'Letter home' from Imperial College London student wins silver prize in International Student Awards

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-The British Council International Student Awards

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For immediate use
28 April 2003

A Singaporean student at Imperial College London has won a silver medal in the International Student Awards, a national scheme run by the British Council.

Aaron Sim, a third year physics student, was one of 12 finalists from universities across the UK chosen from the 1,700 students who entered the competition to describe their experiences in the UK in the form of a letter home to family or friends.

In his letter, Aaron describes the wide range of activities and opportunities studying in the UK has opened up. Although choosing to study at Imperial because of its academic reputation, he quickly discovered that he would gain much more than a degree from his time in London. In his entry he writes:

"Although I am absolutely enjoying my academic and social life here, the most memorable experiences are those where I give and volunteer."

Aaron's main volunteering activity is involvement with Operation Mobilisation, an organisation distributing aid in Bosnia, which has included a trip to various towns in the region. Of this he says:

"I was the only overseas student in the whole team and to be honest, I was terrified I wouldn't fit in. But after three weeks, not only did that fear dissipate, but I also discovered how similar we really were."

Other activities he has enjoyed while in the UK include organising a carol concert on behalf of the Christian Union and preparing a photography exhibition at the College. He concludes:

"Being here has really opened my eyes and I see the world as a very much smaller place now. Working with so many people from a totally different culture during my summer outreach and conducting the choir has certainly built up my confidence. What an irony it is that I will probably leave London with as much sadness as when I left home."

Professor David Ewins, Imperial's Pro Rector, International Relations said: "This is an excellent result for the community of international students at Imperial and we are very proud of Aaron's success.

"Imperial has always been a very international and cosmopolitan place to live and study. Students who come here from overseas find it exciting and stimulating and, in return, their presence at the College provides a richness to life for their fellow students from the UK and all of us who work here as teachers and researchers."

The Awards recognise international students who have learned new skills, achieved personal ambitions, enjoyed new experiences or made a contribution to their institution or community since coming to the UK. The scheme is run by the British Council, an organisation that promotes relationships between the UK and other countries.

The 12 finalists were given an all expenses paid Celebration Weekend in London culminating in the awards ceremony on Sunday 27 April, when the International Student of the Year was presented with UKP2,000 plus a Gold Award and certificate. The six Silver Finalists received UKP1,000 each plus a Silver Award and certificate.

For more information contact:

Abigail Smith
Imperial College London Press Office
Tel: 020 7594 6701
Email: abigail.smith@imperial.ac.uk

Notes to editors:

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Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and management and delivers practical solutions, which enhance the quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.
Website: www.imperial.ac.uk