Algerian student Younes Mebarki balances his studies with his love of K-pop. Sara Doktorova reports
Five years ago, Younes Mebarki discovered K-pop. He was eager to learn the various choreographies. It didn’t matter to him whether it was a girl group or a boy group dance, all that mattered to him was that he was getting better each day that passed.
Four years later, Younes did some research about studying abroad. His decision? Not Korea, home to his favourite groups and the TV dramas he loves, but Leicester.
“I was passionate about studying abroad and the UK is the best choice for international students,” says the 20-year-old from Algeria.
Younes started his foundation level IFC Pharmacy course in September 2025 at De Montfort University’s International College. Months later, he is thriving.
He is brushing up on his English while on the course, adding to his French and Arabic plus a smattering of Korean and Japanese.
“I’ve had some difficulties with the language and especially the British accent, you need to get used to it in order to communicate,” says Younes.
During the first few months, Younes came across three other Algerians and quickly became friends with them.
“I met three other Algerians here at DMU, we went to the mosque together, and shared our experiences, tips, talked about Ramadan and our daily lives, “says Younes.
The first thing he noticed about his new home was weather. “You cannot predict the weather here and that’s a disadvantage,” he says. “At home it is always sunny – like the whole year round – but here it almost always seems to be cloudy.”
Younes stays connected with his family and friends through video chats, but although it can alleviate the symtoms of homesickness, it’s not a cure.
“It’s not the same as being with them,” he says, “but it helps a lot as I miss them. I update them about how I’m doing and how my course is.”
Younes is relieved that he doesn’t have to spend all his time studying. “There is a big difference to be honest. Back in Algeria we have to study from 8am to 5pm, sometimes 8am to 4pm,” he says.
“It’s really tense, the teaching technique is based more on the theoretical rather than the practical, but here in the UK, you can revise and prepare yourself more, also get a one-day break from studying.
“The gaps between classes, it gives you like more freedom to enjoy your life as well, so there is a balance.”
The biggest challenge for Younes was socialising. “At first, I was shy and scared,” he says. But he was willing to make friends.
He found his tribe at the Korean Society, which hosts social events including dance lessons, games nights, cookery sessions and karaoke. And with the sound system pumping out hits by BTS, Blackpink, Cortis, Stray Kids and more, Younes could now show off his dancing skills. “I’m a very good dancer,” he says.
Younes wants to encourage other international students to study in the UK. “I would like to advise the Algerian students to do their programmes, especially in the UK because it focuses more on the practical, which gives you a strength, it will help you a lot to understand, the purpose of the theorical things and also it will be helpful for those who want to build a strong career,” he says.
