Two students from the University of Bristol have received top accolades in a prestigious British Council competition, which celebrates the achievements of international students and their contributions to life in the UK.
More than 1,300 students, from 118 countries entered the annual British Council International Student Awards, which recognise international students who have gained experience that has enhanced their personal development, boosted their career prospects or helped them achieve their ambitions while studying in the UK.
Italian student, Francesco Egro, has been named the ‘South West‘s Shine International Student of the Year 2010’ and South African student, James Ashton-Bell, was a regional runner-up in the competition
To enter, the students were asked to write a personal ‘letter home’ in English, detailing the out-of-class achievements that help make their time in the UK so rewarding. The focus was on life outside their studies such as volunteer work, projects within the local community or their personal development since arriving in the UK.
James Ashton-Bell’s entry described his efforts as Vice President for Community at the Students' Union in managing and developing the University's Student Community Action Group Primary Schools Project, which sends PGCE-aspiring volunteers into schools across Bristol to help hundreds of children with reading, writing and numeracy skills. His letter also described his work as a Community Officer representing Bristol University students and their interests to the city, and his aspirations to become a teacher.
Francesco Egro’s winning entry described his personal and academic achievements while studying medicine at the University. His letter included details about his work developing an online tool for junior doctors to help them manage patients with burns, and his experiences volunteering as a fencing coach in the local community.
A judging panel met last month to decide the 12 regional winners, Francesco’s letter was judged to be the South West’s most impressive and he will receive a £1,000 prize. He will now also be preparing for the title of overall ‘International Student of the Year 2010’ at a national awards ceremony, to be held in London in April.
Francesco, said: “I feel honoured to have been selected for such a prestigious award and I consider it an incredible achievement not only for me but also for all the people who have supported me. I have always valued education to be of the utmost importance and Bristol has provided me with great tools for my future. I feel exceptionally lucky because of the truly stimulating environment that I find myself in, where every day is an opportunity to be challenged and develop my passions."
Kirsten Gill, International Officer at the University of Bristol, said: “Once again, our international students have risen to the challenge - not just by entering the British Council International Student Awards but by contributing in an enormous way to both the University and the city. In the seven years that these awards have been running, Bristol has seen eight students achieve regional winner or runner-up status, with more being highly commended for their entries. We are delighted that Francesco and James have received this level of recognition for their exceptional achievements.”
Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: “Studying overseas can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience and our academic institutions offer some of the best opportunities in the world. International students make a huge contribution and commitment to life in the UK and Shine provides a unique platform for the students to gain public recognition for their achievements.”