The missions were conducted in collaboration with student travel consultancy StudentMarketing, with the aim to increase the number of high school students coming from the region to study in Canada.

Representatives travelled to Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico at the end of February, and Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte in Brazil two weeks ago, for market briefings held by Canadian embassy staff, and to attend seminars and formal meetings between schools and agency representatives.

“We had more interest from both our member school districts and agency representatives wanting to participate than we could accommodate”

“We had more interest from both our member school districts and agency representatives wanting to participate in our recent events in Mexico and Brazil than we could accommodate,” said Bonnie McKie, executive director of CAPS-I.

“There is clearly strong, mutual interest in developing new relationships in both markets. Our members look forward to welcoming more students from Latin America into their public schools in addition to exploring other opportunities for collaboration.”

Seven per cent of Canada’s international students come from the Latin America and Caribbean region, with Brazil and Mexico having a 90% success rate in visa applications.

Since the CAPS-I missions took place, organisers have confirmed that agreements have already been signed between the schools and local agency representatives in Latin America, and student applications are currently being filled.