Strengthening Links: Some reflections on the value of an academic exchange

It has long been a tradition for academic staff at universities to move to another institution, preferably in another country, for an extended visit of between three and twelve months to pursue research objectives. The very idea of study leave at most universities is in fact to give the academic concerned a block of time free from the usual teaching and administrative commitments, to meet colleagues in other places, exchange ideas and experiences and to initiate or complete research projects that might otherwise not see the light of day. Usually such leave does not involve teaching commitments apart from the occasional guest lecture or seminar: the individual concerned is free to study, to travel, carry out fieldwork, consult with colleagues, and above all, to write.