The AA was founded in 1847, which makes it the oldest independent architectural school in the UK. It prides itself for its continued position as the ‘Avant Garde’ of the field, granting it the position of one of the most prestigious and competitive schools of architecture in the world. The students of the AA have been instructed by many eminent architectural figures, such as the more renowned architect, with Arabic roots, Zaha Hadid. In addition, the AA is the one of most international architectural school, attracting students from more than 60 countries. This has been the strongest aspect of the school as it, not only creates a large network of innovative architects around the world, but also brings in much diverse knowledge and creativity into the school.