At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Brown University President Ruth J. Simmons and businessman Idan Ofer have announced the establishment of a new, multimillion-dollar scholarship fund designed to educate students from Africa and to encourage them to return to their home countries after graduation. Ofer has pledged more than $5 million to establish the Advancing Africa Scholarship Fund.

Palestinian student Khaled al-Mudallal arrived home to Gaza on a mission to marry his fiancee Duaa then spirit her back to Britain where he would complete his university degree.

NYU today announced that it has signed a letter of intent with Tel Aviv University (TAU) to develop a Study Abroad site in Israel. The program is expected to open during the 2008-09 academic year, and it is projected that up to 50 students per semester will study there. It is hoped that “NYU in Tel Aviv” will also offer research opportunities for graduate students and faculty.