Press Releases
Erasmus student wins photo comp with cold snap!
Release Date : 20 December 2007
University of Reading student Tom Hardinge, proved himself to be no flash in the pan by claiming first prize in the photo competition at this year's UK Erasmus Student Prize Awards, held at the British Council in London.
Tom put himself in the picture for top spot with his stunning set of photos taken while on his Erasmus study period at the University of Norway Institute Svalbard (UNIS).
Svalbard is located well within the Arctic Circle and is the most northerly constantly inhabited place in the world with a population of just 2000 - only 50 of whom are students!
Tom was there for one term in the final year of his BSc Geography / Geology degree, which he successfully completed last academic year.
The judges were incredibly impressed with the way Tom's images captured the essence of his study trip, and also that he was one of the few finalists who were not on a Visual Art degree of some description.
"I had a wonderful year in Norway," said Tom. "It was a very special place and I hope my photographs convey that. I am extremely grateful to both the University of Reading and UNIS for giving me such a fantastic opportunity and I encourage students if presented with the opportunity, to join this excellent programme.
Academic coordinator for study abroad students in the University's Department of Geography, Dr Sally Lloyd-Evans said: "It's fantastic to see students gain so much from these exchanges. Erasmus is considered to greatly improve graduates' employability prospects and also enable them to gain unique life skills and experiences. Many congratulations to Tom. The photographs are wonderful images and deserved to win the competition."
Ends
For University of Reading media enquiries, please contact James Barr, Press Assistant, on 0118 3787115 or email j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk
Notes for editors:
Erasmus is an EU educational programme that promotes student and staff mobility between institutions within the EU Higher Education sector, with the aim of increasing knowledge, diversity and innovation through the member states. [If permitted to do so] Students are able to study at an EU partner institution for a given period of time, with the credit accumulated during their studies transferring back to their degree programme at their home institution. At the University of Reading Erasmus, is available to most academic disciplines, not just languages.
Over 1.5 million students have participated already on the Erasmus programme throughout Europe, with more than 7000 UK students participating annually. Please contact Marcus Dowse, tel 0118 378 8322 or email m.a.dowse@reading.ac.uk in the University's International and Study Abroad Office for more information.