British students seeking oriental studies increased; US studies fall

Statistics published by the British Independent newspaper on 150 British Universities showed that growing numbers of British students have chosen Oriental for this year.

The paper said Tuesday that the war on Iraq was the main reason for the increase of the British youth concern to deepen their knowledge of the situation in the Middle East." The daily pointed out that the universities noticed a considerable increase in the applications for studying the language, culture and history of the region, thereby forcing the universities to turn down some of these applications.

It added that the increase in the interest in Mideast studies accompanied with a big decline in the studies connected with America, as the seats dedicated for these studies were still empty. The Independent said "The growth in popularity of Middle Eastern studies comes after it was revealed that many universities still had vacancies on American studies courses as people shied away from courses that might label them pro-US in the wake of the war in Iraq. Last week, 28 universities still had American studies places unfilled, according to a report. They included places at Essex, Keele, Kent and Swansea."

The Independent added "Falling demand has already prompted five universities to close their American studies departments, and other institutions have cut staff. Keele, which has traditionally had the highest-regarded American studies department, has halved "