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| Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kingston has been living in the UK for seven years and has finally adapted
to what he calls 'the strange British custom of wearing shoes indoors.' |
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Now in his fourth and final year of a PhD in Physics at Imperial College London, Kingston gives us his
perspective on life and study in the United Kingdom.
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| What made you decide to study in the UK? |
| The education system here is more advanced. Just look
at the number of universities that offer my course.There
is more emphasis on education, better institutions and
better services for students.
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| What were you expecting before you arrived in the UK? |
| To be honest, I didn't have many expectations. I knew it
was an English-speaking country, it was organised, the
culture was going to be different and the education was
going to be better.
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| And British people, what do you think of them? |
| What I felt about British people only became evident
after I was here for a while. Friendliness was a big
difference. People at home are more approachable. That
was at least my first impression but then I realised that
strong relationships are very important to British people
and they take time to develop. My halls of residence
helped the transition at first, as it had a mix of nationalities
from Africa and Asia and I was able to speak more
easily and openly to them. I've adapted now though.
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| Have you travelled around the UK? |
| I have been fortunate enough to own a car so I can travel
around. I like the countryside even though some people
say there is nothing spectacular about it. Britain is quite
distinct and beautiful in its own way.
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| What do you miss most about home? |
| The food. But there are an increasing number of shops
and restaurants that cater for Malaysian foods.
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| Did any British customs surprise you? |
| You wear shoes inside your homes, whereas in my
country we take off our shoes at the door or even leave
them outside the house.
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| Do you still take your shoes off here? |
| No, I don't. I have reformed! Different situations require
different behaviour.
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| What's your favourite place in the UK? |
| Devon in the south-west. It is very clean and the
water's very clear. You get the feeling of serenity down
there, as if you've escaped from the world.
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| Are you going to stay working the UK? |
| I would prefer to stay in the UK because I believe that
learning English is one of the most important things a
person can do.
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| What do you dislike about the UK? |
| The weather. I am used to the tropics. |
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| Would you encourage other international students
to come to the UK?
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| Yes, I would.The study and career opportunities are vast.
There is such a high level of expertise in so many areas
of study.
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| What are you going to do when you leave? |
| I'm actually applying to work as a post-doctoral
research assistant with the same research team at
Imperial College London.
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