A University of Aberdeen student has been selected as a finalist in the UK’s biggest competition for international students.
Ayodele Morocco-Clarke, who is studying for a PhD in Law at the institution, has been named as a runner up in the regional finals of the prestigious British Council International Student Awards 2009.
Ayodele was one of more than 1,500 students from 118 countries who entered the annual awards which recognise the contributions of international students to life in the UK.
Entrants to the competition 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.
35 year old Ayodele came from Nigeria to study in the UK. Her account of her life in Aberdeen, where she has become a mentor for other international students who are new to the University and worked at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary's Eye Clinic, secured her place as a regional runner-up in the competition.
She will attend an awards ceremony in London next month and receive a £100 cash prize and a commemorative certificate in recognition of her achievement.
Jennifer Fernandes, Head of International Office for the University of Aberdeen said: "There are currently over 2000 international students from 120 different nationalities studying at the University of Aberdeen. This thriving international student population brings with it a rich and diverse mix of culture and experience which is invaluable to the University.
"We actively encourage our international students to not only enjoy the wide range of activities and experiences Aberdeen has to offer, but also to share their own knowledge and background. Ayodele's award win is a prime example of the outstanding experiences many international students enjoy at the University and we are delighted that she has been honoured in these prestigious awards."
Martin Davidson, Chief Executive of the British Council, said, "Studying overseas is an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience, building life-long international friendships, understanding and trust. International students make a huge contribution to life here because they create a greater understanding of the world in the UK and they help create a greater understanding of the UK throughout the world. This competition is a fantastic opportunity for them to show the world what they've achieved and learnt while studying in the UK."