I chose Engineering Preparation for the Oxford Royale Academy because I want to follow my mother's footsteps by being an engineer. I chose it also because I want to be able to use loads of devices in order to grow Benin's economy and find ways to be the best in my set. After research at the University of Oxford, I believed that the ORA could help me become what I always dreamt of becoming and it genuinely met my expectations.
Alumni Spotlight: Cyrian Kenny Tohouede Kedowide
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I love making new friends and playing football. I am also passionate about discovering new things and studying the impacts, both positive and negative, of array of organisms around me.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
My program provider assisted me with the tools needed to become an engineer, not a simple one but a great one. He taught me more about physics and the different principles applied while learning engineering. Last but not least, he assisted me with university applications by teaching me how to write personal statements, the grades to obtain in order to be accepted mostly at Oxbridge, and lastly, the steps to take.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Ask questions as much as possible and don't be ashamed of not knowing what your teacher is talking about. The goal is to make a big effort to understand and participate. Don't be shy and stay in your corner every time. Know that everybody is there to help and making friends there is actually really helpful if you tend to get lost real fast.
- Busy.
- Fun.
- Amazing.
An average day looks very fun because you have lessons and free time. The teacher will try to make classes as fun and easy as possible. It also partly sounds fun because classes are really amazing and friends there too. My experience there was just magnificent.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was not to be accepted as I am and be considered stupid in class. I overcame it by asking questions and everybody seemed to be helping when I didn't understand the idea. When others didn't understand, I used to give them a hand as well. I was also kind of scared to get lost in the airport but luckily, I had amazing friends who helped me to find my way to Oxford and back.