Statement From The White House Promises To Boost International Student Mobility Between USA And Mexico.

North American leaders have released a statement from the White House announcing their support for Mexico's international education initiative,  Proyecta 100,000. Although this is a positive outcome for Mexico, there is still speculation as to whether the initiative has implemented enough changes to immigration laws.

Mexico's goal for student recruitment to the USA is 100,000 by 2018. The initiative also plans to increase the number of American students in Mexico to 50,000 by 2018. 

There are number of plans outlined in the initiative including: Visa processing strategies for swifter approvals, top ups on student fees for struggling families and students. Mexico and the US plan a number of measures to overcome specific barriers to student mobility, including visa processing and tuition fee gaps. And for Mexican students to have the English language incorporated and ingrained into the curriculum and students from a younger age-implemented for the majority, throughout core subjects. 

Proyecta 100,000 is designed to work in synergy alongside the 100,000 Strong In The America's initiative (also designed to boost student mobility), “The potential to develop cooperation in higher education, innovation and research to benefit citizens of both countries must be seized,” states the statement released by the participating countries.

I believe the initiative will benefit the students and the future of each country greatly. However, the numbers quoted as goals for the future of student mobility are ambitious, too ambitious some might say. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next few years. 

Amber Williams

Bearla International Studies.