UniTea: Recent Episodes
UniBridge
Welcome to UniTea, a podcast by UniBridge, where we hear the stories of past, present and future Singaporean seniors who have chosen to embark on a university education overseas.
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
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“The first secret of getting what you want, is knowing what you want.” - Arthur D. Hlavaty
In this episode, we discuss more about university admissions and contemplate an alternative approach and mindset towards gap years. Zhen Yuan also shares some tips and advice for juniors to consider when applying for universities overseas.
Resources Mentioned:
Smoking Advertising Campaign - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torches_of_Freedom
Podcast Timestamps:
00:00 Tips For Juniors Going Through The IB System
02:10 University Admissions Preparations
04:31 Building Portfolio During Gap Year
07:48 Taking Up Internships? (And Where To Find Them)
14:43 Final Tips & Advice For Pre-U Internships
16:25 Summary And Attitude Towards Gap Year
20:04 CV
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
“There are times when delaying a decision has benefit. Often, allowing a set period of time to mull something over so your brain can work it through generates a thoughtful and effective decision.” - Nancy Morris
Join us to learn more about keeping your options open with Zhen Yuan, a freshman at Oxford University who is currently studying Politics and History. In this episode, Zhen Yuan shares her reflections after facing a rejection from Oxford, what she did during her gap year, how she reapplied and was eventually accepted into Oxford.
Resources mentioned:
Zhen Yuan’s TODAY commentary piece - https://www.todayonline.com/commentary/winding-path-oxford-university-gap-year-growing
Podcast Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:42 How Did You Decide On Your Current Disciplines?
02:12 How Did You Realise Your Decision Was Based On Peer Pressure?
04:56 What Would You Have Done Differently?
07:54 After Getting Rejected, Did You Think Of Applying To Another University?
10:03 What Was Your Attitude And Mentality During The Initial Rejection?
11:57 Advice For Juniors
15:16 Choosing Universities
17:56 Tips For Juniors Going Through The IB System
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
In Part 2 of this UniTea Episode, Alvin zones in on some of the key differences between US and UK universities. Often find yourself confused between the application processes for these top destinations? Fret not, as Alvin breaks them down and offers us valuable insight into how we can approach them confidently and efficiently!
Podcast Timestamps
00:00 Resources Curated For Overseas Uni Applicants & Undergrads
01:47 Differences Between US & UK Universities
06:42 Rough Schedule For UCast Education
10:15 For US Applications, How Many Schools Should I Apply For?
13:16 Differences Between Type Of Interview Prep (UK & US)
17:02 Life Hacks & Ways To Stretch That Dollar Overseas
19:56 Summary
UniBridge Telegram Community:https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram Page:https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn Page:https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
“If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” - Thomas Edison
Join us in this conversation with Alvin from Project Access, a non-profit organization that connects bright Singaporean pre-university students from underprivileged and underrepresented backgrounds with Singaporean student mentors at top universities.
In this special edition, Alvin tackles some of our frequently asked questions on pursuing an overseas education. As he touches on some of our common worries for the application process and challenges the many myths that surround it, we are reminded of the importance of keeping our options open and having the courage to rise up to the challenge.
Podcast Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:52 About Project Access
02:25 Interview Outline
03:03 If I'm Not Exceptional, Should I Still Apply Overseas?
06:11 What If I Don't Know What Course To Apply For Yet?
08:19 Importance Of Grades In Uni Applications
11:59 Pandemic & Racism: Big Concern?
14:02 Funding For Overseas Universities
17:25 Exploring Internships vs Studying For Exams
21:09 How To Decide Which College To Apply For?
25:38 Why Oxford?
28:46 Resources Curated For Overseas Uni Applicants & Undergrads
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
“People who repeatedly find career success leave to broaden their perspective and understand that there are always several roads to getting where you want to go.” - Carla Harris
Join us in this conversation with Serena, a junior at Washington University. As she shares about changing majors from history and archaeology to history and computer science, we learn what it means to remain open-minded and to be willing to challenge preconceived notions in order to find where our interests truly lie. She also shares useful tips regarding framing one’s university application and what studying in the US can be like!
Podcast Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:00 Changing Majors
06:17 Framing Uni Applications
08:15 Application Essay Tips
10:55 Exploring One’s Interests In University
13:40 Student Life At Washington University
17:04 Academic Rigor
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
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UniBridge LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
“Broaden your horizons. They’re the only ones you’ll ever have so make them as wide as possible.” - Jennifer Cruise
In this episode, Serena shares about her internships and how her experiences have shaped her perceptions of the respective industries. Apart from discussing her application for a Juris Doctor, she also offers valuable advice to potential university applicants looking to apply for US universities. So sit back, relax and have some tea while you listen to this Podcast!
Podcast timestamps:
00:00 Internships And Career Choices
06:13 Research Assistant Experiences
08:31 Studying Law In The US
14:48 Advice For Past Self While Applying For University
16:31 Final Advice
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
“I’m always trying new things and learning new things.” - Morgan Freeman
With US universities, Serena notes a newfound sense of personal agency over one’s academic learning in contrast to that of Singapore’s and shares with us what it is like balancing her academic responsibilities with that of her extracurricular activities. Aside from that, she also details the founding of the WUSTL China Forum and discusses how her internships influenced her future career inclinations.
Podcast Timestamps:
00:00 Academic Rigor
03:23 Student Organisations At Washington University
08:08 Starting A Club In Washington University
13:01 Internships And Career Choices
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
In part 2 of this UniTea episode, Hazel gives us a glimpse into the student life, hall experience and the Singaporean & International community at UCL. Given that a degree in Psychology allows her to enter into many fields, Hazel further shares how she explores the different career pathways that are related to her major.
Podcast Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:29 Student Life in UCL
03:55 Hall Life in the UK and UCL
05:45 The Singaporean and International Student Community at UCL
09:22 Professional Plans & Diverse Career Choices With Psychology (Applied Psych, Psych in Tech, Management Consulting Etc.)
17:38 Final Advice for Deciding to Study Overseas
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
In this episode of UniTea, Hazel shares with us why she chose to study Psychology at the University College London and the unique aspects of the experience. She also gives us a rundown of what makes UCL different from other UK universities and her own experience applying for it during the A-Level period.
Podcast Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:50 Why Study Overseas and Specifically the UK?
06:30 Experience Living in London
08:15 Reasons for Pursuing Psychology
11:26 Defining Aspects of a UK Psychology Education
16:15 How UCL Differs From The Other London Universities
18:52 The Seminar System In UCL
21:58 Application Process for Psychology to the UK
24:12 Student Life in UCL
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
In this episode of UniTea, the West meets the East as we welcome Kai Wen, a Master’s in Advanced Computing student at Tsinghua University, who previously studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering during her undergraduate days at Imperial College London. Stay tuned as she shares her experience studying in both the UK and China, her degree and scholarship choices, as well as her internship experiences.
Podcast Timestamps:
00:11 Introduction
01:05 Thoughts On Studying Overseas
03:43 Applying for Scholarships (DSTA, PSC, SAF) and going through army BMT
05:41 Choosing DSTA Scholarship
06:17 Reasons For Studying Electrical Engineering
10:12 Applying For Overseas Universities And Reasons For Choosing Imperial College London (ICL)
11:03 Application Interview Process
12:22 How Is ICL Different From Other UK Universities
14:07 Campus Life And Experiences As An ICL Student
15:03 Travelling Experiences and Weekend Trips
17:46 Reasons For Choosing Tsinghua University
18:57 Potential Difficulties Studying At Tsinghua University
19:49 Experiences Studying At Tsinghua University - Expectations vs Reality
26:16 Transitioning From Electrical Engineering To Advanced Computing
28:34 Differences Between ICL And Tsinghua University
31:11 Internships And Work Experiences
32:49 Experiences As A Teaching Assistant
33:32 Advice You Would Give To Your Past Self
In Part 2 of our interview with Kar Lok, he sheds light on the curriculum and school life at Oxford and the important role that the Oxford University Malaysian and Singaporean Students' Association (OUMSSA) plays in the lives of Singaporean students there. He also shares his formative experiences in Oxford with us and how they led him to discover his interest in the advocacy of human rights issues.
Podcast Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Curriculum, Teaching Style and Extracurriculars at Oxford
05:30 What does the Oxford Singapore Student Association do and how can prospective students benefit from it
08:22 Kar Lok's interest in the advocacy for human rights issues and the process of discovering his interests in Oxford
12:55 University being a formative experience + Kar Lok's experience at the Oxford Silk Road Society Think Tank
20:25 Final thoughts and advice
In this episode of UniTea, we welcome Kar Lok, a second-year Law student at the University of Oxford. Stay tuned as he walks us through his rationale for taking law on a scholarship that does not allow him to practice law, shares insights into the Oxford Law application process, and his legal internship experiences.
Podcast Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Why UK? Why Law? Why Law on a scholarship that does not allow him to practice law?
04:52 Finding a scholarship that allows him to study law
07:10 Applying for UK universities twice, once during JC and once during NS
09:36 How to prepare for UK Law application, interviews, and admission tests during NS
14:47 Kar Lok’s law Internships and professional experiences
18:26 Why are law internships so short? And what do you actually do in a law internship?
21:09 Difference between legal service in law firms and policymaking in government
28:50 Curriculum, teaching style and extracurriculars at Oxford
“Motivation gets you going, but discipline keeps you growing.” - John C. Maxwell
In this episode, we continue where we left off with Lizhi on the applications process for Cambridge University as well as some valuable advice for the various university applicants. So sit back, enjoy and have some tea while listening to this podcast!
Podcast Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Continuation On Cambridge Interview Process
04:00 Cambridge Admissions Test
05:25 Campus Life
08:54 Assessments In Cambridge
09:55 Internships
11:12 Advice For People Looking For Internships
14:12 Approach To Networking/Insights On Networking
16:35 Final Advice For Uni Applicants
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_gg_main
UniBridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
“I’d tell you an economics joke, but there’s not enough demand.” - John Locke
In this episode, we meet Lizhi, a second year economics student at University of Cambridge. Stay tuned to learn more about studying in the UK as he walks us through the application process, his reasons for pursuing economics, and his experiences studying at University of Cambridge.
Podcast Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Reasons To Study In The UK
03:20 Experience At Cambridge Town
05:05 Covid-19 Precautionary Measures
05:45 The Cambridge University Experience
10:15 Jumping From H2 Econs To Uni Econs
11:45 Choosing Economics
14:30 Preparing For Uni Applications In NS
18:15 Approach To Uni Applications Process
21:14 Cambridge Interview Process
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_gg_main
UniBridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
In our episode finale, we continue to follow Selina’s remarkable college journey with her experience interning at the Prime Minister's Office and a Venture Capital Firm. She also shares intriguing insights about novel writing as she prepares to publish her own speculative fiction novel and concludes with her honest opinion on career paths.
To hear more from Selina, be sure to check out her blog where she shares all her personal thoughts and perspectives.
Selina’s Blog: https://selinaxu.com/blog/
Podcast Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:25 Writing A Novel
04:15 Internship At The Prime Minister's Office
06:35 Sharing About Her Speculative Fiction Novel (Check out her blog to find out more)
11:55 Internship With A Venture Capital Firm
14:25 Future Career Plans
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
In part 3 of our interview with Selina, she dives into detail about the unique experiences and networking opportunities at the Harvard College China Forum, and shares her insights on her CNN internship with Fareed Zakaria as well as how she managed life in both New York and Singapore.
Podcast Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:25 Continuation On Her Experiences In The Harvard College China Forum
09:55 CNN Internship Experience With Fareed Zakaria
15:55 Life In New York
16:30 Transition To Gap Semester In SG Due To COVID-19
Resources Mentioned:
To Harvard China Forum(致哈佛中国论坛)
https://selinaxu.com/2018/04/16/to-harvard-china-forum/
Interning at FAREED ZAKARIA GPS:
https://selinaxu.com/2019/08/23/interning-at-cnn-fareed-zakaria-gps/
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
In this episode, we continue to learn more about Selina’s experiences as a research assistant to Professor Kishore Mahbubani and Professor Graham Allison as well as her experience being in the Harvard College China Forum.
Podcast Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:25 Continuation on Research Assistant Experiences at Harvard (Under Professor Kishore Mahbubani and Professor Graham Allison)
10:45 Reflections On Research Assistant Experiences
12:35 Thoughts On Socialising In University
18:40 Being In The Harvard College China Forum
UniBridge Telegram Community:https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
“Be infinitely flexible and constantly amazed.” - Jason Kravitz
In this episode, Selina shows us what it’s like to be unafraid in trying new things and being open to new experiences. As a junior at Harvard University, she shares with us her diverse experiences ranging from her post A-Levels internship with Singapore Press Holdings to her Japan summer school programme after entering Harvard.
Resources Mentioned:
Selina’s blog: https://selinaxu.com/blog/
Podcast Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:45 Uni Application Process, Post A-Levels Approach and Internships
07:05 How Internships And General Experiences Shaped Her Interests
10:45 Deciding on Uni Majors
14:20 Differences between the US and Singapore Education Systems
16:30 Japan Summer School Experiences
22:40 Biggest Takeaway From Summer School
24:25 Research Assistant Experiences At Harvard
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
In this episode, we continue on Shin’s journey as she offers intriguing perspectives on cold emailing for internships, travelling, and taking a gap semester as a college student.
Podcast timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:28 Continuation of Approach to Pre-U Life
03:30 Travel Experiences
06:22 Taking a Gap Semester
08:04 Applying for Internships
09:55 Tips on Cold Emailing
10:21 How to do Cold Emailing
14:00 Final Advices on Approach to University Life and Mindsets
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
“Embrace uncertainty. Some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives won’t have a title until much later.” - Bob Goff.
In this episode, we break new ground with Shin. Entering UC Berkeley as an undeclared student, she shares with us how she thrived by embracing uncertainty and staying true to her own beliefs.
Podcast timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:25 What does it mean to be an undeclared student?
02:11 Why be an undeclared student?
04:00 University Applications
07:37 Uni Life Challenges
09:13 Exploring the Different Majors
12:12 Making the Major Decision
14:45 Support System
17:06 Answering Academic Concerns
19:14 Road Trip Experiences In The US
21:15 Approach to Pre-U life
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
As we delve deeper into Ying Xuan’s scholarship rationale and her internship experiences with the National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS), she discusses her thoughts about the fight against climate change and reflects on her key takeaways from this pre-university transition period.
Podcast Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:25 Rationale behind choosing scholarships (PSC & Public Service)
07:00 Internship with National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS)
11:10 Does individual efforts on climate change come to fruition?
13:35 Discussion on activism
15:20 Opinions on applying for internships
17:40 Relaxation period before university
18:45 Takeaways during this transition phase
22:00 Final words on mindset towards uncertainty
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
In this UniTea episode, we explore the 8-month transition period between the end of A-Levels and the start of university with our guest Ying Xuan, a sophomore at UCLA. She gives us an in-depth look into her internship experience at HDB and her rationale for taking up the PSC scholarship, while also sharing light-hearted insights about travel, driving and working part-time.
Podcast Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:15 Journey after A Levels
02:55 Planning for life after A Levels
04:25 Trip with family to Europe and Scandinavian countries
05:05 Overseas Uni Applications
09:30 Internship with HDB
12:55 Role & contribution during internship
15:15 Learning driving & working part time
19:10 Applying for PSC scholarship
22:25 Rationale for the scholarship
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge Instagram Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore
In this episode, we dive further into Barnett’s overseas university application experience, as well as how he explored his interests in computer science and found related internships during his gap year.
Interested in some of the opportunities mentioned? Here’s a collated list of opportunities mentioned by Barnett during the podcast:
Resources Mentioned
Couchsurfing: www.couchsurfing.com
Teach Yourself CS: www.teachyourselfcs.com
FreeCodeCamp: www.freecodecamp.org/
CITREP+ IMDA courses: ww.imda.gov.sg/imtalent/programmes/citrep-plus
Github: https://github.com/
Podcast Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:27 Continuation of Essay Writing
03:50 Interview with Imperial College London and Visiting School Campus
05:30 Couch-surfing Experience in Finland
06:30 Visit to Supercell (Game development company that made Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars etc.)
07:50 Tech Internships During Gap Year
10:00 Internships vs Other Jobs That Pay More (Industry Experience vs Higher Salary)
12:00 Plans on Preparing for Transition to Uni and Self-study
13:50 How to Prepare For a Tech Major/Degree Without Prior Tech Background
17:30 Final Advice on NS and Uni Applications
What are some ways to maximise your NS experience? How does one balance NS and overseas uni applications? UniBridge kicks off the Podcast series - UniTea - with Barnett Lee, an incoming Computer Engineering Freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), who is currently taking a gap year. He will share with us his experiences on how he explored his interests during NS while applying for overseas universities.
Podcast Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:35 Experience in NS
13:35 Preparing for University Application
20:00 ORD (operational-ready date) and Essay Writing
UniBridge Telegram Community: https://t.me/uni_bridge_main
UniBridge Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/unibridge_sg/
UniBridge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibridge-singapore