Student Life Unplugged

In the final episode of this series, I meet Esra, who is from Kosovo but currently studying Theology and Islamic Legislation in Jordan.

In the podcast, we discuss life in Kosovo during the war, when schools were closed and children learned in secret. She talks about the moments when she and her family almost didn’t make it, and why Kosovan people are so patriotic.

She also reflects on her parents’ emphasis on education—especially for the girls in the family—and why she chose to wear the hijab. 

We explore her move to Jordan and how different life there is compared to what we often hear in the news. She describes a warm and welcoming nation where community is strong and women have more freedom than many assume.

Esra has a deep hunger for learning and has spent years studying Arabic so she can fully understand her religion. She also speaks about the importance of people of all faiths reading and understanding their own scriptures.

Esra’s dream is to open a school where girls can truly thrive. Her energy and passion is something you feel deeply as she speaks.

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer with a passion for education. Student Life Unplugged is part of Leong's mission  to promote the joy of learning among young people through his organisation  'Lifespan Education'. 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://https://lifespan.education/contact/

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

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy 

'Every parent tells their child to be the best in their class, so imagine if you have a lot of bests'

In this week’s podcast, we travel to Nigeria and meet Ava, who has completed a degree in English Language and Literature and is now considering a master’s in International Relations or Journalism.

We hear about Nigeria’s rich culture, how different regions compete over recipes, and what happened when tribal languages and English merged.

Ava talks about the Nigerian school system, where beatings were once common and being the best was the ultimate goal. Despite the pressure, she speaks warmly of her school days, where she was a head prefect, and shares the pros and cons of being a teachers' daughter.

When Ava was young, her birth parents passed away and she was taken in by her aunt. She talks about her two families, her many siblings and cousins, and the important role family plays in Nigerian life.

Ava is passionate and driven, and her desire to create change shines through her ambitions and the path she is carving for herself.

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer with a passion for education. Student Life Unplugged is part of Leong's mission  to promote the joy of learning among young people through his organisation  'Lifespan Education'. 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://https://lifespan.education/contact/

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

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy 

Students in China spend 12 or more hours at school.

In this week’s podcast, we speak to Zhou from China, who lays bare the country’s strict school regime. He talks about the long days and stern rules, where bag searches are common and relationships are forbidden. But despite the pressure, Zhou says his school days were a great time to make friends.

According to Zhou, university in China is the best—thanks to the vast facilities and the freedom students enjoy—but he also talks about the challenges some students face when trying to adapt to this new, freer life.

Zhou’s first degree was in Shipbuilding, a path chosen by his father but not something Zhou was passionate about. After quitting his course, he moved to Japan and now studies International Relations, hoping to become an ambassador. We discuss the differences between the two cultures and why some Japanese people may find him too loud or blunt.

We also explore the experience of being a Chinese student during COVID-19, when global attention was sharply focused on them.

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer with a passion for education. Student Life Unplugged is part of Leong's mission  to promote the joy of learning among young people through his organisation  'Lifespan Education'. 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://https://lifespan.education/contact/

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

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy 

How does living with bipolar disorder impact your education and daily life? 

In this week’s episode, we have an open and heartfelt conversation with Anton from Java about his personal journey with mental health.

Anton was diagnosed with bipolar disorder while still in school, following the tragic loss of his two year old brother Hooda, to cancer. He shares the deep bond he had with Hooda and how that loss shaped his life. Anton describes the challenges of navigating both depressive and manic episodes where studying or simply living a “normal” life feels impossible.

Despite these hurdles, Anton's determination stands out. His results remain high and in 2022 he secured a place on a double degree program in Taiwan. Here he talks about the difference in culture, facilities and approach.  

Anton has big dreams.  He is currently working on his third book alongside developing a youth empowerment program, but ultimately he would like to open a hospital specializing in stem cell treatment, in memory of his brother.

Join us for an inspiring episode of resilience, hope and determination. 

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer with a passion for education. Student Life Unplugged is part of Leong's mission  to promote the joy of learning among young people through his organisation  'Lifespan Education'. 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://https://lifespan.education/contact/

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

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy 

"Trust Your Wings" is the advice given to this week’s guest, Anjalee. Born in Sri Lanka, she grew up with a mother who always encouraged her to choose her own path. After completing her degree in Information Technology, she followed that advice all the way to Ireland, where she is now pursuing a Master’s in Digital Media.

In this week’s podcast, we explore the jewel of the Indian Ocean and hear Anjalee’s story. She speaks passionately about student life in Sri Lanka and how inspiring her university years were, but also reflects on the country’s early education system, where continuous exams and tuition often consume childhood.

We talk about the food she misses—especially Sri Lankan “junk food”—and the deep importance of her family, who supported every step of her journey.

Now in Ireland, she shares how warmly people welcomed her, even as she arrived in the midst of one of the worst storms on record.

Anjalee’s passion for life is palpable, and her determination to become whatever she wants to be is truly inspiring.

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer with a passion for education. Student Life Unplugged is part of Leong's mission  to promote the joy of learning among young people through his organisation  'Lifespan Education'. 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://https://lifespan.education/contact/

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

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy 

What do you do when what you want to learn simply isn’t available to you?

In this episode, we travel to Brazil to meet Leticia, a passionate language learner, English teacher, and online university student currently completing a BA in Administration, English, and Portuguese. Leticia brings to life a colourful portrait of Brazil, sharing stories of traditional festivals, delicious regional foods, and the warmth of growing up in a close-knit, multigenerational household where grandparents pass down secret recipes and family ties run deep.

But she also reflects on how modern life is shifting these traditions, and how growing pressure on young people to leave home earlier is reshaping family culture.

We explore what it’s like living in a small mining town where after-school life revolves around a park, a lake, and not much else—and where options for further education are limited. Despite these challenges, Leticia has charted her own path through an online university: not her first choice, but a necessary bridge to her future.

Alongside her studies, Leticia teaches English—a language she first learned by obsessively listening to music as a teenager. She also shares how Chinese novels sparked her fascination with Chinese culture and set her on a new linguistic journey.

Leticia’s unstoppable love for learning embodies everything this podcast celebrates. Her resilience, curiosity, and drive make this an episode you won’t want to miss.

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer with a passion for education. Student Life Unplugged is part of Leong's mission  to promote the joy of learning among young people through his organisation  'Lifespan Education'. 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://https://lifespan.education/contact/

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

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy 

In Russia, all men between the ages of 18 and 30 can be called up to  serve in the army for a year, unless they are studying or in specific lines of work.

In this week’s podcast I speak to Ivan and Polina both from Russia but studying away in Spain and Bulgaria. Ivan is of the age where he could be drafted, this was one of the reasons he, like many others, have moved away. His friends back home who are in University are worried about what might happen when they finish their studies. Polina, as a girl, doesn't have that worry but she felt a degree from Russia wouldn't get her far in an international job market. 

In the conversation we discuss the concerns both students have about the war and some of the problems they have encountered because they are Russian. They talk about their interaction with Ukrainian students and how not talking about the war is the only way to escape it. 

We also talk about Russia's traditions, the food and it’s people, why family is very important and how the focus for most young people in Russia is study and sports. 

They both miss the snow and talk about the layers of clothing they would need in Russian winters and how it would take 30 mins to undress when they got home from school.

Ivan and Polina paint a very vivid picture of a country of people who rarely leave, who abide by the rules and study hard. Of people who are first very closed but once they know you are open armed. 

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer with a passion for education. Student Life Unplugged is part of Leong's mission  to promote the joy of learning among young people through his organisation  'Lifespan Education'. 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://https://lifespan.education/contact/

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

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy 

How will your choice of study effect change?

In this episode we go to India and speak to Nila from Calcutta and Abhishek from New Delhi. Both talk about their country’s rich culture but also how different the place is, from language to food, religion to politics and study culture. 

Nila is studying English Literature, and she would like to focus on Queer Studies, giving a voice to the minorities, be it race, sex or cast. Abhishek is currently doing a PHD in cancer research in Ireland looking at how patients can be cured by using their own stem cells. 

They talk about growing up in India, the societal pressure to study hard and how extracurricular activities are often frowned upon after the age of eight. Both joke about the fact that Nila doesn’t cook as she still lives at home, while Abhishek, studying away in Ireland, had to learn very fast. They talk about breaking the stereotypes as essential for India to grow. 

Nila and Abhishek describe India and their line of study with such energy and passion. Their strength in pushing for change is so hopeful and exciting.  

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer with a passion for education. Student Life Unplugged is part of Leong's mission  to promote the joy of learning among young people through his organisation  'Lifespan Education'. 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://https://lifespan.education/contact/

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

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy 

What happens if you become seriously ill while studying abroad? 

In this week’s podcast we speak to Yuvander, from Indonesia but while studying in the UK was rushed to hospital with a major brain injury. We talk about the support he got from his university and how friends can step in to help in the interim. We also speak to Mei-Si, who is from Singapore and study locally. She has no desire to work abroad and is happy in her own community.

Both are training in the health sector, Yuvander in Oncology and Mei Si in Occupational Therapy. Both talk about being an introvert, yet the fields the chose to go into require a lot of human contact. We discuss the reasons why they chose this path and how they will adapt.

As always, we delve into the culture and of both countries. We find out why Singapore is famous for its food and why Indonesia is so bustling with people. We talk about the differences and similarities between their two countries, how Singapore is becoming more health conscious and why communities are not as close as they once were.

We talk about the difficulty of learning on the job while still expected to know everything. Mei Si is concerned about leaving University and working in a field where confidence is key for patients to trust you. Yuvander is still deciding if he will go down the clinician route or work in research. He has more of a relaxed approach to learning on the job and believes it’s just the path all students must take.  

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer with a passion for education. Student Life Unplugged is part of Leong's mission  to promote the joy of learning among young people through his organisation  'Lifespan Education'. 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://https://lifespan.education/contact/

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

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy 

For many students, choosing a career path can depend on how much you love it, how much money you earn and where you can work. In Mexico, students also have to consider how safe it is. 

Mexico is one of the most dangerous places to be a journalist and a lawyer, with over 150 journalists killed since 1994.  In today’s podcast we speak to students Frida and Renee, who both wanted to work in these fields. 

Frida is in her final year studying law and Renee is halfway through a degree in Political Science and International Relations. Renee hoped to be a journalist when she was younger but was advised by her parents to rethink this. Frida will qualify as a lawyer but is reluctant to continue it as a career.

Both students talk about the political unrest there is in Mexico, and what they must consider as they join the workforce. But they also describe Mexico vividly as full of colour, traditions, amazing food and the best nightlife. 

Renee’s dream is to become an Ambassador for Mexico and Frida, who opened a bakery in the pandemic, wants to make people happy with cake!

You don’t want to miss this glimpse of Mexican student life. 

Student Life Unplugged is hosted by Leong Hiew, a former University Lecturer with a passion for education. Student Life Unplugged is part of Leong's mission  to promote the joy of learning among young people through his organisation  'Lifespan Education'. 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://https://lifespan.education/contact/

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

This podcast is produced by Elisa Kennedy