Philosophy undergraduate Robyn Forsyth is the first-ever Essex student to be awarded a full scholarship from the Chinese government to study for two years at a leading university in China.

Robyn travelled out to Beijing at the end of August to start her studies at Peking University after officially receiving her award at a special reception at the Chinese Embassy in London in July.

The Embassy reception was also attended by Robyn’s mother alongside Angela Turton from the Study Abroad Office and Dean of International Development Martin Henson.

Robyn is the first-ever Essex student to be selected for a scholarship in China and her first year will be spent learning Chinese with the second year devoted to studying Philosophy related courses.

The scholarship programme is part of an on-going partnership between the University and the Chinese Government.

Robyn has promised to keep a blog to keep staff, students and friends up-to-date on her experiences.

Speaking from China, she said: “"Winning the scholarship came as a shock to me as China is a place I have always been interested in, but had never thought I would actually visit in the near future - especially being a student!

“I am thoroughly enjoying myself. I have met so many students already - international and Chinese - and am definitely reaping the rewards of this amazing city.

“Peking University has a vibrant, enticing and beautiful campus which I have fallen in love with already.”

View Robyn's blog from China here

To find out about opportunities to study abroad email: saoadmin@essex.ac.uk or call 3978.