The University of Glasgow has announced a new student exchange programme between the University itself, Columbia University in New York and the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

RBS is currently recruiting two student interns from Columbia University to work for a local branch here in Glasgow, and two local students will work for the bank in New York City this summer. The interns will be students about to start their final year at each university.

"This is the inaugural step in an exchange programme we all anticipate will grow in future years," explains Dr Christopher Pratt at Columbia University, "This work exemplifies the best spirit of Scottish and American ingenuity, creativity and leadership."

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to work on such an exciting development, which is entirely in keeping with our commitment to enhancing student employability," said Jane Weir, director of Careers Service at the University of Glasgow.

In addition, the three institutions are also collaborating on efforts to expand work at each university to include joint international entrepreneurship training with a business plan competition and small business incubator. The three are also looking at ways to help put these young entrepreneurs to work on behalf of small enterprises in Scotland and around the world.

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For more details please contact Mike Findlay in the University Press Office on 0141 330-8593, or email: m.findlay@admin.gla.ac.uk.

First published: 13 April 2004