Higher Edge: Institutions: Publications: Not-So-Foreign©, Volume 8, Issue 27

Not-So-Foreign^©
A Bulletin for International Education Professionals
Volume 8, Issue 27; August 16, 2009

1) THE PLAYING FIELD – Loyalty Scheme: Queensland University pays students...to get more students!
2) ABROAD PERSPECTIVE - Shaken, but not stirring: English Universities reject proposals to change admissions process
3) OVER THE COUNTER - To PhD or not to PhD: India's 14 open universities banned from conducting research programmes
4) GLOBE TIPPING – Penny Pinching: Travelling Smart

1) THE PLAYING FIELD – Loyalty Scheme: Queensland University pays students...to get more students!

Central Queensland University (CQU) has come under fire for offering foreign students incentives for recruiting fellow overseas students.

Under the scheme, which has been operating for over a decade, students can earn iPods, laptops, airfare and even accommodation packages. CQU Vice Chancellor Scott Bowman defended the practice. "We do not believe our program has a negative academic impact'".

Dr Vincent-Lancrin, a senior analyst with the OECD Centre for Educational Research and Innovation believes it is an improper practice from an academic perspective. He claims that paying students can add numbers but not necessarily provide prospective recruits with the right information and advice.

Under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS), education providers must ensure marketing is done in a professional way that maintains the integrity of the industry and registered providers and is not misleading. However, the Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations has said it has insufficient information to determine whether or not the CQU reward program might fail to meet the requirements of the ESOS Act.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25916023-12332,00.html

2) ABROAD PERSPECTIVE - Shaken, but not stirring: English Universities reject proposals to change admissions process

Calls by the Sutton Trust, an education Charity, and Lord Mandelson, England's first Secretary of State, to have students apply to universities after their A level final results are published - have been met with resistance by universities. Still, there is a growing list of higher education ministers and advisers who have called for the ending of university admissions based on school predictions.

The Russell Group, which represents leading universities, says the changes would pose serious logistical problems for not only the universities but also the students and their schools. However, the National Union of Students' President, Wes Keeting, says that applying after results would allow the students' actual achievements to be taken into account.

There has already been an adaptation of the application system this year - allowing students to "trade up" if they get better than expected results. But there are no firm plans for any full-scale switch.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8195233.stm

3) OVER THE COUNTER - To PhD or not to PhD: India's 14 open universities banned from conducting research programmes

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has stopped registration for PhD and MPhil programmes at India's 14 open universities, citing declining quality of research in distance learning programs.

This surprise decision comes hot on the heels of plans by the Indian government to boost PhDs in the country. India currently awards 8,000 per year, in comparison to China's 50,000, so India is looking to bridge the gap.

In order to achieve this, India's Human Resource Ministry plans to set up 14 innovation universities from 2010 to concentrate on research and development.

Officials feel the move by UGC is discriminatory to open universities as state universities are plagued by the same restrictions in terms of availability of guides, laboratory work and library facilities.

Source:
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/no-phd-mphil-at-open-universities-says-ugc/366466/

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/govt-plans-14-innovation-varsities/365636/

4) GLOBE TIPPING - Penny Pinching: Travelling Smart

With the recession still weighing heavily on our minds and pockets, travelling remains an essential part of personal and business life but one that doesn't need to break the bank.

1. Cheap flights: Although travel agents and airlines are able to offer bargain flights, cheap flights are easiest to find by using a flights comparison website such as http://www.2save.co.uk/flights/

2. Last minute deals: Booking at the last minute can mean massive savings in prices on flights, hotels and even car hire. Many websites such as http://www.lastminute.com/ offer fantastic packages, depending on your time and work constraints.

3. Travel off-season: Book meetings or holidays for quiet periods. Consult the local tourism board to establish when low season falls, as this varies from country to country. http://www.travelnotes.org/Travel/sep2.htm

4. Make local contacts: Social networking sites such as http://www.couchsurfing.org/ help you get in contact with locals who are better able to advise on cheap, safe options of accommodation, local travel and entertainment.

5. Getting about: Travelling locally by bus or train will likely prove the cheapest option although they may need some careful planning. In countries like India and China you will need to book the long-distance trains at least a day in advance, sometimes three days or more, in order to ensure a seat.