December 2006
Happy St. Andrew's Day from the British Council!
Scotland's national holiday, St. Andrew's Day was just celebrated on November 30th.
The day commemorates Scotland's patron saint, whose cross - the saltire, an X-shaped
cross - is said to have appeared as a cloud formation before an important battle around
the year 820. Today you can see the St. Andrew's cross on the Scottish flag, which
features a white altire on a blue background.
But festivities aside, did you know that with more than a 200 year head start, Scottish
universities have been engaged with the business of discovery and debate for longer
than the United States has existed as a nation?
The University of Edinburgh counts Alexander Graham Bell and Charles Darwin among
its alumni; it more recently awarded honorary degress to Alan Greenspan, Chairman of
the US Federal Reserve, and Harry Potter author JK Rowling. Stuart Murdoch, lead
singer of Scottish band Belle and Sebastian, was a DJ while at the University of
Glasgow. And the University of St. Andrews, Scotland's oldest university and Prince
William's alma mater, awarded a degree to Benjamin Franklin. It also gave honorary
degrees to Bob Dylan and writer Bill Bryson. Former NASA astronaut Dr. Bonnie
Dunbar received an honorary degree from the University of Dundee.
Why not consider joining the more than 26,000 overseas students who make their way
to Scotland every year?
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Thinking about getting your degree in Scotland? After you
graduate, you're eligible to apply to stay in Scotland to work
for up to two years, thanks to the Scottish Executive's Fresh
Talent Scheme. Learn more by reading about how some
Fresh Talent alums have extended their stay by joining the
Scottish workforce, in fields ranging from architectural
preservation to software development; it's a great way to
gain international work experience and make your resume
stand out from the crowd. |
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Did you know the US undergraduate degree system was
based on the Scottish system? The "best small country in
the world," Scotland is the birthplace of the television,
fingerprinting and Dolly, the first cloned mammal. Scottish
institutions are renowned for their creativity and innovation -
find out more online or by ordering the Study Scotland
brochure, which features profiles on each Scottish insitution
and provides a breakdown of degrees offered by subject.
From the buzz of city centers in Edinburgh and Glasgow to
the unspoiled panoramas of the Highlands, Scotland has
something to suit every way of life. |
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Scottish scientist Krista McKinzey of Our Dynamic Earth &
the Scottish Seabird Centre in Edinburgh participated in the
British Council's International Networking Young Scientist
(INYS) Workshop on Climate Change. Our Dynamic Earth and
the Scottish Seabird Centre, two of Scotland's leading
science centers, are connected by a collaborative project
sponsored by the Scottish Executive to deliver educational
outreach programs to economically and geographically
disadvantaged school children in Scotland. The project aims
to promote an increased awareness about the world in which
we live. Krista's role as 'Schools Communicator' is to take the
complex elements regarding climate change and human
impact on the environment and develop innovative ways in
which these issues can be taught to children as young as
five years through to high school level and beyond. |
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Are you ready for a truly unforgettable New Year's
celebration? The Scots like to think of their Hogmanay
parties as the finest in the world - while among thousands of
dancing, celebrating revelers before the spectacular
Edinburgh castle, you be the judge. Edinburgh's Hogmanay,
features fireworks, street theater, and music, as well as
proud traditional Scottish arts, like piping. Travel further
afield of the major Scottish cities and you'll be in for some
truly unique celebrations of Hogmanay, like the Stonehaven
Fireballs festival in a fishing village near Aberdeen. Whether
you immerse yourself in a city-wide party or observe
Hogmanay in a smaller village, your New Year's in Scotland
will surely be one you'll never forget. |
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If you are studying in the UK for more than six months, you
will need entry clearance before you arrive in the UK. The
process is straightforward and you can apply online. Visit our
website for details. |
 
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