UCL’s James Xu is international student of the year

Reposted from our friends at UCL news

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/

James Xi Xu (UCL Italian & Management Studies) has beaten 1,220 students to be named International Student of the Year in a competition run by the British Council.

James, who is 23 and from China, was one of twelve regional finalists selected out of 1,220 students from 118 countries who entered this year’s International Student Awards competition, known as ‘Shine!’ The awards celebrate international students’ contributions to life in the UK, taking into account a wide variety of achievements and activities.

James’s ‘letter home’, describing his experiences of living and studying in the UK, was judged to be the best and the most inspiring by a panel made up of representatives from the British Council, national media partner the Times Higher Education magazine and previous International Student Awards winner Stephenie Tiew.

His letter described how his time in the UK had inspired his passion for the third sector and volunteering. Appointed as a UCL Volunteering Officer, James has helped many students set up their own volunteering projects and work within the community.

He will also be helping the London Olympic Organising Committee select volunteers for the event, and through a summer internship at the British Red Cross became a qualified first-aider and led three projects promoting the medical charity’s role in 2012.

He told his parents: “Despite all the challenges like cooking, washing dishes, going shopping, being homesick and working part-time etc., I never regret being here at all. Thank you so much for sending me to London. My life has been more meaningful and exciting since I am in UK.”

James received his trophy and £2,000 prize last night from TV and radio presenter Angelica Bell, British Council Chief Executive Martin Davidson and BBC Radio 1 DJ Nihal at a ceremony held in London.

“I am so excited about winning the Shine! Award. When I came to UK, I found volunteering is such a big thing and that has really inspired me to help other people. I never expected to win tonight – when I see the achievements of the other regional finalists it makes me feel humble – I am in awe of them.”

Image: James Xu volunteering at Marchmont Community Centre. Credit: UCL Union

For more information  about volunteering at UCL click here

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Insiders guide to securing jobs abroad.

 

 

 

 

Whether you’re planning to work in the UK after you graduate or jetting off to the USA, France or Australia, getting inside information on the recruitment process, employer expectation and work culture is essential.

International student.com has created some insider guides to various countries including: UK, USA, Canada, Europe and Australia.

Their top cultural tips on the British are: “Never Criticise former employers at interview and for meetings the British people are always on time. However in social life, they are almost always ten minutes late.” They also write “Humour is very important, humour is present on every level and on almost every occasion.” So if you’re a fan of Monty Python, Black adder or The Office, you’ll go far.

The guys at International student also talked about the US application process and said it’s very commercial and you have to sell yourself. They write, “The organisational culture within American companies is strongly result orientated. Companies are focused on direct results and short-term gains.” So if you’re a target driven individual with a robust personality the USA could be right up your street.

For more insights go to

http://www.internationalstudent.com/jobsearch/work-guides.shtml

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