In The News

Al Azhar to Offer Courses in Thailand

Don Pathan September 23, 2004
In an effort to provide affordable education to Thai Muslims, the renowned Al Azhar Islamic Research Academy will begin to offer classes in Thailand. Instead of traveling overseas for Islamic education, aspiring students will have a viable domestic option and, it is hoped, will be less likely to join militant groups overseas. Though officials claim that the educational endeavor is not a direct...

Purity of Chinese Language Debated

September 13, 2004
Since China has opened its economic gates to the rest of the world, a wave of foreign words, ranging from yinqing (engine) to maidanglao (McDonalds) has flooded into its vernacular. While some linguists praise the development as evidence of Chinese vitality and openness, others fear the language is losing its purity. A solution, some propose, would be to enforce the National Language Law of the...

Commonwealth Ministers Move to End Teacher "Poaching"

Polly Curtis September 1, 2004
Friction between rich and poor Commonweath nations has increased amidst accusations of teacher "poaching." Representatives from thirty nations are meeting to discuss the international recruitment of educators. Many member nations have expressed frustration with the practice of developed countries recruiting teachers from those less developed. In several regions, the need is striking...

English Craze Hits Chinese Language Standards

Goh Sui Noi August 30, 2004
The Chinese school system is placing increasing emphasis on learning English, perhaps to the detriment of Chinese language curriculum. English is mandatory in China starting in the third year of primary school, and proficiency is integral for Chinese applying for jobs in foreign companies. However, many criticize the quality of English education and worry that it is detracting from studies in...

English Craze Hits Chinese Language Standards

Goh Sui Noi August 30, 2004
The Chinese school system is placing increasing emphasis on learning English, perhaps to the detriment of Chinese language curriculum. English is mandatory in China starting in the third year of primary school, and proficiency is integral for Chinese applying for jobs in foreign companies. However, many criticize the quality of English education and worry that it is detracting from studies in...

Polls a test for Iraq policy

Roger Maynard August 30, 2004
On October 9, Australians will hold their federal election. The outcome will be the first real test of public support for Canberra's decision to back the US over Iraq. It may also prove a harbinger for the outcome of upcoming elections in the US and Britain. Australian Prime Minister John Howard’s decision to join the Washington’s ‘coalition of the willing’ has been a divisive issue in...

Skepticism Lingers over History Issue

Seo Hyun-jin August 24, 2004
Sometimes history does not fit neatly into a conceptualization of the nation-state. The ancient Goguryeo kingdom has been a source of contention for China and Korea. While both countries claim the region as part of their heritage, the Chinese Foreign Ministry renewed heated debates when it deleted Goguryeo references from its Korean history website. Recent diplomatic negotiations, however,...