Q&A with You-Vin Kim
You-Vin Kim is currently studying for the BA in Education Studies and she shares with us her experiences of studying at IOE and in London.
*From the 2024/2025 academic year onwards, this degree has been renamed as the Education, Society and Culture BA.
I appreciate the large array of different modules we can choose from. Starting from sociology, psychology, and philosophy. The course diverges from what some may think are typically education and teaching related. For example, I wrote my final assessment on the brutalist architecture of IOE and submitted a project where we created a prototype audio guide for the Petrie Museum.
The tutors are very passionate about what they teach and research. Just being in the presence of someone like that and who engages you in the work is exciting. I have a personal interest in the environment and climate change and when I took it to my tutor, he encourages me to research the topic even though it was unrelated to any of my modules. Later, he even helped me get a summer bursary from our department!
How do you think the system of learning and/or researching at UCL differs from that in your home country?
I am an international student from South Africa. Compared to my education back home UCL has abundant resources. I remember finding a book about South African Education in the IOE library that I could not find when I was home! I was surprised and shocked for all the good reasons.
The help, support, and genuine interest my tutors take in me and my work is something that I have never experienced and am very much grateful for. Every time I take the first step and inquire about my studies or interest I am always greeted with great enthusiasm and support from them. Furthermore, they keep you in mind and send you emails every time events or book related to the topic arises.
Tell us what it is like to live and study in London...
Living and studying in London is expensive. However, the opportunities available make it an investment worth making! Internships, society activities, people and cultural activities in my first year alone have really broadened my horizon. Also, there is personal growth that comes along with living alone, taking responsibility for one’s lifestyle and being proactive in one’s studies.
Where do you prefer to study?
I usually study in the IOE library, the PC area. Having two screens open has proven to be very helpful! However, the IOE library closes at 9 pm and that’s when I move to the student centre – once again in front of a PC.
What do you do when you’re not studying?
When I am not studying, I am usually visiting galleries, watching shows, going out with friends or getting some society work done. I am part of the Education Society and we planned various social events that needed a fair amount of our attention.
UCL has its own bars and there are many nights where live bands perform. It is a safe place to wind down and share a good laugh with friends. Also, UCL hosts a lot of events in the well-respected Bloomsbury theatre, where people come from all over the world come to talk and answer questions. There was one on Black Lives Matter and an interview with President Zelensky in the past.
I think taking full advantage of cultural activities is also one of the ways of getting the most out of studying in London. So, I try to do at least one cultural activity every month whether that is a musical, play or going to a concert.
Have you benefited from any work experience or internships offered by UCL?
UCL and the tutors are very supportive when it comes to students who are keen to learn. I am currently on a summer research bursary researching climate change education. It was not a topic that was handled in my modules, but I am receiving a lot of help and motivation. Not only will this bursary look good on my CV, but the fact that I am doing my own research is incredible.
A few weeks ago I jumped into a meeting with a large NGO foundation. From the get-go, she was already pleased that I was from UCL. She said all her past interns from UCL have surprised her with their good work ethics, enthusiasm and they all had a lot to offer. This put my interview in a good mood, and I was able to secure my place for next year!
Have you used any of UCL’s support or welfare services, and how did they help?
I spoke to my personal tutor about general concerns in the starting weeks of university and received advice about getting involved with UCL. For example, when I was writing my manifesto for student representative or when I was selecting my modules or getting involved with societies. Her advice was wise and encouraging and I could feel the many years of her experience teaching, being in UCL and meeting various students.
askUCL is a very helpful platform as well. I would log my question that I am not sure who to ask (BRP, VISA and exchange student) and in a few days I will receive a reply. It is quick and the staff there are very friendly. Many other services make you also believe UCL is really student orientated. The support systems such as Student Health and Wellbeing and the various student representative meetings.
Sum up your time at UCL in three words...
Blessing in life.
Last updated 8 September 2022.
