A prestigious international exchange programme is to launch its first-ever summer school for American students in Scotland.
The University of Dundee and the University of Strathclyde will host the Fulbright Scotland Summer Institute next year.
The flagship educational and cultural change programme aims to promote mutual understanding between the people of the US and those in more than 155 countries.
Students from American universities will compete for the chance to spend five weeks in either Dundee or Glasgow, with 10 selected to come to Scotland next June for an intensive programme of lectures, seminars and cultural visits.
First Minister Alex Salmond welcomed the news that the scheme was to host its first Scottish summer school. "Scotland has a rich and proud tradition of excellence in education and has long attracted students from around the world," Mr Salmond said.
"We are extremely proud of this heritage and want to ensure that this remains the case for future generations. That is why I am pleased that this prestigious international organisation will host its first Scottish summer school shortly.
"I believe this will build on our existing work with the Fulbright Commission and further cement the links between American and Scottish universities."
The successful bid to the US-UK Fulbright Commission by the universities was announced after a memorandum of understanding was signed between them and the Commission.
Penny Egan, executive director of the US-UK Fulbright Commission, said: "The Fulbright Commission has been growing its programme in Scotland with the welcome support of the Scottish Government.
"We are delighted that Dundee and Strathclyde universities are combining forces to host our first summer school in Scotland."
