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?

           --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

           --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

           --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

           --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

           --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.