The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 9 April 2013.
Greece: International students on field trips to study crisis
Still reeling from the effects of economic crisis, Greece has become a case study for many students of economics and political science, The Journal reports. Groups of students from New York and Paris have travelled to the Greek capital to get first-hand experience of the country which has been the subject of so much media coverage. One student, Khalid, says he is focusing on examining the city’s graffiti, as one way of getting insights into the impact of the crisis on local people. Students have also had the opportunity to meet with Greek political and economic experts.
More higher education news from around the world >
Switzerland: Universities torn over increasing numbers of foreign students
While Swiss universities are keen to welcome talented students from outside the country, there is also growing concern over the costs of educating a rapidly increasing number of students, with both domestic and foreign enrolments increasing. Tuition fees in Switzerland are relatively low, though more than half of Swiss universities do charge higher rates for international students, SwissInfo reports. The Swiss Union of Students is campaigning against plans to increase fees, either for everyone or just for foreigners, arguing that international students bring great value to the country in the long term.
More about studying in Switzerland >
India: Institutes of Management seek power to award degrees
India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development is considering granting Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) the authority to award degrees, as well as diplomas, The Indian Express reports. The well esteemed group of business schools currently offer two-year postgraduate diplomas in management, equivalent to an MBA. As well as seeking to diversify their program offerings, the IIMs are also seeking international accreditation from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Business and the Association of Master of Business Administration, partly in order to attract more international students.
More about studying in India >
China: New Confucius Institutes open at two top US universities
This week will see new Confucius Institutes open at two prestigious US universities – New York-based Ivy League member Columbia University and George Washington University, which is just a short walk away from the White House. The institutes are an initiative sponsored by the Chinese government to promote Chinese culture and language learning. At George Washington University, the new institute will focus largely on providing instruction for professionals working in international business and diplomacy, while at Columbia priority will be given to research into the teaching of Chinese as a second language, China Daily reports.
US & Canada: Universities graded on contribution to ‘global health’
In a report card assessing top research universities in the US and Canada on their contributions to research into major global health issues, most of the 54 institutions gained only a ‘C’, The New York Times reports. The report, led by the student group Universities Allied for Essential Medicines, assessed universities on three factors: number of global health courses; research into neglected diseases or aspects of disease that mainly affect poor countries; and initiatives to make research outcomes available to the poor. The top performer was the University of British Columbia, with an A minus.