In March, a delegation of nearly 40 presidents, presidential spouses, and senior campus leaders from 24 CIC member colleges and universities will travel to Guadalajara, Mexico, to explore further opportunities for partnerships between U.S. and Mexican colleges and universities. The three-day meeting, which is supported by the Mexican Federation of Private Higher Education Institutions (FIMPES) and Santander Universidades and Universia, will emphasize the importance of international education in today’s political climate.

While in Guadalajara, presidents from the United States and their institutional colleagues will visit three Mexican higher education institutions: Tecnológico de Monterrey, Universidad Panamericana, and Universidad del Valle de Atemajac. Participants also will meet with the U.S. Consul General in Guadalajara, Tanya C. Anderson, and with local, state, and national Mexican officials. The delegation and Mexican university rectors and higher education association leaders will discuss student and faculty exchange programs, articulation agreements, global leadership, vocational discernment, and civil rights.

CIC President Richard Ekman affirmed, “CIC is committed to the support of international exchange and study, which are highly valuable parts of the undergraduate experience. International exchange is key to developing meaningful, long-lasting opportunities around the world for faculty members and students.”

A 2017 Presidents Institute session on study abroad and student exchange explored how expanding international education opportunities can maximize the advantages of independent colleges and universities. Presenters included Fernando León García, president of CETYS University (Mexico); Richanne C. Mankey, president of Defiance College (OH); Dan E. Davidson, president of American Councils for International Education (DC); James H. Mullen, Jr., president of Allegheny College (PA); and Elizabeth J. Stroble, president of Webster University (MO).

Source The Council of Independent Colleges