But what are the main motivations for Latino students to seek international education?
- Quality in Education
- International Recognition
- Tourism / Live abroad
- Curriculum enhancement
- Escape from the Crisis and/or Violence
- Programs not offered in country
There are a few other factors that lead Latinos to seek international education, although the searching channels are limited. Most students try to find information within their own universities or with study abroad agencies. In addition, they do spend a good time Googling information from social media, websites, etc.
So, it is easy to see that LATAM is a very important Region in terms of International Education, more now with actual political issues and with many people looking for options to live/study abroad. Also, an important growing middle class is emerging. In the past, most students were interested in English language courses, now people are looking for other options, and Vocational & H.E. are becoming more popular. On the other hand, educational agents know and understand more H.E. & Foundation studies, but still confuse students, so Agents or local Representatives are still necessary to get good numbers. And something very important, LATAM is a very price-sensitive market, and students are always looking for Scholarships.
With this LATAM scenario and considering the Latino students' profile, it is where the Country of Russia appears as another and a new great option for Latinos. Russia, that distant, giant, foreign country and of which not much is known in LATAM, can be an opportunity for those thousands of Latinos looking for something else, cheaper options and great experiences abroad.
In fact, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Russia is the most educated country in the world, leaving behind, in terms of this index to Canada, Japan, Israel and the USA. More than half of Russians have higher education. Every year more than 270,000 people from 168 countries around the world come to study at Russian universities.