The UCL Foundation Course, England film school admittee

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 Hello,

This is Eunhye Kim (René Kim), CEO of Hu Global company( Lala and company)

[Success Story]

  • Name (Korean): 최지훈

  • Name (English): Jihoon Choi

  • Nationality: South Korea

  • Age at the time of preparation: 20 (international age)

  • Total preparation time: 1 year

  • Country prepared for: United Kingdom

  • University aimed for: University College London

  • University admitted to: University College London

  • Department admitted to: UPCH Course (Foundation Program)




1. Why did you choose the UCL Foundation Course, and is it mandatory for Korean students to take this course?
A) For international students without British citizenship, there are generally two main paths to enter a UK university: one is to take the A-Level (the UK equivalent of the college entrance exam), and the other is to go through a foundation program tailored for international students. I chose the latter. Among the options, I selected UCL’s foundation program because UCL is the only top-10 global university that offers its own foundation course. This program not only ensures a high level of education but also provides a strong pathway to top universities. Since it's directly operated by UCL, it's an ideal choice for students aiming to enroll at UCL. Although it’s also possible to get into UCL via A-Levels, it generally takes more time, so I wouldn’t recommend that route as the first choice.


2. Why do you want to progress to UCL’s Media BA course?
A) UCL is located in central London, providing excellent access to the media industry in the city. London plays a significant role in the global media and performing arts scenes, and studying media in such an influential environment was extremely appealing to me. UCL’s Media BA program felt like the perfect stepping stone toward a future career in London’s media industry.



3. Why did you need portfolio preparation and consulting, even though you were applying for a foundation program?
A) The UCL foundation course has strict admission criteria, and only students who demonstrate the potential to progress into UCL's undergraduate programs are selected. This meant I had to invest a lot into preparation. Especially for media-related fields, a well-developed portfolio that meets specific standards is required. Since I had no prior experience in creating a portfolio, it was naturally confusing and overwhelming. That’s why I decided to seek professional support.


4. What are the essential things to prepare in advance for studying abroad?
A) Without a doubt, the most essential part is English proficiency. Those who want to study in the UK should prepare for the IELTS exam. Also, to ensure a successful study abroad experience, it's important to research the university's curriculum, what you’ll be able to learn, and possible career paths after graduation.

5. What do you wish you had known from the beginning of your study abroad journey?
A) Looking back, the most important realization was that I shouldn’t have relied entirely on study abroad agencies. As a high school dropout, I was constantly told by agencies that it would be difficult to enter prestigious universities like UCL. However, I was determined to get into UCL and found the foundation program myself. Study abroad agencies can sometimes offer limited information, so students must take initiative. When challenges arise, that’s the right time to seek professional help.

6. What difficulties did you face while preparing to study abroad?
A) Since the admission system is quite different from Korea’s, I had to prepare new components like IELTS, personal statements, and a critical thinking test. Also, different agencies gave me conflicting information, which made me anxious about whether I was on the right path. Moreover, since I didn’t have much experience living abroad, I was unsure about how to adapt to life in the UK. But I found inspiration by reading interviews of seniors who had already studied at my target universities, browsing school websites, and even attending a language course in the UK to gain confidence.


7. How did you study English?
A) Thanks to the English foundation I built in elementary school, I was able to attend an IELTS academy in Gangnam and score well. The IELTS includes Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. Listening and Reading are relatively more familiar to Korean students due to their similarity with local exams. However, Speaking and Writing require students to express their thoughts clearly in English, so it's crucial to practice consistently in those areas.

8. How did you prepare your portfolio independently?
A) I utilized the knowledge and connections I gained from participating in a short film project in the past. These experiences helped me create my portfolio works.

9. How did LARA & COMPANY help you with portfolio consulting?
A) I received expert feedback from native English teachers who translated my scripts and texts, as well as storyboard artists. This helped me correct misconceptions and explore better directions for my work. I also got support in designing and editing my showreel to match the required format, which was incredibly helpful.


10. What were the strengths of LARA & COMPANY’s communication approach?
A) LARA & COMPANY focuses on student-centered communication. For instance, in my short film project, they actively listened to what I intended to convey and helped me brainstorm how best to express those ideas. I felt very satisfied with how they respected and incorporated my input.

11. What kind of students would benefit the most from working with LARA & COMPANY?
A) Students with no prior experience in creating a portfolio, or those who struggle with English communication, will find LARA & COMPANY especially helpful.

12. What makes LARA & COMPANY better than typical study abroad agencies?
A) General agencies often lack expertise in portfolio development or academic writing support. LARA & COMPANY, on the other hand, offered expert guidance on portfolio direction and provided opportunities to work with professionals in storytelling, storyboard creation, translation, and more—something general agencies simply can’t offer.

13. Why is LARA & COMPANY a great partner for students applying to Film, Media, Art, or Design courses?
A) Working with LARA & COMPANY allows you to communicate with a wide range of experts—from screenwriters, storyboard artists, video editors, and designers to industry professionals and graduates with study abroad experience. Their detailed feedback enhances your artistic expression and creative vision.

14. How was the interview conducted and with how many people?
A) The interview was conducted one-on-one via Microsoft Teams, between me and the admissions officer only. It lasted around 30 minutes—15 minutes for a critical thinking test and 15 minutes for a discussion about the foundation course and my future goals.

15. What kind of questions were asked during the interview, and were there any compliments?
A) During the critical thinking part, I was asked about the risks of investing in art and whether such investments are stable or profitable during economic crises. I had to analyze expressions and infer the author's intentions. For the personal part, I was asked about my chosen field and why I admire Christopher Nolan. At the end, the admissions officer complimented my portfolio, saying it was very engaging and aligned well with the course I was applying for.

16. What kind of filmmaker (director/producer) do you want to become?
A) I want to be a filmmaker who offers new perspectives and evokes deep emotions and experiences in audiences. I aim to create films that not only raise questions but also offer answers.

17. What type of stories/themes are you most interested in?
A) I’m drawn to non-linear plot structures and unique sci-fi worlds like those in Christopher Nolan’s films. I also admire directors like Darren Aronofsky, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Bong Joon-ho for their use of metaphors that give audiences a new lens through which to understand the story.


18. Where do you usually get inspiration from?
A) I get a lot of inspiration from my dreams. Dreams are deeply connected to the subconscious, which I believe makes them a unique reflection of who I am. The emotions I feel in dreams often carry over into my waking life, and when I want to preserve those feelings, I use them as material for my stories.

19. What advice would you give to future applicants aiming for UCL’s Media undergraduate program?
A) The most important factor is finding your own unique voice. Understanding who you are and what kind of values you want to express through your work is essential. More than technical skills like drawing or writing, what matters most is originality.

20. Do you have a recommended method or routine for coping with stress?
A) I relieve stress by spending time with friends—playing games online or taking short trips together. I also enjoy cycling while admiring nature, which I find to be the most wholesome way to refresh my mind.