News and Events

Award puts Shine on BU student life

11 May 2009

Alina Talipova with TV presenter Moira Stuart at Shine Awards

Broadcaster Moira Stuart presents International Student award to BU’s Alina Talipova.

An inspirational story of student life in the UK has earned BU postgraduate student Alina Talipova a prestigious award from the British Council.

23-year-old law student Alina, from Ufa in Russia, won the 2009 International Student of the Year award for the South West of England.

The award was presented by TV broadcaster Moira Stuart at a ceremony in London on 22 April.

Alina was one of more than 1,500 students from 118 countries to enter the seventh annual Shine! International Student Awards – a major initiative from the British Council which highlights the contributions of international students to life in the UK.

Alina’s entry – a personal ‘letter home’ in English – detailed the extra-curricular achievements that have made her time in the UK so rewarding.

She covered all aspects of her life as a student in Bournemouth – from her experience of volunteering in the community to the moment she was awarded a medal in recognition of her status as a BU scholarship recipient.

Alina said: “I am happy that the contribution I bring to the local community as a student is seen as having real value. As a result of this award, I feel really excited and ready to make further steps towards new heights and achievements.”

Alina follows in the footsteps of BU graduate Anita Kuan of Malayisa who won the same award in 2005. Anita went on to study for a Masters degree in Radio Production at BU’s renowned Media School. She is now Director of the School of Film and Media Studies at Ngee Ann Polytechnic in Singapore.