S1 E5 Malaysia, Singapore, Australia - Bel, Tiffany, May Ann and Ryan - Gap year, internships, parents and university applications

Student Life Unplugged

Will taking a gap year impact my studies? Are gap years the best thing to do? What should I do in my gap year?

In this episode Leong speaks to Bel, Tiffany, Ryan, and May Ann, who are all members of his extended family. Bel and Tiff are sisters living in Perth, Australia, May Ann is in Singapore and Ryan is living in Malaysia and applying to study in the US.

In this episode they talk about the pros and cons of taking a gap year, why it worked for some of them but why others are totally against it. They discuss the importance of internships and May Ann talks about the pressure she feels to have several under her belt and why Singapore values them so highly. Tiffany remembers the feeling when she got her first pay check and Ryan, the youngest, is determined to study in Business AI, an area he thinks will make him the most money!

Family expectations and the pressure they put on themselves is a running theme in this series, we hear how Bel’s architecture parents almost discouraged her to pursue the same path, and Ryan talks of a very silent car journey on the way home from school after bad exam results.

Finally, we take a look at the US system and how they structure university applications. Ryan is busy writing several essays making him examine and reflect on his values and beliefs.

This episode is full of fun and laughter and great advice, you don’t want to miss it!

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