March 2008
Hong's Letter Home Scoops Runner-up Prize.
Hong Liu's letter to his uncle in China has gained him the Runner-up position in the Wales International Student of the Year competition- the regional round of Shine! organised by the British Council. The Competition is an opportunity for International students who have made a difference to shine- and from Hong's letter, it certainly appears that Hong has made a difference and gained as much as possible from his time at Bangor University. He has had a wide range of experiences, including meeting Prince Charles!
As a runner-up, Hong received £100 and a commemorative Certificate. Hong is 31 years old and in his fifth year at Bangor, now studying for a PhD. He comes from Wuhan, the biggest city along the Yangzi River in the central and western China. He worked for the Bank of Communications for nearly four years before coming to the UK. "The nature of my job, being an international financial market analyst, triggered my desire to go abroad to see the world. Then I decided to come to the UK to do a master degree in banking and finance, and Bangor is one of the best choices from a cost-benefit perspective," says the student with a keen financial sense.
"I find Bangor the greatest place for me to study. First, there are less distractions here. Everything is very convenient, and what you need to do is just concentrate on the studies. Second, we can get help from both academic and university life perspectives. The supervisors and administrative staff in the university are always willing to help you without any impatience. We can also get help from the Student Union for accommodation and work information. Third, since banking and finance subject in Bangor University is top ranking in the UK, we can get the most recent information in this area. Fourth, the local community is very helpful as well. The local people are always nice and smiling, making you feel at home. This is the most important impressions an international student feel here," he says.
Hong, now has his aims set on becoming a portfolio manager in investment banking in London.
During his time at Bangor, Hong has contributed in many ways. He has been employed as a Housing Officer at the Students' Union, assisting other international students in looking for accommodation and has also assisted with administration in the University, helping to organise examinations and degree ceremonies. He has helped organise a Christmas party for the Chinese students, has acted as a 'Peer Guide' to new students- and impressing them with his excellent pronunciation of Welsh place-names!
Outside the university, a part-time job house-keeping for a retired couple has given Hong an insight into the British way of life, which he has found enjoyable. The couple even introduced him to that very British tradition- Pantomime- an annual habit that Hong intends to adopt!
Hong's letter is available here.