Swansea University
Mark Shilin Wang (China), BA Business and Economics 
The British Council International Student Awards celebrate the achievements of international students
in the UK. Mark Shilin Wang was one of 12 regional winners in 2008, taking first prize for Wales.
What do you like about Swansea?
It’s next to the ocean and I come from a city in China that is next to the ocean. The weather is good and it is not too busy, unlike London. Also the people are friendly and kind here. It’s good for study and the city life is good too. I enjoy my course, but I don’t just enjoy being here from an academic point of view but also because I take part in a lot of activities.
What made you decide to come to Swansea?
Swansea was recommended by my English teacher, so I researched it on the internet and then came to an Open Day, which was useful because I wanted to have a look first to see the weather, the University, the place generally. And I liked it!
Where did you live in your first year?
I stayed in the Student Village with other British students in my first year. The best thing about living with other students is I can improve my English and learn about different cultures from the UK and other people who live here.
What do you do when you’re not studying?
I’m in the Snowboard Society; we go to the dry slope in Swansea to practise. I am also Treasurer for Discovery Volunteering and was a Project Coordinator last year. I joined because I love to help the community, especially the elderly in Swansea who can’t do as many things for themselves. I am also learning to fly to get a Private Pilot's Licence; I wanted to do it here because in China the air regulations are very strict and you rarely get the chance. After 25 hours of lessons you can fly alone. I’ve done six hours so far.
Have you had a job since you have been here?
I had a job at the local chocolate factory and a fast food restaurant. I am currently working at the Beach Café, which is good because I get a discount on surf boards! I enjoy surfing but don’t have my own board yet. I decided to get a job for the experience. Most students in China don’t get a job until they graduate; it is a different culture. I enjoy the fact that I can get a job and earn money, instead of getting it from my parents.
What is your best memory of your time at Swansea?
In the first term I joined a lot of clubs and was very busy every week. That was when I learnt how to snowboard and I went away to Austria and Switzerland in the Christmas holidays to practise.
Why did you decide to enter the International Student Awards and how did you feel about becoming the regional winner for Wales?
I was really, tremendously excited about being the regional winner. I received an email about the competition from ISAS (International Student Advisory Service) and decided to enter because it is run by the British Council, so I thought if I won it would help me get a better job when I graduate.
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