We're only unclogging the 'brain circulation' (1 of 2)

It is flattering that the chief executive of Universities UK has been so impressed by the "marketing" of Dutch universities in the UK that she has spent some of her valuable time writing about it in Times Higher Education ("A case of double Dutch", 12 April).

However, I have to question her implication that prospective UK students and their parents are being deceived by media coverage. Every one of Maastricht University's press releases about our British intake and (to my knowledge) every story published in response has stated clearly the actual number of UK applicants or entrants we have received.

British students are not stupid and can judge for themselves how significant this is. What matters to them is having more high-quality study options with good graduate employment prospects. I make no apologies for being able to offer them that.

Where I agree with Nicola Dandridge is that international student mobility is a general good and we should do more to encourage it. UK students at Maastricht understand the value of an international education delivered in small classes. The fact that so many Dutch students come to study in the UK is part of a European "brain circulation" that I hope we will see more of in future.

Martin Paul, President, Maastricht University