Europe is now becoming a viable alternative destination to the US for international students. This is driven in part because of a number of universities choosing to teach in English in Europe and also because of the continuing fall-out in the USA from the events surrounding September 11.

I would add two points Kris Olds discussion on Aisha Labi’s article in tomorrow’s Chronicle of Higher Education: money and quality. As a former European college student in the States, the numbers don’t add up. It was great to walk into the professor’s office without an appointment; I even correspond with two professors today, here’s the but: higher education is simply overpriced and targets those who can afford it. Please tell me about community colleges or A students from the Bronx getting into Columbia, it’s 0,2%.

Before I decided upon my journey into American higher ed, I applied to several German universities, who were nearly free a few years ago, now we’re looking at Euros 500 a semester. I assumed that small classes, rich campus life, progressive professors coupled with a speedy completion due to financial pressure, college was a simple choice. In hindsight, I did learn valuable on-the-job skills and got a great job after my senior year during California’s boom years. If I look into the future, either my kids get a scholarship at Harvard or I’ll pay for a European university.