The American Way

Having spent almost nine weeks now in the land of the free and the brave I should reflect on some differences. I am in Arkansas (which is above Louisiana) so my experiences are by no means true about the whole of America, its a big place you know. The first thing I noticed was the money. There is so much more of it here than in the UK, at least in terms of university funding.

Rather than have the government subsidise students like in the UK. America relies on a more complicated, yet far more simple system of scholarships and a reliance on philanthropic gifts. Whilst the American way may seem less secure I'd actually argue it is the better system. Scholarships are given by various organisations to individuals that meet set requirements (academic/ethnic/background/religion etc)

The American government also provides scholarships itself and funds the public universities to a certain extent, but the bulk of funding comes from the goodwill of local organisations and citizens. Not only does this give people a greater interest in their communities - it actually works better! People and organisations give impressive sums to see their university grow and thrive. University of Arkansas was recently the benefactor from a $300 million donation from the Sam Walton Institute (The people behind Wal-Mart) and many of the buildings here resemble the headquarters of multi-national corporations more than lecture buildings.

Being here has changed how I view the welfare state. It is far more encouraging to see people actively involved in their communities’ development, rather than assuming that because the government takes so much of their wage packet they are free from responsibility. Power to the people!