We recently caught up with Nikoloz from Georgia, a former Kings Oxford student who is now studying Politics and International Relations at the University of Southampton. After completing his studies at Kings Oxford with a scholarship, Nikoloz has continued to build an impressive academic path and is currently completing an internship with a United Nations agency.
In this interview, Nikoloz reflects on his experience at Kings, the transition to university life, and the advice he would give to future students.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and what you are studying now.
A: My name is Nikoloz and I’m originally from Georgia. I’m currently a second-year student studying Politics and International Relations at the University of Southampton.
Q: Why did you decide to study at Kings Oxford?
A: When I first decided to study abroad and leave my home country, I was looking for a school that could offer both strong academic support and an ambitious international environment.
When I discovered Kings Oxford, it seemed like the perfect place. I saw that students aimed high and were encouraged to build confidence in themselves. That was very important for me because I wanted to continue my journey in a place that would help me grow both academically and personally and prepare me for university.
Q: How did Kings Oxford help prepare you for university?
A: Kings Oxford gave me a very strong academic foundation and valuable skills for higher education.
The regular support and feedback from teachers helped me develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning and discipline, which are all essential skills at university. One thing I particularly appreciated was that teachers encouraged us to understand and analyse concepts, rather than simply memorising them.
This approach helped me a lot later at university, especially when studying more complex and abstract topics.
Q: Was there a particular moment during your time at Kings that stood out to you?
A: Yes, one moment that had a big impact on me happened during one of my Politics and Government lessons.
I received feedback from my teacher saying that I was no longer just describing political ideas but evaluating and analysing them more deeply. That feedback helped me realise that my efforts were paying off and gave me a big boost of confidence. It created a positive cycle where the more effort I put in, the more progress I saw.
Q: You also received a scholarship while studying at Kings. What did that mean to you?
A: Receiving a 40% scholarship was very meaningful for me. It made me feel that my effort and potential were recognised.
It gave me both motivation and a strong sense of responsibility. It encouraged me to work even harder and make the most of my time at school.
Q: How was the transition from Kings Oxford to the University of Southampton?
A: The transition to university was a very important step in my life. University requires much more independent work, time management and responsibility.
However, the preparation I received at Kings made the transition much smoother. I already had many of the skills needed to manage my workload and approach my studies effectively.
Q: What are you doing alongside your university studies now?
A: Currently, I’m completing an internship at the International Telecommunication Union, which is a specialised agency of the United Nations.
I work as an Operations Coordination and Reporting Intern, supporting the department with various administrative tasks.
I also received a scholarship from the Centre for Comprehensive European Security, which was a very motivating opportunity and helped me achieve one of my goals at a young age.
Q: Looking back, how did Kings Oxford contribute to your journey?
A: I believe Kings Oxford was one of the key contributors to both my academic and personal development.
It gave me strong academic support, but it also encouraged me to think outside the box and step outside my comfort zone. Many of the opportunities I have had so far — including studying at a top university and securing international internships — are built on the skills I developed during my time at Kings.
Q: What advice would you give to students who are thinking about studying abroad?
A: My advice would be to never stop believing in the opportunities available to you and never give up! Many things may seem difficult or competitive, but they are genuinely possible if you stay committed.
Make the most of your time at school, not only by focusing on your grades but also by developing personal skills such as communication, curiosity and confidence. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from your teachers and mentors. That support can make a huge difference in your journey.
We wish Nikoloz good luck in achieving his dreams.
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