually I was the only student who could come to Japan because I have the Japanese passport, the classes were only in the morning but I came to campus to meet with people and have lunch together, most of the time I took my bike and did some walking. When it was spring break, I was in my grandmother’s house and then now here until the finish.

Roland: Can I know about your future plan from now on?

Jeremie: Before coming to Japan, my plan was to learn Japanese for 1 year and join an architecture school in Japan. But the thing is, now I am here, I had a lot of expectations, it was kind of disappointing for some of them and I was kind of surprised by other things also. Now I kind of think that maybe I will not go back focusing to study in Japan but maybe go to other countries and discover new cultures. So I really recommend people to study abroad to know deeper about what they want to be in their life.

Roland: That's so inspiring. Do you have any messages for the Soka University students?

Jeremie: Even when I return to France, I will never forget my friendship at Sodai.

Roland: Thank you very much for taking an interview during this busy time of the spring semester’s final period.

Jeremie: No, it’s okay. And I am glad to have a chance to be part of this interview.