Name: Xing Tan (Mike) 
College: Trevelyan College
Subject: PhD Civil Engineering
Class of: 2012

Durham activities: Trevelyan MCR
Location: Perth, Australia
Interests: Outdoor activities, travel, Chinese chess, music
Contact details: xing.tan@hotmail.com

What was the most valuable lesson you learnt whilst at Durham? 
It’s really hard to pick the most valuable one, as there were so many lessons I have learnt while I was at Durham. To answer this question, I would say it’s the diversity of Durham. When I was at Durham, my friends included people from all over the world and from all sorts of different backgrounds. There are also lots of activities where you can easily catch up with new people and cultures. The special collegiate system makes everything closer and easier. 

What are your fondest memories of Durham? 
Formal dinner at different colleges. Every college has its own style, but all the pubs are great! 

What kind of people make up the Durham alumni community in your area? Are they expatriates or locals? 
Most of people I know are from academic, but I do know a few from industry as well. I believe most of them are expatriates, as here in Perth, there are a couple of universities and institutions, such as UWA, Curtin, Murdoch and ECU, plus CSIRO. So many of them are currently exchange staff and academics in Perth or have been to Durham in the past. 

What inspired you to sign up as an alumni volunteer? 
Personally speaking, I treat my time in Durham as one of my best experience of my life, everything is just perfect. It keeps me telling others about how Durham looks and how amazing it is. One the other hand, I’d like to interact and communicate with people, so I would like to try my best to promote Durham and increase the reputation of Durham and hopefully get everyone to know her. 

What do you love most about your current location? 
Full of sunshine, slow and relaxed life style, friendly people and nice beach. It’s also a small and beautiful city, just like Durham! 



 

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