Student Life Unplugged

Is university my only option? What happens if I don’t get into uni?

In this episode, we go to the UK and speak to Harrison and Ivy, who are both studying A-levels. A-levels are the final two years of study after formal education. They allow a certain freedom where students pick specific subjects and independent study is encouraged.

Harrison wants to study business and is certain university is for him. Ivy will follow the music path but is so far unsure of her route. Although very different, they both express the same passion and determination for their chosen careers and show commitment and dedication.

They talk about the pros and cons of studying alone or in a group setting, how difficult it can be to get used to self-discipline during A-levels, and the influence of friends and family on their study choices.

Given her dream job, Ivy would like to tour playing music, and Harrison would like to build buildings around the world.

They discuss the pros and cons of going to university, why it can be good for some people but not necessarily the only path.

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer who is passionate about education. He started his social enterprise 'Learning with Leong' to promote the joy of learning among adolescents. He is working towards building a positive world, to nurture communities of engaged learners for the sake of his own children and for young people everywhere.

For more information about Leong and his project go to https://learningwithleong.com/about

If you would like to take part in the podcast, go to https://learningwithleong.com/podcast/

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy

Will taking a gap year impact my studies? Are gap years the best thing to do? What should I do in my gap year?

In this episode Leong speaks to Bel, Tiffany, Ryan, and May Ann, who are all members of his extended family.  Bel and Tiff are sisters living in Perth, Australia, May Ann is in Singapore and Ryan is living in Malaysia and applying to study in the US.

In this episode they talk about the pros and cons of taking a gap year, why it worked for some of them but why others are totally against it. They discuss the importance of internships and May Ann talks about the pressure she feels to have several under her belt and why Singapore values them so highly. Tiffany remembers the feeling when she got her first pay check and Ryan, the youngest, is determined to study in Business AI, an area he thinks will make him the most money! 

Family expectations and the pressure they put on themselves is a running theme in this series, we hear how Bel’s architecture parents almost discouraged her to pursue the same path, and Ryan talks of a very silent car journey on the way home from school after bad exam results.

Finally, we take a look at the US system and how they structure university applications. Ryan is busy writing several essays making him examine and reflect on his values and beliefs. 

This episode is full of fun and laughter and great advice, you don’t want to miss it! 

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer who is passionate about education. He started his social enterprise 'Learning with Leong' to promote the joy of learning among adolescents. He is working towards building a positive world, to nurture communities of engaged learners for the sake of his own children and for young people everywhere.

For more information about Leong and his project go to https://learningwithleong.com/about

If you would like to take part in the podcast, go to https://learningwithleong.com/podcast/

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy

Should I consider studying abroad? What are the benefits of studying abroad? Is studying abroad worth it? 

 Diana and Kristine are from Georgia (the country) but decided to go abroad to study and are living in Hungary and Italy. Diana is studying media and communications in  Budapest but wants to use her knowledge and experience of other countries to change the education system back home. Kristine is a journalist and is doing a master’s in international relations in Bologna. Her dream is to develop her skills and work with the BBC or other big media organisations. 

 In this episode we hear about home and study life in Georgia and how it compares to where they are now living. They talk about the pros and cons of Georgia’s ‘fact based’ education system, the food, community and culture, how beautiful the country is and why Georgians will never send you away from their home hungry.

 They explain how they ended up choosing these two countries, both decisions were very spontaneous but neither of them regrets it. Diana talks about the opportunities she got in Budapest that may not have emerged elsewhere and Kristine talks about the joy in finding out what makes the Italians tick. 

 The main difference they have found studying abroad, is the slower pace of life and the value of finding a study/life balance. They also agree meeting friends has been easier when they are not confided to certain circles at home. 

 Loneliness while living abroad is also discussed, both craving their family and country but also realising how much they have  already achieved just by moving somewhere different. 

 Their advice to anyone thinking of studying abroad is to prepare yourself with studying  the language but also not to let that stop you from going there. They also highlight the importance of focusing on the present moment and not to feel guilty about having fun. Sounds like great advice! 

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer who is passionate about education. He started his social enterprise 'Learning with Leong' to promote the joy of learning among adolescents. He is working towards building a positive world, to nurture communities of engaged learners for the sake of his own children and for young people everywhere.

For more information about Leong and his project go to https://learningwithleong.com/about

If you would like to take part in the podcast, go to https://learningwithleong.com/podcast/

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy

Studying in a different country can be challenging but when the language is totally foreign, it can present huge difficulties. 

Nica and Jerica are both from the Philippines but are studying in Japan. Nica moved  there with her family when she was still in school,  Jerica chose to go there as part of her university's foreign exchange programme. Japan for both of them was a childhood dream. 

In this episode, they talk about the difference in culture compared to The Philippines and the difficulty  they both experience making friends because of the language.

Nica has now adapted to life in Japan and speaks Japanese while Jerica is slowly finding her way. We hear about the loneliness you can experience if you can’t make a connection but also advice on how to navigate this. 

They talk about looking after their mental and physical health health and why you should never be afraid to try things and make mistakes. 

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer who is passionate about education. He started his social enterprise 'Learning with Leong' to promote the joy of learning among adolescents. He is working towards building a positive world, to nurture communities of engaged learners for the sake of his own children and for young people everywhere.

For more information about Leong and his project go to https://learningwithleong.com/about

If you would like to take part in the podcast, go to https://learningwithleong.com/podcast/

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy

Whether you are moving away to study or going to your local college the one thing you will all have in common is making new friends. This change in social situations can be exciting but also nerve wrecking. Will it be easy to make new friends? Will they like me for who I am? Will I have to change? 

In this episode we hear from Hans, Al and Chern Han, who are cousins from Leong’s extended family and living across the world. In this episode they talk about student life in Malaysia, United Kingdom, Singapore, Germany and the US.

Al, who is from Malaysia but studied in Cardiff talks about how different he found studying in a more western society, Chern Han moved from Singapore to Malaysia and then to Germany and now back in Singapore. He discusses the move but also why he was so surprised by the Germans he met. Hans is the youngest, he’s in Malaysia but hoping to study in the US. He seems to have his head sorted, but is concerned about this next step, moving away and making new friends. 

In the conversation about friends Al and Chern Han offer tips about how to always keep a ‘bit of home’ around you when studying away and why not everyone will click with you but that’s ok, you’ll find your tribe. 

They also talk about mental health during exam time and moving home, how they all deal with stress differently and why friends and family are most important at this time. 

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer who is passionate about education. He started his social enterprise 'Learning with Leong' to promote the joy of learning among adolescents. He is working towards building a positive world, to nurture communities of engaged learners for the sake of his own children and for young people everywhere.

For more information about Leong and his project go to https://learningwithleong.com/about

If you would like to take part in the podcast, go to https://learningwithleong.com/podcast/

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy

Will my life change when I leave school? Will I lose my friends? Is University really difficult? 

These are some of the questions many students in their final years of school ask. The move from school to university can be very daunting, full of excitement but also worry. In this episode we look at this transition and speak to Ella and Leila who are making this move. 

Ella has finished her final exams in Ireland and is waiting on her results, Leila is going into her last year studying A levels in Spain. Both brought up in London, they talk about how they have adjusted to moving away and where they now call home.

 Also, in this episode they talk about the stress of exams and the pressure they put on themselves. Leila will be moving to London where her dad lives but that will mean moving away from her mum, she is both excited and nervous. Ella will stay at home while she studies and is very happy about that as she relies a lot on her family.

They both exchange student experiences and discover a lot of similarities, even studying in a different country. 

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer who is passionate about education. He started his social enterprise 'Learning with Leong' to promote the joy of learning among adolescents. He is working towards building a positive world, to nurture communities of engaged learners for the sake of his own children and for young people everywhere.

For more information about Leong and his project go to https://learningwithleong.com/about

If you would like to take part in the podcast, go to https://learningwithleong.com/podcast/

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy

Student Life Unplugged is a brand new podcast series where young people from around the world share their experiences in navigating student life. From Europe to Japan, Australia to Malaysia, young people exchange experiences and offer advice to each other on all aspects of their lives.

 In this series we uncover where the pressure to achieve actually comes from, how important family is during these crucial years and why this next step, as daunting and scary as it can be, can also be exhilarating and life changing. 

 Tune in as we explore the real conversations and candid stories of students — from their academic challenges to personal triumphs and everything in between.

 So if you are in your final year of school, applying to University or taking a gap year abroad Student Life Unplugged will guide you through everything you want to know. 

 Hear from students like Nica and Jerica in Japan, discussing the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture, or Ivy and Harrison in the UK, deliberating on the value of traditional university paths. From the heart of Bologna in Italy to the bustling cities of Malaysia, our episodes cover stories from around the world, bringing you a broad range of cultural and educational insights.

 
About the host

Leong Hiew is a former University Lecturer who is passionate about education. His charity project Learning with Leong was started to promote the joy of learning among adolescents. He is working towards building a positive world, to nurture communities of engaged learners for the sake of his own children and for young people everywhere. 

 “Student Life Unplugged” is more than just a podcast; it’s a community. Follow us to never miss an episode, and let us accompany you on this wild ride called student life. 
And if you enjoy our podcast, please leave us a review and share it with friends—it helps us reach more students like you! 

 
Take part in our podcast

 If you’re passionate about sharing your student life story, we’re always looking for new voices to feature. Contact us to take part. 

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer who is passionate about education. He started his social enterprise 'Learning with Leong' to promote the joy of learning among adolescents. He is working towards building a positive world, to nurture communities of engaged learners for the sake of his own children and for young people everywhere.

For more information about Leong and his project go to https://learningwithleong.com/about

If you would like to take part in the podcast, go to https://learningwithleong.com/podcast/

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy