Introducing the Study Tour

The Association of University Administrators exists to advance and promote the professional recognition and development of all who work in professional services roles in higher education, and to be an authoritative advocate and champion for the sector.  Established over 50 years ago, the AUA is an inclusive membership-led professional body with more than 4,500 members both in the UK and around the world. 

The international study tour is arranged on an (usually) annual basis by the AUA’s International Higher Education Network for the benefit of members and to strengthen international links between the AUA and overseas organisations.   

This study tour will visit the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders) between 10 and 13 November 2015, making a number of institutional visits in Leiden, Delft, Amsterdam, and Antwerp. It has three objectives.

• To undertake a fact finding mission and produce a report on the Dutch and Belgian (Flemish) HE systems which incorporates analysis of similarities and differences and considers ways of sharing best practise; 
• To enable participants to gain an international perspective on aspects of HE decision making, policy and practise; 
• To allow tour participants the opportunity to challenge their existing notions about HE and undertake research in a non-UK environment.

A key deliverable will be a report of the findings, along with associated dissemination activites. This blog will also give a commentary on the development of the tour: before, during and after.

Between now and the tour, we'll be introducing the team and giving you a preview of the issues we will be looking at, and why the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders) are such interesting HE systems to study.