Influenza will affect student mobility
31 Jul 2009
Almost a third of all international students in Mexico returned to their home country after the outbreak of the influenza A H1N1 virus. Furthermore, US universities have cancelled their summer programmes in Mexico. Mexican higher education institutions were closed for about ten days.
Nuffic Neso Mexico was operational during the entire period to answer questions about the situation. While most Dutch higher education institutions decided to keep their students in Mexico well informed, they decided against recalling them to the Netherlands.
Although some students did return after consulting their home institution, most took the recommended precautionary measures and waited until the higher education institution opened their doors again.
Inbound mobility affected
The real effect on future student mobility is yet to be seen. Mexican inbound mobility, in particular, will be affected. Students are hesitant about going to Mexico because of the influenza A H1N1 virus (mistakenly referred to as ‘Mexican flu’ in the Dutch media). Provided there is no new outbreak in the autumn, hopefully this hesitancy will prove to be short term only.
The Consortium for North American Higher Education (CONAHEC) and the Mexican Association for International Education (AMPEI), have launched a joint website for information about the influenza A H1N1 and international education.