Mexico is the ninth country of origin for students studying in the United States, with over 13,500 Mexican students enrolled, primarily in undergraduate programs. Mexican students choose to study in the United States because of the strong ties between the countries, proximity, and the prestige of the higher education system in the United States. Approximately two percent of foreign students in the United States are from Mexico.

*Source: Open Doors 2011

In recent years, most universities in Mexico, public and private, have started to develop international collaboration with foreign universities. In addition, the National Council of Science and Technology provides financial aid to graduate students who wish to study overseas. Student exchange will increase in the coming years because there is more information available, competitive education is growing and study and work experiences gained in foreign countries are more accepted in the business community.

There is also a demand for English language competency within Mexican higher education. Several Mexican private universities use the TOEFL Institutional exam as a requirement for students in all fields of study to increase the knowledge of a second language in this competitive market. It is estimated that about 5% of Mexican ESL students travel abroad for intensive English programs.

Training Services:

Training opportunities in Mexico have increased in recent years. Private industry and local government entities have recognized that staff with the right balance of general and work specific competencies, personal attributes and interpersonal skills is increasingly required if Mexico wants to remain competitive in the global market.

Training in Mexico is basically divided into two segments: technical and executive training.

As technical training can be very specialized and unique according to the company’s needs, some companies have a training department to deliver in-house programs. It is also common to partner with vocational schools to jointly develop technical courses.

In regards to executive training, private universities have developed “continuing education programs” as well as customized executive programs adapted to the needs of the industry. Soft skills training such as coaching programs are in great demand in Mexico.

Best Prospects/Services

Short term ESL programs for students
Student recruitment for engineering, business administration and environment/energy areas
Corporate training programs in management, as well as executive-level language proficiency programs
Dual-degree programs / collaborative programs in international business & management, engineering programs, environmental technology, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, etc. (Undergraduate and graduate level)
Technical programs

Opportunities

Mexican public and private colleges are focusing on alliances and agreements with foreign schools to provide joint programs, dual certification and exchange programs for students and professors. These programs have become more important as Mexico has become a key player in the world economy.

Also, technical programs for the automotive, health and services industries have strong potential in Mexico.

Resources

Education USA – Mexico: http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/educationusa

Secretaría de Educación Pública: http://www.sep.gob.mx

Asociación Nacional de Universidades y Escuelas de Educación Superior:

http://www.anuies.mx

For more information on the education/training sector in Mexico, please contact:

Ms. Martha Sanchez, Commercial Assistant

U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Embassy Mexico City

Tel: (011-52-55) 5140-2621

Fax: (011-52-55) 5566-1111

martha.sanchez@trade.gov

Print | Last Updated: 6/5/12 3:06 PM