Three University of Aberdeen students have been selected as finalists in the UK’s biggest competition for international students.
Syed Suhail has been named as the Scottish finalist, whilst Ravindran Manoharan and Susan Ayodele Morocco-Clarke are runners up in the regional finals of the prestigious Shine! International Student Awards 2008, which recognise the contributions of international students to life in the UK.
The student's accounts of their lives studying for degrees with the University of Aberdeen have won them the coveted accolades.
Syed is currently studying for his PhD researching into the soil and agricultural effects on bere barley, based at the Orkney College, University of Highlands and Islands (UHI). Syed's description of his life on the Scottish island secured him the title of Scotland's International Student of the Year 2008 and a £1000 cash prize.
Ravindran and Susan's accounts of their life in Aberdeen have won them each a £100 cash prize, a commemorative certificate. The three students have also been invited to attend a glittering awards ceremony in London next week (Wednesday 23 April) which will be hosted by Moira Stuart OBE.
More than 1,500 students, representing 127 nationalities entered the sixth annual International Student Awards. A major initiative from the British Council the awards aims to shine the spotlight on international students and the ways in which they contribute to life in the UK during their studies.
To enter, students from across the UK were asked to write a personal letter home detailing their experience as a student within their university, and specifically the achievements outwith their academic life which make their time in the UK so rewarding.
Syed says of his award win: "I am honoured to have been awarded this extremely prestigious accolade. My experience of studying in Orkney College through the University of Aberdeen has been incredible. Located in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland, I have had the opportunity to really engage with the social and cultural aspects of my environment. Living here has not only allowed me to progress my academic studies. I have also broadened my outlook and developed on a personal level in many positive ways."
Ravindran comments: "My experience of life as a student at the University of Aberdeen has been exceptional. The help and support I am receiving to fund and develop my research into the integrity assessment of rock bolts, which are safety critical elements used to prevent mining tunnel roofs collapsing, is enabling me to realise my ambition to create a revolutionary and potentially life saving device."
Susan Ayodele Morocco-Clarke, who is studying for a Degree in Philosophy of Law, accounted her perceptions of the cultural differences between Aberdeen and her hometown of Nigeria, in particular the variations in child protection. Susan's entry also detailed her involvement in the Aberdeen Freecycle group which is complementing her research into sustainable environmental development.
Susan comments: "The different approach the UK has to child protection in comparison to Nigeria has had a major impact on me and with my experience and law qualifications, I intend to make pathways to raise the profile of this issue when I return to Nigeria. Equally I plan to start my own freecycle group when I return home having been inspired by the work which I have been involved in during my time in Aberdeen."
International students and the contributions they make to life at the University of Aberdeen are extremely important as Jennifer Fernandes, Head of International Office for the University of Aberdeen explains: "We have students from over 120 different countries studying at the University of Aberdeen. Encouraging these students to not only enjoy the unique and wide ranging array of activities and experiences Aberdeen has to offer, but also to share their own knowledge and background, is crucial to creating a diverse cultural environment. Syed, Ravindran and Susan's award entries are ideal examples of the outstanding experiences many international students enjoy at the University and we are delighted that they have been honoured as finalists in these prestigious awards."