Student Life Unplugged
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.
Student Life Unplugged
S2 E6 RUSSIA - Ivan & Polina - Ukraine War, non-students drafted, study, family, the snow!
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