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Meet Yoshiya from Japan who attended the Pre-University Online Course in 2024.
Where were you during the Pre-University Online Course?
I'm from Tokyo, the capital of Japan, and I've been studying at Mita International High School in Tokyo.
My school is primarily a regular Japanese high school with an international education. The education of my high school is mainly the local Japanese education system such as the teacher-centred, input-based curriculum. However, in this course, we mainly discussed the theme more proactively and it was exciting.
In this course, we were provided multiple opportunities for learning about essential skills for future education and broadening knowledge about specific topics such as environment, and economics. Moreover, we could enhance our oral presentation and essay writing skills too. We prepared the topics like what we will talk about ourselves, those experiences are really valuable for me.
Why did you choose the Pre-University Online Course?
The reason I chose this UCL course is not only because I intend to apply to the UCL, but also because I aspire to study and improve my skills alongside proactive peers at a top-level institution to prepare for future studies. Additionally, the online format allowed me to participate from anywhere, making it an attractive and helpful option for someone like me, who wants to experience learning at UCL but faces distance challenges.
Do you have any personal highlights from the course and why?
The most impressive topic was the currency theme. We were separated into several small groups and discussed the definition of currency, and possible alternatives to it. Our international peers contributed diverse ideas, it was really enjoyable.
My personal favourite class was the environment theme which was lectured to us. The teacher lectured us about CO2 emissions during the pandemic and does it correlated between both. I didn't have an interest in the environment, but the lecture revealed data and specific numbers, it was really fun to learn for me.
Which skills have you developed during the course?
During the course, we discussed a lot of themes with international peers and I feel that my communication skills improved.
We usually bounced ideas around about a variety of topics in small groups of 3-4 people each day. My first small group session was a bit awkward, but while we did the session every day, my communication skills in English improved through every lesson, and I feel that is the most improved skill during this course.
What do you want to do once you’ve finished high school?
After I finish high school, I plan to go to UK universities, including UCL.
I've been mainly studying mathematics and physics in high school and I have a strong desire to pursue these subjects in university and I'd like to major in them.
Although the UK has been the origin of economic and financial development throughout history. I have an interest in studying statistics and finance related to my curiosity, mathematics in university too.
In the future, I want to utilise mathematics and statistics to predict finance and economics for people who live in this unpredictable world and I want to support them in financial issues.
What advice would you give to future Pre-University Online Course students?
I didn't know much about the structure and systems of this course before it started. In this course, we will use some apps and systems which are unfamiliar to some people such as the UCL portal for students, Microsoft Teams, and PowerPoint. I recommend you guys get familiar with these systems and apps before the course starts or struggle.
My tips for this course are that all of the teachers and peers are very kind and they always understand us. If you have any problems or anything isn't clear, do not hesitate to ask them, that will be the best solution to your question.
Because I came from a local Japanese high school, I was a bit worried about how I would interact with others and my English skills before the course started. However, I proactively interacted and started conversations with them, and my worries became not a big issue during the course.
If you have the same worries and a bit of concern about the course, being proactive will make your journey more valuable.
I hope all future UCL Pre-University Online Course students can utilise this course for your bright future careers. Of course, don't forget to have fun with others!