Shine! International Student Awards
Run by the British Council, International Student Awards is now in its seventh year. The awards give recognition to international students who are actively participating in university and community life.
Last year the British Council received over 2,000 entries from students representing more than 200 different nationalities. Whether they are involved in volunteering, teaching or other worthwhile projects, the International Student Awards offers pro-active students the chance to earn some public recognition for their achievements outside the classroom.
To enter the awards, students write a ‘letter home’, as if to a relative, friend or a former teacher or mentor, outlining their experiences of student life in the UK. The judges are looking for good examples of involvement in institution or community life, work experience or participation in cultural or sporting activities, together with any stories of how personal challenges have been overcome or aspirations and dreams realised while studying in the UK.
Last year’s winner Malaysian student Stephenie Siew Jean Tiew said of her experience of winning the awards “I can honestly say that it’s changed my outlook on life and given me a massive confidence boost. I have the attitude that anything is possible if you really go for it and I’d definitely encourage students to take part.”
After regional heats, twelve finalists will compete for the title International Student of the Year 2009 at a glittering awards’ ceremony in London in April next year. Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: “Since the first awards were launched in 2002, thousands of international students have enlightened us with inspirational and often heart-felt accounts of living and learning in the UK.
“The competition gives students an enjoyable opportunity to gain public recognition for their achievements and the chance to win some great prizes. We deliberately focus on non academic achievements which gives international students the change to highlight their wider experiences.”
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