INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – READ ON FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN A MAJOR AWARD

If you are an international student enjoying life in the UK with NCC Education you are eligible to enter a prestigious award together with £2,000 in prize money.

The International Student Awards 2009 is a major competition run by the British Council – the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. Now in its seventh year, the competition aims to celebrate international students and the contributions they make to communities across the UK. Unlike other student competitions, it doesn’t focus just on your academic achievements – it’s your chance to tell us about your activities outside the classroom and your exciting new life in the UK.

Do you play an active role in institution life, or get involved in your local community, perhaps through volunteering? Has your new life in the UK changed your outlook and the way you think? Have you developed new interests since settling here, overcome personal challenges or achieved any long‐held ambitions or goals? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then entering the International Student Awards 2009 could put you in line for an accolade that will not only earn you some well‐deserved public recognition for your achievements, but will also look good on your CV.

Last year’s International Student of the Year was Malaysian student Stephenie Siew Jean Tiew. Stephenie has seen a lasting effect from winning the award: ‘‘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.” To enter the competition, all you have to do is write a ‘letter home’, in English, explaining how you believe a UK education is preparing you for a brighter future. The letter should be written as if you were sending it to a family member, or a former teacher or professor. And it couldn’t be easier to enter. The competition is entirely web‐based, so you can enter on‐line at www.educationuk.org/shine.

Entries must be in by Monday 19 January 2009.

There are some great prizes on offer, and with more than 30 individual awards to be spread across the country, you stand a real chance of success.

• 12 regional finalists will all be treated to an unforgettable, all‐expenses paid trip to London for a two‐day celebration in April next year, which will include a night’s accommodation in the capital city and the chance to ‘glam up’ for a prestigious awards’ presentation ceremony.
• the overall winner – the International Student of the Year 2009 – will receive £2,000 and a commemorative award.
• 11 other finalists will receive £1,000 and a commemorative award.
• 24 regional runners‐up will all receive a £100 cash prize and a commemorative certificate.

Remember: the entry process is simple, and with the chance to add a prestigious entry to your CV, it’s well worth joining in.

If you want more information about the competition and how it works, go to www.educationuk.org/shine or contact Claire Tunney - Executive, Marketing on claire.tunney@nccedu.com