「早稲田大学」- Top Universities. https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/waseda-university
「上智大学」- Top Universities. https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/sophia-university
Waseda University (SILS) and Sophia University (FLA)
Roughly 17 years ago, Waseda University founded the School of International Liberal Arts (SILS). The Faculty was established to develop the English skills, cross-cultural understanding, and critical thinking skills that are necessary in a global society. The SILS curriculum includes a wide variety of subjects in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, with courses in English, Japanese and other languages.
Meanwhile, Sophia University's FLA program was established in 1949. The program aims to provide free liberal arts education that contributes to the reconstruction of Japan after the war. The FLA program includes a wide range of subjects in its curriculum, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, English, and Japanese, and some subjects cross different academic disciplines.
Both programs build on the tradition of liberal arts education covering a wide range of academic disciplines. A liberal arts education emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, communication skills, and a deep understanding of the world and its multiple complexities.
Curriculum
Waseda University's SILS program focuses on international research and foreign language education. Students must choose from five majors: International Relations, Culture, Society/Media, Global Business/Economics, Political Science/Economics, and Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies. Students are also required to study two foreign languages, including English, for four years. This language and strong curriculum with a focus on international studies is consistent with Waseda University being one of the most globalized universities in Japan.
Sophia University's FLA program, on the other hand, has a stronger focus on the humanities and social sciences. Students must choose from six majors: Philosophy, History, Sociology, International Relations, Environmental Studies, and Global Studies. Foreign language education is still an important component, but it receives less emphasis than the SILS program. Instead, FLA students take courses in the humanities and social sciences, emphasizing critical thinking and analytical skills.
Waseda University's SILS program is based on a credit system. Students can earn a degree by earning the required number of credits. There are compulsory subjects and elective subjects, and the compulsory subjects consist of foreign language subjects, basic subjects, and specialized subjects. Also, it is necessary to learn two foreign languages, one of which is English. Specialized subjects can be selected from five majors. The curriculum structure of the SILS program is designed to allow you to study a wide range of fields.
Sophia University's FLA program, on the other hand, is based on a subject system. Students can obtain a degree by completing the required subjects. The FLA program has six majors. Students are required to take a major subject, but are free to choose other subjects. The FLA program is structured around the humanities and social sciences and offers a wide range of study areas.
The SILS program requires specialized courses, but the options are wide and students can choose from five majors. In addition, it is necessary to acquire foreign language courses, and you can learn two foreign languages. This allows students to learn deeply about foreign languages and international relations.
The FLA program, on the other hand, requires students to take majors, and students can choose from six majors. However, you are free to choose subjects other than your major. For this reason, students can choose subjects according to their interests and specializations.
Campus
Waseda University's SILS program is held at Waseda Campus, located in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. The Waseda campus has many buildings on its vast grounds, and is fully equipped with the facilities necessary for student learning and activities. The campus has a library, student center, sports facilities, cafeterias, convenience stores, ATMs, etc., and has everything you need for student life. In addition, there are many restaurants and commercial facilities around the campus, and students can experience various cultures and activities.
Sophia University's FLA program, on the other hand, is held at Sophia University's Honjo Campus in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. Sophia University Honjo Campus is a Christian university founded by the founder of the university, Ignacio Espiritu, and is known as the Green Campus. The campus is lined with buildings surrounded by rich nature, and you can study in a green environment. The campus has a library, student center, sports facilities, cafeterias, convenience stores, ATMs, etc., and has all the necessities for student life. In addition, there are restaurants and commercial facilities around the campus where you can enjoy the cityscape of Bunkyo Ward.
Both the Waseda Campus and the Sophia University Honjo Campus are fully equipped with facilities necessary for students to study and live, but the atmosphere and culture are different. Waseda University's SILS program is known for its international and vibrant campus. Students can learn and interact with peers of diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds. There are also many student groups and circles, and students can develop themselves through various activities. Waseda University's SILS program offers a curriculum focused on the Asian region, enabling students to acquire a wide range of knowledge about the politics, economy, and culture of the Asian region.
Sophia University's FLA program, on the other hand, emphasizes global perspectives and humanities education. Students are able to deepen their studies in areas such as the humanities and linguistics while maintaining an international perspective. Sophia University is a Christian university and is rooted in the spirit of respect for human beings. As a result, students learn to respect others and value thoughtful communication. In addition, Sophia University accepts many international students and foreign faculty members, so you can come into contact with various cultures and languages.
Tuition
As of 2022, the tuition fee for the SILS program at Waseda University is approximately 1.4 million yen per year. On the other hand, the tuition fee for the Sophia University FLA Program is approximately 1.02 million yen per year as of 2022. As you can see, the tuition fee for the Sophia University FLA program is about 380,000 yen cheaper than the Waseda University SILS program.
However, it should be noted that the number of courses required and the length of time required for graduation differ between the two programs. The Waseda University SILS Program is a four-year program that allows students to freely choose subjects in addition to the compulsory subjects. On the other hand, the Sophia University FLA Program is a three-year program with a curriculum that emphasizes language education and pedagogy.
Cost of Living
Waseda University is located in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, in the heart of the city. As a result, the cost of living is relatively high. On the other hand, Sophia University is located in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, a little farther from the city center than Waseda University. Therefore, living expenses tend to be slightly lower than at Waseda University.
The dormitories of both universities are also different. Waseda University has student dormitories and student apartments that are separated by gender. On the other hand, Sophia University has a women's dormitory and a men's dormitory.
Resources
"About SILS" - Waseda University SILS. https://www.waseda.jp/fire/sils/en/about-sils/
"FLA Program Overview" - Sophia University FLA. https://www.sophia.ac.jp/eng/program/fla/overview.html
"Waseda University" - Top Universities. https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/waseda-university
"Sophia University" - Top Universities. https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/sophia-university
Author: Mark McCracken is a corporate trainer and author living in Higashi Osaka, Japan. He is the author of thousands of online articles as well as the Business English textbook, "25 Business Skills in English".