2005 News Releases
September 22, 2005Promoting Alberta’s post-secondary programs the focus of Hancock’s mission to Mexico
Edmonton... Fostering international post-secondary opportunities among Alberta's and Mexico's students, teachers, educational institutions, and businesses will be key priorities during Advanced Education and Technology Minister Dave Hancock's mission to Mexico September 26-30. He will be joined by representatives from 12 Alberta post-secondary institutions.
Hancock will officially open an Alberta Education Centre in Guadalajara, sign a new Memorandum of Understanding with the state of Jalisco's Secretariat of Education, participate in meetings with senior government representatives, and promote Alberta's post-secondary sector to partner institutions and businesses.
"Engaging the world is a key piece of Alberta's 20-year strategic plan and that includes Albertans studying abroad and international students coming to study here," said Hancock. "It is crucial Alberta build strong educational links with Mexico and this mission will help achieve that. The North American Free Trade Agreement is not just about trading with the U.S. - it is also about Mexico. These linkages enable Alberta to compete in the global marketplace and contribute to the world."
Alberta and various states in Mexico have enjoyed a cooperative relationship in many areas, including education. Examples of Alberta-Mexico educational partnerships include:
- Mount Royal College's student and faculty exchange agreement with the University of Colima
- Red Deer College's student exchange with University of Atemajac Valley
- University of Alberta's joint degree program with Institute of Technology and Higher Studies of Monterrey
- University of Calgary's academic cooperation and scientific research collaboration with Centre for Research and Advanced Studies
- University of Lethbridge's student exchange agreement with the Panamerican University.
In 2003, Mexico ranked ninth as a source country for international students studying in Alberta. In the same year, Alberta welcomed 246 Mexican students to study in programs of six months in length or greater.
The cost of the mission for Hancock and a member of his staff is approximately $22,850.
Backgrounder
Itinerary for Mexico Mission*
Monday, September 26
- Depart Edmonton
- Arrive in Guadalajara, Mexico
- Meet with Alberta delegation
Tuesday, September 27
- Deliver opening remarks at an Alberta Contract Training Session
- Meetings with University of Guadalajara and Autonomous University of Guadalajara representatives
- Meeting with officials from the Secretariat of Economic Development and Secretariat of Agriculture of Aguascalientes
- Ribbon-cutting ceremony for official opening of Alberta Education Centre, private reception and MOU signing with Jalisco government's Secretariat of Education
Wednesday, September 28
- Meetings with officials from the University of Atemajac Valley and the Institute of Technology and Higher Studies of Monterrey
- Depart Guadalajara for Mexico City
- Arrive in Mexico City
Thursday, September 29
- Meetings with officials from the Federal District government's Secretariat of the Environment, and the Secretariat of Public Education
- Meetings with the National Council of Science and Technology
- Mission wrap-up meeting with Alberta delegation
Friday, September 30
- Depart Mexico City in morning and arrive back in Edmonton in afternoon
The post-secondary institutions participating in the mission:
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