The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 8 January 2013.
US reveals strategy to prepare students for success in globalized world
The US Department of Education has developed its first official ‘international strategy’, reports University World News. Titled Succeeding Globally Through International Education and Engagement, the plan aims to prepare US students for success in a globalized world and to improve the US education system through international collaboration. Objectives include increasing US students’ knowledge of other cultures, providing opportunities to study abroad, and creating more partnerships with universities in other countries.
Students in Ireland ‘going hungry’ due to delays in processing grants
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) says some are struggling to pay rent and even to afford even food, due to delays in processing student grant applications, reports the Irish Times. According to USI president John Logue, about 28% of approved grants haven’t yet been paid out, leaving students “begging” landlords not to evict them, and even depending on food donation schemes. Student Universal Support Ireland, which is responsible for processing applications, says most delays are due to students failing to provide necessary information.
University of Canterbury hopes preparatory programs will attract overseas students
New Zealand’s University of Canterbury plans to open a new college offering pre-university courses to overseas students, reports Scoop. Called the UC International College, the new facility will open later this year, in partnership with Navitas – a company which specializes in pre-university programs. Vice-chancellor Rod Carr, says attracting more international students is a key aim for the university this year.
Canada’s British Columbia launches new website for international students
The Canadian province of British Columbia has launched a new online resource for international students considering studying in the region, reports CICS News. Part of the province’s strategy to attract more international students, the LearnLiveBC site will be made available in a number of different languages over the coming year, including Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and Korean.
Welsh universities accused of ‘dumbing down’ entry requirements
Several universities in Wales have been accused of lowering entry requirements too far, reports the Huffington Post. Three of the country’s universities have admitted students with just 80 points under the UCAS system – equal to two A-levels at E-grade. Shadow education minister Angela Burns said this sent out a message that Welsh universities “are dumbing down and don’t appreciate the value of academic rigour.”