Jonathan Shin de Pyeongsan

Christ Church 1993, BSc and MSc Physics

I am Senior Reservoir Engineer at Shell International, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Before this, I had assignments with Shell for several years in Russia and the Netherlands, with many short business assignments around the world, including in the Middle East and USA. I enjoy the opportunity to change location every 3-4 years.

I chose my degree course because I have always been fascinated by the stars.  I realised that physics was the best subject to study, in order to understand the universe and everything else around us.

While preparing a school presentation in Belgium, I studied the UK universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and was intrigued by how old they were. This is when I decided that I would one day like to join the older of the two: Oxford.
 
During my first visit to the Physics Department at 16 years of age, I was really impressed by the great laboratory equipment and science lecture halls - and of course also by the beauty of the City and colleges.
 
During a small Open Day group discussion I felt intimidated at first, as I was the only non-UK school pupil around the table. When I explained that I had no GCSEs but was studying for the Belgian baccalaureate, some other school pupils laughed at me, but a physics tutor – Professor Derek Stacey – took great care of me and explained very clearly the various application routes which ensure that everyone has an equal chance. He was right, and today I am very grateful to him for encouraging me to apply.
 
I would say to students thinking of applying to Oxford "Don't be afraid to apply!" Based on my experience, I can say for sure that the admissions system is very fair. The University and colleges work hard to ensure nobody is left behind and everyone will have their best chance. I did not go to an English school, and my English was far from perfect. Still, tutors focused only on my thinking capacities during my interviews and entrance papers.
 
Oxford colleges, by their nature, offer the unique opportunity to belong to a family. In your college, you will meet historians, scientists, linguists, musicians and artists. Nothing could have better opened up my eyes to the knowledge and life around me.

Everyone lives so close to one other in colleges, much more than in any other places. Yet, Oxford stays large enough that you can still lose yourself in the city when you need a break.  And of course, it's not far from London.

The Oxford tutorial system provides the perfect balance of flexibility and teaching support. On the one hand, you have all week to organise your work independently: generally this involves two tutorials and associated tasks, lectures and practicals. Some students prefer to work during the day and relax in the evening, while others (such as I) preferred to do everything at the last moment! On the other hand, your tutors and fellow college students are always ready to give you a hand, and explain that one concept that makes your whole week's work suddenly fit together.
 
The terms are pretty intense, but are also shorter than at other universities, which means much longer holidays. And, of course, university and college facilities are amazing. You can find pretty much any book you need.

Oxford University is also one of the best recognised brands around the world.  For someone like me, who was attracted to an international career, an Oxford degree has proved invaluable. It gives you confidence that you will always find a suitable job in competitive markets around the world.