Student's award for Wales letter

Yusi Liu said she was delighted to have won the Welsh heat

A Chinese woman crowned Welsh international student of the year says Wales has become her "second home".

Psychology student Yusi Liu won the accolade with a letter home about life at the University of Wales, Bangor.

The 22-year-old beat 2,000 students to win the £1,000 prize, and plans to use some of the money to buy books and stationery for children in China.

She will join 12 regional winners in London next month competing to be UK international student of the year.

"I was delighted and very excited about winning," said Ms Liu.

"I entered the competition because I have a colourful and enjoyable life in the UK, especially in Wales.

I wanted to share my story because people here are so friendly Yusi Liu

"I feel Wales is like my second home now."

The International Student Award focuses on academic achievements, extra-curricular achievements and community involvement.

To enter, Ms Liu wrote "a letter home" in English describing her life in Bangor.

"I wanted to share my story because people here are so friendly and I have made lots of friends both local and international," she added.

Ms Liu said she had made the effort to join clubs and societies, done volunteer work, attended various international events, been involved with the Rotary Club and had several part-time jobs since she arrived in Bangor.

Some of the prize money has already been earmarked for children in China.

She said: "I am aware that there are so many poor children in China, who are thirsty for knowledge but can't afford to go to school.

"I would like to use some of the money to help children to support their studies, by buying books and stationery for them."

Alan Edwards, international student welfare adviser at Bangor said he was "pleased and excited" that Ms Liu had won the award.

"We encourage international students to participate as much as possible in university life," he said.