Exchange of the Brains
Whilst students from leading UK independent schools are increasingly being attracted to universities in the United States, a growing number of academics at Britain's top universities are being drawn from abroad.
Oxford's incoming Vice-Chancellor, Dr John Hood, responsible for the academic and managerial direction of the University, is the first person to have been chosen for the post from an overseas institution, in this case from the University of Auckland. An Oxford University spokesperson stated: "It was natural that we should conduct a global search for the next Vice-Chancellor. Dr Hood brings a range of experience and proven achievements, which match the profile that the nominating committee was looking for."
The London Business School, London's King College, Cambridge, Warwick, and Manchester have all been expanding their horizons internationally to ensure that they select the best qualified candidates for academic posts. This reflects the increasing internationalisation of higher education as universities confront the need to compete on a global level.
Paradoxically, the number of UK applications to US universities is on the rise. It is estimated that around 5,000 British students are currently attending American Universities, in particular prestigious Ivy League institutions like Harvard and Yale. Applicants are attracted by the prospect of world-class facilities, rent-free accommodation and generous study grants from the U.S. government which often make it no more expensive to study in America where course structures are far more flexible.
Top schools such as Eton and Winchester are currently receiving visits from American academics who encourage applications from the strongest students. The idea of studying abroad may seem especially inviting at a time in which the government is putting pressure on British universities to make more offers to state pupils, and attempting to introduce top-up fees.
22nd Jan 2004