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
S3 E4 CHINA JAPAN - Zhou - 12+ hr school days, relationships banned, COVID 19, losing control.
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