SGGW is the best option
In an interview with Fumika Egawa and Chiloe Igawa, a veterinary medicine students from Japan, about their studies at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences – Warsaw University of Life Sciences and career plans.
What were the motivations behind your decision to pursue your studies at SGGW?
Fumika Egawa: I was looking for a place to study veterinary medicine in English, and I found Poland. SGGW has a large campus with all of the necessary buildings for the different faculties, a small animal clinic, a library, and dormitories – all on campus. It was certainly more accessible to study here, and the university has a keen interest in taking international students. So I decided that SGGW was the place to go.
Chiloe Igawa: I chose SGGW for several reasons. First, the tuition fees are affordable compared to other universities in Europe, which was an important factor for me. Also, having student dormitories on campus made finding accommodation easier and settling into university life. Another thing that caught my attention was that dogs could be present in some lecture halls. I found this very unique and welcoming. Finally, I liked that SGGW offers an English-language program open to students of all nationalities. Studying in such an international environment allows me to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures, which makes my experience even better.
What course of study did you opt for, and what were the underlying reasons for your choice?
Fumika Egawa: I am studying veterinary medicine. I have loved animals since I was a child, and it has been my childhood dream to save animals from pain and suffering. Finally, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Chiloe Igawa: I chose to study Veterinary Medicine because animals cannot tell us when they are in pain or need help. I wanted to be there for them, to understand their needs, and to provide the care they deserve. Veterinary medicine is not just about treating illnesses—I believe it’s also about preventing suffering, improving animal welfare, and ensuring a better quality of life for them.
How would you assess your studies at SGGW? What aspects did you pay particular attention to, and what was particularly memorable?
Fumika Egawa: The university is very welcoming to international students. It is an intensive program to study veterinary medicine in 5.5 years, but it assures students to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Most of the practical classes were interesting, but the practice regarding imaging was particularly fascinating. Throughout the course, all imaging techniques, such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI, which used to look like magic to me, turned into handy diagnostic tools.
Chiloe Igawa: My experience at SGGW has been very positive. One of the things I appreciate the most is the convenience of living in the student dorms on campus. It makes everyday life much easier since everything including classes, the library, and other facilities – is within walking distance.
The university provides an excellent study environment. The library is well-organized, with clean seats and different rooms designed for various study needs, whether you want to work in silence or in a group. I also like the small details that improve student life, such as the water dispensers in every building and the patrolling security cars that make the campus feel safe. Moreover, the university has gyms, sports courts where you can play basketball or soccer and a dedicated running track around the campus. In the summer, the wide grassy areas are perfect for relaxing or having a picnic with friends. Academically, being able to manipulate experiments and specimens by myself instead of just observing makes the learning process much more effective and certainly exciting. It helps me understand the material better and gain confidence in practical skills, which is essential for my future career.
How would you evaluate the student life experience in Warsaw, Poland?
Fumika Egawa: Warsaw is a student-friendly city. There is a student discount on public transport, and also in almost all museums if you are interested in the culture and history of Poland. Although not everyone speaks English in the country, people are nice and friendly and always happy to help.
Chiloe Igawa: Living in Warsaw as a student has been a great experience. One of the things I appreciate the most is how safe I feel here, especially compared to other countries. The city has a really peaceful atmosphere, and I’ve always felt comfortable, even when walking around at night. Public transportation is also a big advantage. The metro, trams, and buses are affordable, making it easy to get around the city without spending too much, especially with the student discount. Another thing I like is how clean the city is, especially for the capital. The streets, parks, and public spaces are well-maintained, making them pleasant places to live and study.
What professional or educational plans do you have after graduating from SGGW?
Fumika Egawa: I will probably intern for the first few years after graduation to expand my knowledge and get more practice experience. I might stay in Europe or get a license to work in my home country. Eventually, I would like to get involved in wildlife conservation.
Chiloe Igawa: After graduating from SGGW, I plan to gain more professional experience by working in Europe for a few years. While I’m not sure which country yet, I believe Europe will offer a great opportunity for professional development and learning. However, in the future, I intend to move back to my home country. As I’m not European, I’ll need to take an equivalent exam to obtain the diploma that is recognised in my country. My goal is to work in Europe until I receive this diploma, which will allow me to pursue my career back home with the necessary qualifications. If I see that I feel comfortable enough to continue my life in Europe, why not???
Would you recommend studying at SGGW to your fellow countrymen? If so, what are the reasons for your recommendation?
Fumika Egawa: Studying here will be a memorable experience that you cannot get anywhere else. If you are interested in natural sciences, veterinary medicine, or any kind of studies that are provided here, and if you like the international atmosphere, or even if you are just looking for the opportunity to broaden your horizons, SGGW may be your best option.
Chiloe Igawa: I would recommend studying at SGGW to my fellow countrymen. One of the things I love about the university is how motivated everyone is. You can often find students studying day and night in the library, which creates a positive and focused environment. This contagious motivation pushes you to stay on track with your studies. The course requires much hard work, but it’s rewarding because you learn and improve. Passing exams feels like an accomplishment and boosts your confidence. The people here are nice and have a great sense of community. If you have any doubts or need help, the dean’s office is always available and provides excellent support. The teachers are incredibly supportive and always willing to help and guide you.
The price of studying at SGGW is also very affordable, which makes it a great choice for international students. The cafeteria under the library is a hidden gem—cheap and delicious food, perfect for busy students. Honestly, the best part of this university is how many people walk their dogs on campus. It’s actually so cute and heartwarming.
Thank you for the conversation.
Discussed: Anita Kruk, Promotion Office of SGGW
