An interview that will put your mind at ease about studying abroad
Dion from Indonesia studied at Kings Education in Oxford before progressing to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at the University of York. In this interview, he reflects on his time at Kings, the supportive community he experienced, and how his teachers helped him build the skills and confidence needed for university.
Q: Where are you from and what are you studying now?
A: Hi, my name is Dion. I'm from Indonesia and I’m currently studying PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) at the University of York.
Q: Why did you choose to study at Kings Oxford?
A: What really convinced me to choose Kings Oxford was the people. The atmosphere there was very positive and welcoming, and it created such a good environment to study and grow.
Q: What are some of your favourite memories from your time at Kings?
A: One of my favourite memories is a place at the school called The Den. It’s where students gather during breaks or free time. Sometimes we would bring guitars and jam together as a band and just enjoy the moment. Those simple moments with friends are some of my best memories.
Q: Did you take part in any activities outside the classroom?
Yes, I really enjoyed the enrichment activities, especially sports. I’ve always been a sporty person, so I was excited to hear there were volleyball and basketball sessions every Thursday. Playing sports with friends was something I always looked forward to and it was a great way to stay positive and balance studying.
Q: How did your teachers support your learning?
A: When I first started studying PPE, I didn’t know much about how to write essays or structure arguments. My teacher, Dr Alan, helped me understand how to write clearly and build logical reasoning in my essays.
My politics teacher also had a big impact on me. Before his classes, I didn’t know much about UK politics, but he made the lessons very interactive. It wasn’t just about reading textbooks, it was about discussing ideas and applying what we learned.
Q: Were there any challenges during your studies?
A: Maths was always challenging for me because I had never really been a maths person. But being at Kings helped because I studied with classmates who were going on to study subjects like medicine, engineering and biochemistry. Learning together and supporting each other really helped me improve. My maths teacher was also incredibly supportive.
Q: Do you have any plans for your future career?
A: My plan is still quite open at the moment. I believe the most important thing right now is building a strong foundation of skills. Studying PPE gives me knowledge in philosophy, politics and economics, but those skills can also be applied in many other fields.
For me, the goal is to develop skills that will open doors and create opportunities in the future.
Q: What advice would you give to international students thinking about studying in the UK?
A: My biggest advice would be: don’t be afraid. Fear can hold you back, especially if you tend to overthink things. If you’re interested in studying in the UK, take small steps to explore your options. Visit the country if you can, talk to students, or reach out online through university websites, social media, LinkedIn or even YouTube. By connecting with people and learning more about the experience, you can decide whether studying in the UK is the right path for you.
