Kristina Kurkina

Kristina Kurkina from Kazakhstan
Studied at Kings: Art Foundation
Now studying: BA (Hons) Fashion at
Kingston University

Why did you choose a Kings course?
"The college has a very good reputation and I liked the variety of the subjects I could choose from amongst which my favourite and most important was Art. In addition Oxford seemed like a good place to start this 'grown up' journey. It has a nice student community and amazing mixture of cultures and similar ages. This made it easier to improve my English."

How does Kings help students achieve their goals?
"Apart from the vast amounts of attention that students receive from the tutors there is an amazing stream of inspiration coming from the Vice- Principal. I'd always been fascinated by the amount of care put into relationship and her personal involvement with student's life, their successes and difficulties."

What makes studying at Kings so good?
"I loved the fact that groups were really small, hence every student could get more attention. In classes everyone could express their point of view. I personally learnt how to listen carefully and create an interesting, balanced discussion."

What do you like about life in the UK?
"Culture and Art. Endless resources of inspiration, history, breath-taking architecture and ability to mix with people of different ages and cultural backgrounds. I enjoyed doing internship where I could meet and communicate with professional people and learn a lot from them! Even working part-time in a bar was a great investment in my English!"

What are your plans for the future?
"I am planning to develop my skills as much as possible to become really good at designing and creating. After my graduation I would love to stay in the UK to get a good taste of working in the fast-moving fashion industry. I am in love with this country I want to become a part of its creative life."

How would you describe your Kings experience to a friend?
"I had a really great time with some hard moments that let me enjoy the cool side of student life without letting me forget that the way to my future is actually a very serious business."

How did the teaching at Kings help you to succeed at university?
"Getting into a habit of working hard, being more serious and responsible about my future and doing it for myself is one of the most crucial lessons I’d learnt. Tutors at Kings made it clear from the first days we're not there to please them but to achieve something that we’re aiming for."

Refat Shakirzhanov

Refat Shakirzhanov from Kazakhstan
Studied at Kings: Advanced Level Foundation
Now studying: BA Politics and International Relations
at Royal Holloway University of London.

Why did you choose a Kings course?
"I saw it as an exciting opportunity for me to get a required level of education to get into the higher education in Britain."

How does Kings help students achieve their goals?
"There are numerous resources available to students at Kings, such as library and computing resources.  The teaching encourages students at Kings to get a deep understanding of taught subjects, along with high levels of academic expectation to prepare them for university.  In all of these cases, a student always feels comfortable and welcome."

What makes studying at Kings so good?
"Comfortable and close environment, and friendly teachers and staff. Great quality of teaching."

What do you like about life in the UK?
"There is much to enjoy about student life in Britain, especially meeting new and interesting people!"

And the future?
"More involvement with political with academia, and possibly lectureship in this area."

How would you describe your Kings experience to a friend?
"Great, simply great!"

How did the teaching at Kings help you to succeed at university?
"As a result of excellent level of teaching and high expectations at Kings I was able to prepare more effectively for university life.  In particular, Kings taught me the importance of keeping up with essay deadlines on time and be generally organized while studying."

How did the general support at Kings prepare you for your university studies?
"Advice by the Kings staff and teachers helped me to choose exactly the right type of course to study at university. This will always be appreciated!"

David Manasyan

David Manasyan from Russia
Studied at Kings: Advanced Level Foundation
Now studying: BA International Relations and Politics
at Royal Holloway, University of London

Why did you choose a Kings course?
"My choice of the foundation course at Kings was based mostly on a very prestigious status of the college and its international reputation for the highest quality of education it provides for foreign students."  

How does Kings help students achieve their goals?
"Kings not only provides international students with a critical awareness of the contemporary issues in academic study, it also helps to establish personal and professional skills needed for the future success."  

What makes studying at Kings so good?
"Kings is well-known for its friendly and caring team. It offered support and advice in order for me to settle in and get the most out of my time there."

What do you like about life in the UK?
"The mixture of culture and traditions together with high standards of living make study in the United Kingdom an experience of a lifetime. It extends a warm welcome to international students and becomes home to a vibrant community from all over the world."

What are your plans for the future?
"Having majored in Politics and International Relations as an undergraduate, I am now acutely aware of the fact that I would like to further my professional development in the UK."

How would you describe your Kings experience to a friend?
"Kings is a perfect foundation for a further professional career development.

How did the teaching at Kings help you to succeed at university?
"The unique blend of tradition and innovation in teaching greatly enhanced my academic skills, as well as imbued me with an important understanding of the major sciences and arts."

How did the general support at Kings prepare you for your university studies?
"A very friendly and supportive environment at Kings provided me with an essential knowledge and foundations for successful university studies."

Klea Mitri

Klea Mitri from Albania
Studied at Kings: Pre-Foundation and Advanced Level Foundation
Now studying: Finance, Accounting & Management at University of Nottingham

Why did you choose a Kings course?
"I did choose a Kings course because my brother did his foundation year there before me, and during his year I visited the school and I simply loved it."

How does Kings help students achieve their goals?
"Kings is the exact atmosphere and environment that an international student needs to be in. I did my pre-foundation year at the age of 16 (quite young to be alone), yet everything was easier thanks the whole staff and situation at Kings".

What makes studying at Kings so good?
"My first thoughts, during the first days at Kings were: how difficult is it going to be?  And is there going to be someone to help me? After the first week you realise that it is somehow hard, but you are surrounded by help and support every minute."

What do you like about life in the UK?
"Oxford, especially Kings is a great place to start with, it is quite small and lovely. The host families selected by the school are very friendly and that helps you a lot to overcome homesick situations, which are very frequent especially at the beginning."

What are your plans for the future?
"I am on my first year, doing Finance, Accounting & Management.  Hence, I am planning to finish this degree assuccessfully as possible and have a bright future in this area."

How would you describe your Kings experience to a friend?
"My brother studied at Kings, I did , and I’ve got another sister. She’s just 5 years now. I will, indeed, advise even her to study there. Yes, indeed, to everyone who is thinking to come and study in England."

How did the teaching at Kings help you to succeed at university?
"The teaching at Kings is very supportive and helpful. The entire staff is always there to give you advice and to help you not just with the subjects, but they make you feel better in every occasion, too."

How did the general support at Kings prepare you for your university studies?
"Everything at Kings flows so naturally. Everything rises gradually, step by step, until the improvement reaches the peak at the end of the year and all this through the special care that Kings offers."

Aimzhan Iztayeva

Aimzhan Iztayeva from Kazakhstan
Studied at Kings: Advanced Level Foundation
Now studying: Politics with Economics at University of Bath

Why did you choose a Kings course?
"I firstly noticed the name of the school, I thought it sounded nice. Then I went to the website and decided that it was a good place to spend my first year in the UK and the photos of the school itself made a good impression on me." 

How does Kings help students achieve their goals?
"The teaching quality is amazing I think. You are carefully explained of what you should do and help is always available. It is not easy to get the top marks for assignments, but with enough courage and support from the teaching staff, it is an attainable goal."

What makes studying at Kings so good?
"I think it is the fact that the school is small, everyone knows each other and it makes it easier to find good friends. Secondly, there is a great friendly atmosphere between students and teachers, you can always talk to someone about your academic and even personal problems. The only thing that worried me was the fact that there would be too many students from Kazakhstan and Russia, but nevertheless I felt that my English has improved a lot."

What do you like about life in the UK?
"I believe, that life in the UK is amazing, there is an order in everything, people are very polite and respect each other. I also like the fact that all the rules and norms are followed, so it brings some coherence into your life. But there is also lots of fun here, I love going out to pubs, love fancy dress nights and the most important thing is that I love British accent."

What are your plans for the future?
"I want to go back to Kazakhstan and work for my government, it would be great if I could find a job at Ministry of Economics and Finance. My plan is to work for two years or so and then come back to the UK to do Masters programme in Economics. Maybe one day I will live in the UK, because after three years of living here, I feel, for some reason, that I belong here."

How would you describe your Kings experience to a friend?
"It is unforgettable experience. I met lots of wonderful people and made really good friends. The first year of living in a foreign country is the most important one and I'm glad that I spent it at Kings. The school helped me to assimilate into this life, I did not feel lonely or homesick (well, only at the beginning). Due to the fact that you live at the host family, you not only get used to the English food, but also have more time to study since you are not worried about food shopping or washing your clothes, which really helps."

How did the teaching at Kings help you to succeed at university?
"When you have to write ten assignments 3000 words each, you feel really good when at the University you are asked for a 1500 or 2000 words essay. Furthermore, I can easily deal with presentations since I was taught all the hints and tricks. After a year at Kings you know how to write a proper essay, make your arguments and support them with the data, critically discuss the topic and build your ideas into a coherent academic piece of writing. And finally, you know what reference is and when and how to use it, how to create bibliography and how plagiarism is wrong. All this incredibly helps me now."

How did the general support at Kings prepare you for your university studies?
"Firstly, teachers really helped with choosing the universities and writing personal statements. They explained what life at the university is like and what you are expected to do. It is much easier when you know what is waiting for you and I'm very grateful to Kings for all those things it did to me."

Eda Xhelaj

Eda Xhelaj from Albania
Studied at Kings: Advanced Level Foundation
Now studying: Management with a specialism
at University of Manchester

Why did you choose a Kings course?
"The courses available at Kings were the most suitable for me. They could fully prepare me for my further studies at any reputable university."

How does Kings help students achieve their goals?
"The staff at Kings is really devoted in making students aware of the opportunities available and helping them to choose the right path.  Kings gives a variety of courses where everyone can find something perfect to fit in."

What makes studying at Kings so good?
"All the students at Kings are international students. The cosy and friendly atmosphere there makes being away from home less difficult. All the teachers were ready to help us in everything. Kings is not only about studying is also about having fun and making friends for life. England feels like the second home to me and this is mainly due to Kings."

What do you like about life in the UK?
"These two years that I have been living here I came across a new culture and a new way of life. I didn’t only learn from British students but also from other people I meet from all over the world. This is just a fantastic experience. Moreover, having to face different problems alone made me grow up and become stronger."

What are your plans for the future?
"Once I finish University, I want to have a working experience in the UK. I actually do have a dream too. I am really keen on interior design. So that is something else am looking forward to study once I finish this degree."

How would you describe your Kings experience to a friend?
"The experience I had in Kings was just fantastic. Apart from the fact that I did gain knowledge I had a lot of fun too. I am sure that everyone would enjoy every single day at Kings, like I did."

How did the teaching at Kings help you to succeed at university?
"The way we were taught to study at Kings helped me this year to manage better my time. It helped me to improve my English and academic writing. Moreover, I found very useful some of the topics I studied in Kings as I broadened them this year."

How did the general support at Kings prepare you for your university studies?
"The general support helped me to be more confident in myself and my abilities. To be a student abroad is quite difficult. The foundation I had at Kings made easier my studies at University. It helped me follow the right path."

Misagh Torkzadeh Mahani

Misagh Torkzadeh Mahani from Iran
Studied at Kings: English course followed by Advanced Level Foundation
Now studying: Electronic engineering and Computer Science
at Aston University

Why did you choose a Kings course?
"Kings was recommended to me. Having done some research and asking some friends, I finally decided to take my courses at Kings."

How does Kings help students achieve their goals?
"I think Kings motivates students and that is very important. Kings provides good teachers for the courses and also every student gets a good support by Kings teachers and staff."

What makes studying at Kings so good?
"The atmosphere is great. One of the best advantages about Kings is that there are students from different countries and cultures and I think that is a once in lifetime opportunity to be in an environment like Kings."

What do you like about life in England?
"Being abroad and specially living in England has gained a great experience of life. England is a beautiful country."

What are your plans for the future?
"At the moment, after university I’m planning to go for further education if possible in the future."

How would you describe your Kings experience to a friend?
"I have recommended Kings to many of my friends because Kings is the place that everybody wants to be in. A very good feature about Kings is that it has got both good level of education and good social life."

How did the teaching at Kings help you to succeed at university?
"The teachers at Kings have high standards. The methods of teaching in Kings were really helpful. The right amount of homework was given and teachers were really reliable."

How did the general support at Kings prepare you for your university studies?
"I think general support at Kings is one of most important factors for me to prepare for university. It really helped me with choosing the right course and choosing the right university. Without Kings support, preparing for university would be much more difficult."

Saleh Elmstiri

Saleh Elmstiri from Libya
Studied at Kings: Per-Foundation and Advanced Level Foundation
Now studying: International Business Management
at Oxford Brookes University

How did Kings help you get to university?
“Kings prepared me for university life through a wide range of assignments that were at the same level as those at university. It offered everything that my university needed (to award me a place) and has a good teaching team.

Kings treats its students in a way that makes them feel that they always belong to this school, even after finishing their courses."

Diana Elia

Diana Elia from Croatia
Studied at Kings:
General English course, Advanced Level Foundation
Now studying: Architecture at Oxford Brookes University

My life at Kings
"I decided to do my Foundation Course in Kings School after I did an English summer course at Kings Oxford. I was really impressed by the school and Oxford. What I liked is that all of the students have a great amount of attention from the teachers and also the school staff are always there to help with any of my problems or questions. They made me feel like I was in a family."

My course at Kings
"I studied Maths, Physics, Art, CSS and Data and Statistics at my year in Kings. All of these subjects helped me with my Architecture Course. At the end of the Foundation year I achieved an overall grade of 68%. What I think helped me the most is the general support I got from the college. They helped all the students with their applications and prepared us entirely for entering a British University and adapting to the British style of life. I feel I grew as a person and that this year provided a security in myself and my skills that allowed me to do my course with full confidence and strength."

My life now
"My Architecture course at Oxford Brookes University is going very well. I enjoy every single day of it. Architecture became my passion not only because it was something I always dreamed about doing but also because it fulfills every part of my life since it is a complete course which includes many different fields from technological to artistic and social."

My advice to you
"My advice to future students is to be ready to go through many changes not only in your lifestyle but also in your way of thinking since by the end of a year you evolve into a different person, a more mature, strong and open minded one. I would definitely advise to do a course in which you enjoy all the things that you do since without passion for something or a clear aim, it's not as much fun."

Haobai Li

Haobai Li from China
Studied at Kings: A-level
University degree: BSc in Engineering at Imperial College, London
Now studying: DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics at Oxford University

My life at Kings
"The best thing about studying at Kings is the free and friendly atmosphere. We students really made great friendships with each other and with the teachers. I am still in regular contact with some friends from Kings."

My course at Kings
"Kings was introduced to me by a foreign study agency in China. I had chosen Kings because it offered the programmes that satisfied my plan of studying in the UK. I took Computing, Mathematics and Physics in my A Level, and got A-grade in all three subjects."

My life now
"Today, I am doing a D.Phil in condensed matter physics. My current project studies the optical properties of nano-materials within terahertz frequency domain using ultra-fast laser. I am pretty amazed that by using the Fourier transform spectroscopy technique, I am able to “see” processes that happen within 1 nano second (0.000000001 second)."

My advice to you
"Please choose the subject carefully before applying for a certain course to study. If possible, you might try to contact someone like a friends or relative who is currently studying in a university and your teacher to get advice from them. Once into a university you might start to think about your future in the early years. From my personal experience, it really helps to make a plan for yourself in your 1st or 2nd year in university no matter if you want to read a PhD or find a job after graduation. Good luck!"

Anuar Sultashev

Anuar Sultashev from Kazakhstan
Studied at Kings: Advanced Level Foundation
Now studying: Economics and Politics at The University of York

Why did you choose a Kings course?
"When I obtained my scholarship, the British Council organized a seminar for us to choose our foundation courses. Kings was mentioned as a college that offers a high quality foundation course."

How does Kings help students achieve their goals?
"Teaching quality is one of the most significant factors that help students to achieve their goals and objectives. At Kings it is one the best. Studying in small groups makes the educational process very efficient. The lessons at Kings were held in a very positive and warm atmosphere."

What makes studying at Kings so good?
"Kings offers high quality and terrific support to its students. From the start of the course up until its end the college helps its students at every stage. Kings never leaves its students on their own with their problems and concerns. Kings gave me invaluable advice on selecting my university and degree."

What do you like about life in England?
"Since I started my studies 3 years ago I have spent most of my time in the UK. I would say that my life experience here is one of the most exciting. Britain is very cosmopolitan country with rich history. I have so many friends from all over the world now. People here are always helpful and grateful. Personally, I had a lot to learn from them. Once I finish my studies I will miss UK very much! I will try my best to visit it from time to time."

What are your plans for the future?
"By the time I finish my degree in Economics and Politics I intend to come back to my homeland in Kazakhstan. I hope to become a highly-qualified specialist, working in the governmental structure, and put into practice the knowledge I’ve obtained."

How would you describe your Kings experience to a friend?
"It was a great experience to study at Kings. I already advised several of my schoolmates to take a foundation course at Kings, who in fact have already finished it. I consider that Kings offers one of the best foundation courses in the UK. It provides skills that are necessary within a university environment."

How did the teaching at Kings help you to succeed at university?
"At Kings throughout the course we had to conduct research and produce assignments for all our subjects almost every two weeks. The examination periods were similar to those of a university. Thus having experienced such pressures, my transition to the University of York was smooth and comfortable. Kings provided me with profound study skills and experience that were very much helpful to adapt to my university life."

How did the general support at Kings prepare you for your university studies?
"The support that Kings provided was tremendous. My teachers helped me a lot in discovering the university standards, especially in writing proper essays and conducting research. I was well prepared for my university studies to a larger extent due to the support of my teachers."

Vefa Karagol

Vefa Karagol from Turkey
Studied: Advanced Level Foundation
Now studying: Business and Marketing Management, Oxford Brookes University

How did Kings help you get to university?

“There was good feedback about the universities which gave a great foundation to get into the university I chose.”

How has Kings prepared you for university life?

“Challenging assignments helped me a lot. This has made my life much easier now I and at university, as I was so well prepared.

“I have recommended Kings to my friends because the skilled team at Kings helps in every step of the pathway to university.”