Student Life Unplugged podcast

#Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Learning with Leong

31:01

National Geographic photographer and conservationist Jaime Rojo has spent decades capturing the beauty and fragility of the monarch butterfly. Their epic migration is one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles, but their survival is under threat. In this episode, Jaime shares how his passion for photography and conservation led him to document the monarchs’ journey. He and host Brian Lowery discuss the deeper story behind his award-winning images, one about resilience, connection, and the urgent need to protect our natural world. See Jaime's story on the monarch butterflies at his website: rojovisuals.com , and follow Brian Lowery at knowwhatyousee.com .…

Student Life Unplugged

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Welcome to our “Student Life Unplugged” podcast, where young people from diverse backgrounds share their experiences in navigating student life across the globe. Tune in as we explore the real conversations and candid stories of students — from their academic challenges to personal triumphs and everything in between.

This podcast offers a unique platform for students to voice their thoughts on a variety of topics such as adapting to new cultures, handling academic pressures, and planning future careers. Whether it’s students in the Europe discussing the nuances of studying abroad, or cousins in South-East Asia revealing the dynamics of male students’ experiences, each episode dives deep into aspects of student life that are seldom discussed openly.
Hosted by an experienced educator who has seen both sides of the academic spectrum, our podcast provides not just stories but also guidance and insights from someone who truly understands the student journey.

13 episódios

Student Life Unplugged

updated há cerca de um ano

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13 episódios

#Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Learning with Leong

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1
S2 E6 RUSSIA - Ivan & Polina - Ukraine War, non-students drafted, study, family, the snow! 26:44

há 11 weeks26:44

26:44

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…

1
S2 E5 INDIA - Nila and Abhishek - change, language, food, study, stereotypes 24:45

há 12 weeks24:45

24:45

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…

1
S2 E4 SINGAPORE, INDONESIA - Mei Si and Yuvander - introverted students, falling ill studying abroad, 'fake it till you make it' 24:12

há 13 weeks24:12

24:12

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…

1
S2 E3 MEXICO - Frida and Renee - public and private school, dangerous professions, student protests 25:38

há 14 weeks25:38

25:38

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…

1
S2 E2 SWITZERLAND - Lara and Enya - Early entrance exams, part-time jobs, no mustard please! 21:54

há 15 weeks21:54

21:54

Deciding if University is for you is a big decision but in Switzerland you must make that choice at the age of 12! Also, most jobs in the country require a level of study to get into them. In this episode we hear from two friends, Lara and Enya. Lara is training to be a teacher, and Enya is studying geography but is still unsure of what she wants out of it. They both live in the northeastern part of the country near the border with Hungary, Lara studies locally but Enya’s University is in Bern, the capital city. In the conversation we explore what Switzerland is famous for, the ski slopes, the chocolate, but we also delve into the culture, food, family, and the various languages that are spoken, French, German, Italian, Romansh! We talk about the different ways students socialise depending on if you study in a town or a city and find out why you should never put mustard on a Swiss sausage! Lara and Enya both work to support themselves through university, and we talk about how having a part-time job can also be fun and enriching. 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…

1
S2 E1 USA - Liz and Maddie - Kindness, career choices and student life in the USA 27:58

há 15 weeks27:58

27:58

Have you ever wondered if University in the USA is exactly like the movies? In the first episode of a brand new series of Student Life Unplugged, we find out! This week we speak to twin sisters Liz and Maddie who are in their final year studying Multimedia Communications at Marywood University in Pennsylvania. As well as full time students, Maddie and Liz present a very successful podcast and multimedia platform called ‘Courageously Kind’ highlighting good news and encouraging people to, simply, be kind. As content creators, Liz and Maddie have had a big influence on Leong's work, they shine bright against some of the more negative online narratives and this is something he really wants to promote. In the conversation they talk about how different American Universities are from the rest of the world, (there's even a party school close by!) How Covid impacted their school life and why they even considered not going to college at all. They talk about bringing Kindness Week to their University and the significance of their work with Face Equality International, highlighting everyone is unique and should be treated fairly and with equality. As usual there's great advice for students on their way to Uni, from the practical to the emotional and everything in between. Thank you for listening. We hope this helps you on your education journey and if you enjoyed it, it would really help us if you shared an episode with your friends. Also make sure you check out what Liz and Maddie are doing here https://www.courageouslykind.org/ 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…

1
S1 E6 UK - Ivy and Harrison - Study support, career choices and university decisions. 20:02

há 37 weeks20:02

20:02

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 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…

1
S1 E5 Malaysia, Singapore, Australia - Bel, Tiffany, May Ann and Ryan - Gap year, internships, parents and university applications 22:49

há 38 weeks22:49

22:49

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 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…

1
S1 E4 Georgia - Diana and Kristine - Fact-based education and studying overseas in Bulgaria and Italy 22:21

há 39 weeks22:21

22:21

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 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…

1
S1 E3 Philippines - Nica and Jerica - Language and culture studying in Japan. 22:57

há 40 weeks22:57

22:57

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 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…

1
S1 E2 Singapore, Malaysia - Al, Chern Han and Hans - Studying at home, and abroad in the UK, Germany. 28:09

há 41 weeks28:09

28:09

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 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…

1
S1 E1 UK - Ella and Leila - School and exams in the UK and Spain, and transition to university. 22:47

há 42 weeks22:47

22:47

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 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…

1
Student Life Unplugged Trailer 2:12

há 44 weeks2:12