The International Student Awards 2010 is an exciting competition that celebrates the achievements of international students and their contributions to life in the UK.

The Awards are run by the British Council, the UK's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations.

How to Enter

Entry is simple: all you have to do is write a "letter home" in English, explaining how you believe a UK education is preparing you for a brighter future. The letter should be written as if you were sending it to a family member or a former teacher or professor.

A panel of judges – NUS representatives, education professionals and British Council colleagues – will choose the best letters to become shining examples of UK life for future international students.

Prizes Available

There are some great prizes on offer, and with more than 30 individual awards to be spread across the country, you stand a really good chance of success:

1. All 12 regional finalists will be treated to an unforgettable, all-expenses paid trip to London for a two-day celebration in April next year, that will include a night’s accommodation in the capital city and a place at the prestigious awards presentation ceremony
2. The overall winner - the International Student of the Year 2010 - will receive £2000 and a commemorative award
3. The 11 other regional finalists will receive £1000 and a commemorative award
4. 24 regional runners-up will all receive a £100 cash prize

Eligibility

To enter the International Student Awards 2010, entrants must fulfil all of the following requirements:

1. be studying at an eligible UK institution (English language institutions accredited by the British Council through the Accreditation UK Scheme are eligible)
2. be following a full-time course of study and be on a course lasting a minimum of six months
3. be aged 15 years or over by the competition closing date of 18 January 2010
4. be nationals and citizens of a country outside the UK, and ordinarily live outside the UK
5. boarding school students must be aged 15 years or over and be full-time boarders.

To find out more, please visit www.educationuk.org/shine.

The competition is entirely web based so you can enter online. The deadline for entries is Monday 18 January 2010.