Sector executives believe there is a need for greater cooperation and a better comprehension of the unique needs of the markets in Central and Latin America as well as the US and Canada.
During a roundtable discussion, significant participants talked about the current drivers of demand as well as effective ways to accomplish this.
Waldenor Moraes, an international officer at The Federal University of Uberlândia and vice-president of the Brazilian Association for International Education, believes that cooperation is more important than competition.
“Work together is the essential word. We have room for everyone, he added, with a variety of markets, opinions, and specialisations.
The Boston audience was informed, nevertheless, that North American institutions can and often do make mistakes when it comes to working effectively with adjacent nations.
Moraes gave the example of approaching a Canadian university about working together, but the university was unduly preoccupied with rankings and the number of students it would send.
Rankings are not important to us. Where we work, we have an effect on society. We view university from a distinct angle,” Moraes remarked.
In contrast to their Brazilian counterparts, who are more “word-driven,” he continued, North American institutions sometimes exhibit a “too data-driven” approach.
Global University Systems Canada CEO Cyndi McLeod emphasised the value of institutions learning from locals since they can teach institutions about cultural sensitivity.
By relating these experiences, Moraes is eager to show how North American institutions should think about how they interact with their continental neighbours. She even points out that various institutions within a same nation may require different methods because of these differences.
Assistant provost for global engagement at Florida Atlantic University Mihaela Metianu emphasised the value of equality in all forms of cooperation and cautioned against US institutions acting “superior” at times, saying that this doesn’t “bode well” for productive collaboration.
The panellists seized the chance to discuss the primary drivers of students from North America’s bordering countries’ desire for international education.
According to Marcus DeWitt, founder and CEO of Blue Ivy, many Mexican students are looking for co-ops and internships overseas. These experiences enable them to return home with new abilities, often applying those skills to a family business.