University of Southampton apologizes to Brazil students
After harshly criticizing the Brazilian scholarship-holders under the Science Without Borders (SwB) Program, the University of Southampton, England, apologized by e-mail to all students for the message sent through SwB UK—which runs the program in the UK—complaining about students’ lack of engagement. The university said that the note should not have reached all 38 SwB students whose participation in the program began in 2013.
“I understand the frustration and confusion this may have caused, especially due to the dedication you have had,” read the message, signed by Sara Higgins, from the university's international department. She added she had already requested an apology from SwB UK, but said only eight exchange students received it.
On Thursday (Sep 18), after being informed of SwB UK’s e-mail, President Dilma Rousseff expressed support for the SwB Program—one of the main initiatives in her administration—by underscoring that those who have not showed diligence “are regretfully discrediting the country,” and that students must prove to be really dedicated before they are afforded a scholarship overseas by the government.
Higgins told Agência Brasil that the institution “is proud to be part of the program, and hopes to welcome an increasingly large number of high-caliber students.” The University of Southampton ranks among the leading universities for researchers.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: University of Southampton apologize to Brazil students
