Three students from the University of Warwick have been recognised for their contributions to life in the UK in a nationwide competition for international students.

Singaporean student Eugene Aw has been named the West Midlands‘s International Student of the Year 2009 in the prestigious competition from the British Council, picking up a £1000 prize.

Eugene Aw is one of 12 regional winners who gathered in London in April to have their achievements honoured in a national awards ceremony, hosted by BBC Newsreader Moira Stewart and Radio 1 DJ Nihal Arthanyake.

He said “Coming to the UK has given me the chance to explore different cultures, different experiences, and more importantly, a different side of me.”

Fellow University of Warwick students Yee Hung Lim from Singapore and Pierre Schramm from France have both been named runners-up in the regional finals.

James Kennedy, Director, International Office said: “To be able to have Warwick’s International students honoured in this way is truly tremendous and the International Office congratulate Eugene, Yee Hung and Pierre on their success. All three of Warwick’s winners are deserving of their awards and their achievements are a true testament to the possibilities that Warwick can offer and just how much students can achieve in addition to their academic success, during their time in the UK.”  

The three were among more than 1,500 students, from 118 countries to enter the seventh annual International Student Awards – a major initiative from the British Council that shines the spotlight on international students and their contributions to life in the UK.

In a bid to take home a prize, students studying at educational institutions across the UK shared stories about the extra-curricular achievements that illustrate how they are making the most of their time here.

To enter, each student was 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.