LONDON, May 9 - The British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organization for educational opportunities and cultural relations, recently honored American student Lindsay Leach with a Silver Award at Britain’s 2005 International Student Awards.

Leach, a graduate student at the Royal Academy of Music, was one of 12 finalists in the prestigious awards program, which recognizes international students who demonstrate how experiences and skills gained in the UK are enhancing their personal development, boosting their career prospects and helping them to achieve their ambitions.  She entered the competition by writing a ‘letter home’ explaining how she had been making the most of her time since arriving in the UK.

“I can honestly say that I've never had more performance opportunities…I've also been able to easily gain access to European orchestral auditions, which I was not easily able to do in the US,” she wrote. “I really believe that the program here has opened doors for me and given me some direction in my musical career. Since beginning my course, I've become strong and confident in my abilities and my future.”

The British Council launched the International Student Awards in 2002 to recognize the experiences, contributions and achievements of international students in the UK. The 2005 awards attracted more than 2,300 students representing 142 nationalities.  As a Silver Award winner, Leach also took home £1,000 ($1,900).

David Green, Director General of the British Council, said, “It’s a real achievement to progress this far in the International Student Awards – there are literally hundreds of fantastic entries, which vividly describe how living and studying in the UK can be a worthwhile investment in terms of career and personal development.”

Each year, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales welcome thousands of American students who are attracted by the outstanding educational and cultural opportunities; the UK remains the most popular destination for US students who choose to study in a foreign country.   Famous international figures who studied in the UK include former President Bill Clinton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, fashion designer Rifat Ozbek, author Jung Chang and Malaysian-born shoe designer Jimmy Choo.

# # #

ABOUT THE BRITISH COUNCIL USA: An arm of the United Kingdom's international organization for educational and cultural relations, the British Council USA increases recognition of the wide array of learning opportunities available in the UK and facilitates educational cooperation between the US and UK.  The organization also showcases British creativity by introducing the American public to high-quality, groundbreaking artistic achievement, and highlights the UK's scientific innovation in disciplines ranging from biotechnology to planetary science.  Through its work, the British Council USA endeavors to promote an image of the UK that is up-to-date, vibrant, in the vanguard of new thinking and fully representative of the country’s geographic and cultural diversity.

CONTACT:    Stacy Hope
                   (202) 588-7849