The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 7 March 2013.
US and UK: Lack of information prevents study abroad
When it comes to international study, both the US and UK are known as destinations rather than sending countries. A new study by the British Council has revealed an interesting reason for this that might not be the first to leap to mind: a lack of information. Only 24% of American and 22% of British students think they have enough information to make a decision about studying abroad, according to the research. Interestingly, though poor language skills are often cited as a major reason behind these students’ reluctance to study abroad, 82% of Americans and 79% of British students considering studying abroad felt confident speaking a foreign language, reports The Chronicle of Higher Education.
UK: Study reveals gender pay gap
A study by the Warwick Institute for Employment Research has revealed that female graduates in the UK still earn less than their male counterparts, even if they have studied the same subject and got the same grades. Education was the most equal career path, while banking and finance was the worst affected in terms of starting salary. In terms of degree subject, law was the worst affected, reports The Independent. Over all sectors, women took home 85% of what men did.
China: Peking University to build opera theater
Peking University, China’s highest ranking university, is to build an opera theater, due to open in two years’ time. It will be the first university in China to boast such a venue (in fact, we’re pretty sure not too many universities in the entire world have opera houses…), which will also be the first specialized opera house in Beijing. The building will have a capacity of 1,000 reports This is Beijing.
Afghanistan, Iraq and Democratic Republic of Congo: Leaders from war-torn nations call for support
Leaders from Afghanistan, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo called for greater support for their institutions of higher education at the British Council’s annual Going Global conference, which brings together educators and researchers around the world. All three nations are looking to get back on track after emerging from lengthy conflicts which have seriously damaged their universities. Afghanistan is planning to move to change its language of education to English to enhance collaboration, while the DRC and Iraq are looking to international partnerships to move forward, reports University World News.
UK: Billionaire promises to pay tuition fees of any student who streaks past deputy prime minister
Alki David, founder of website Battlecam, has pledged to pay the full tuition fees of any student who streaks past Nick Clegg, the UK’s deputy prime minister. The student must also shout the name of the website while carrying out the dare, reports The Huffington Post. Clegg drew much criticism for being involved with a government which has tripled UK tuition fees after campaigning on a platform of reducing them. We think that, while it might be nice to have your tuition paid, perhaps you you’d be better advised to try and find a scholarship instead…
