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.