David Alliu

David Alliu joined the GCSE Programme in September 2006, and went on to take A levels at d'Overbroeck's Sixth Form. He has received an offer of a place at Oxford University to study Engineering Science.

Why did you choose to come and study in the UK?

The main reason why I came to study in the UK was because of my uncle. He lives in Oxford and he had been telling me about the colleges and their great worldwide reputation. I would have had a chance to learn excellent English so the experience was going to be very beneficial for me.

The idea of boarding and living on my own sounded so intriguing so I though I should definitely give it a try.

Why did you choose d'Overbroeck's?

As my uncle lives in Oxford it was obvious I was going to study in there. He linked me with many colleges and I had to visit all of them. All the colleges were very appealing but d'Overbroeck's College had that X factor which made me fall in love with it.

The friendly environment and the way the teachers treated me as a young adult, not to mention the high reputation it has among colleges in Oxford just convinced me that it was the best place for me.

How old were you when you started boarding in the UK?

I came to the UK when I was 16 and the first year I did GCSE programme at d'Overbroeck's. I know I was a year older than my fellow British students but it coincided with the year at school I was going to in Albania. Anyhow being older did not matter at all.

I integrated into the college community really fast and in the best way possible, this thanks to the extra curricular programmes the school was organising.

Which lessons did you enjoy the most and why?

I was doing mainly science. All teachers were amazing and it is hard to say which of the lessons I enjoyed the most.

As surprising as it might sound I really enjoyed my Physics lessons, every single one of them. I think it's entirely my physics teacher's merit. Chris Carter is just superb in his job. There wasn't a lesson where I haven't laughed and apprenticed new things. My teacher knew the right mix between teaching science and a great sense of humour.

How have you found studying in English? Do you have extra English lessons?

When I came into the UK my English level was average, but it was going to change dramatically very soon. The one year GCSE programme at d'Overbroeck's gave me a great boost in my English and took me further with my other academic subjects as well.

This was a great preparation for the sixth form where the majority of students are English. I continued to have extra English lessons also during the sixth form. It was a precaution the college would take for all international students so we could give our best in the A level exam and it worked perfectly. I am proud to say that my English now is excellent and I have to thank mainly my teachers for that.

What sort of activities do you take part in?

I am mainly a sports person. I used to swim in Albania and I continued at d'Overbroeck's when I came into the UK. All sorts of sports were possible to do so it was mainly up to me to choose which one I liked the most.

Alongside swimming I chose football and rugby. I just could not wait for the sport days to come. They were so much fun and helped me so much socialize with the other students. Furthermore I took part in county championships with the football team. It was just a great think representing my school in the county.

Do you know which university you will go to after leaving d'Overbroeck's?

I am proud to say that I have been offered a place to study Engineering Science at Oxford University. I am sure it was not going to be possible if I would not have had the great support from the staff of d'Overbroeck's College. My Director of Studies played a major role in preparing me for the university interview and all my subject teachers taught me amazingly well so I could get high results. I am glad I paid them back by getting the offer.