View from Down Under

Academic tourism is a wonderful thing (for academics and airlines) but every once in a while academics have to work hard to "earn" their travel and accommodation perks.  Visiting Australia is a wonderful (academic) experience, especially if the visit's by-product is to see just what advances, innovations and expectations that an HE system, restricted by its demography, the distraction of breathtaking scenery and kangaroos roaming about campuses, the UK can learn from.

Taken by Mr Norman's Dad

...and there are quite a few lessons that can be packed in the hand-luggage and brought home:

• International students do not represent "easy money" - accommodating educational visitors requires excellent support resources if the students are to maximise benefit from the experience.
• Educational Scholars, those who research and study to improve the student experience are lauded and valued amongst their peers, although not, perhaps, amongst their employers.

Hang on...I could have told you that without going all the way to Australia to find out!

Bugger.