DALLAS
– A Coalition of Texas colleges and universities, with support
from the local U.S. Department of Commerce office, will be traveling
to Mexico this Spring in hopes of attracting Mexican students to
their campuses.
Despite
a temporary decline following the September 11th terrorist attacks,
the United States continues to be the most popular destination for
international students. Estimates indicate that foreign students
contribute over $12 billion annually to the national economy. With
increasing demand to develop and maintain diverse student bodies
(coupled with the opportunity to profit from the $20,000 the average
foreign student spends annually), schools are realizing the benefits
of recruiting worldwide – for themselves and the economy of
their community.
During
the 2002/2003 school year, 45,000 foreign students were enrolled
in some level of higher education in Texas. Recognizing an opportunity
to improve on these numbers Greg Thompson, Senior Trade Specialist
at the U.S. Department of Commerce office for North Texas, formed
Lone Star Educators – a Coalition devoted to promoting the
benefits of receiving an education in Texas to prospective students
worldwide. By pooling resources, Coalition members are able to market
themselves more cost-effectively in the international arena.
The
trade mission will be held from April 26th through May 1st with
stops in Mexico City and Monterrey. Each stop will include a formal
reception for local government, school officials, alumni and guidance
counselors followed by a mini-trade fair open to Mexican students.
Participating schools include: Angelo State University, Baylor University,
Mary Hardin-Baylor, Dallas Baptist University, St. Edward’s
University, St. Mary’s University, UT – Arlington, UT
– Permian Basin, Texas Woman’s University and Stephen
F. Austin State University.
#
# # |
