Tec de Monterrey and Canada seek more international exchanges

Consul of Canada Sandra Shaddick visited the Monterrey campus of Tecnológico de Monterrey to strengthen ties in order to offer international experiences.

The visit was intended to publicize the Tec’s internationalization and educational innovation initiatives and to strengthen partnerships between the institution and Canada.

Eric Walsh, Director General of North America Strategy at Global Affairs Canada, and Karen Serdan, Trade Commissioner to the Education Sector at the Consulate, also participated in the visit on November 26, 2021.

Canadian delegation learns about the Tec’s international initiatives and programs

The visit was led by José Manuel Páez, Vice Rector for Internationalization at the Tec, who shared some of Tec de Monterrey’s projects and achievements. 

“I’m very excited to be able to share my office’s initiatives and achievements with the Consulate General of Canada in Monterrey,” said Páez.

“I’m sure that we will continue to strengthen our bond through international experiences and internationalization initiatives,” he added.

Similarly, the consul of Canada in Monterrey reiterated that the relationship between her country and Tec de Monterrey is becoming stronger as both want to continue cooperating on different projects, especially international programs.

“There are a lot of Mexican students going to Canada and Canadian students coming here.

“It’s important for our countries and our bilateral relations. At the Consulate General of Canada, we are working to make this relationship grow. It’s great and I hope it’ll get even better,” said Shaddick.

“It is important for our countries and our bilateral relations.” - Sandra Shaddick, consul of Canada in Monterrey

A tour was also given to present educational innovation projects, such as the Virtual Tec Campus, a virtual simulated campus where students use an avatar to participate in activities. 

On the Canadian delegation’s visit were Virtual Reality projects, classes with hologram-projected professors, urban development initiatives like DistritoTec, and the recently opened Wellness Center and Central Park spaces.

“It’s incredible how the Tec is using technology to gradually break down borders. 10 or 20 years ago, when I was studying at university, I couldn’t even imagine (these opportunities); they didn’t even exist then. 

“I’m very impressed. We have had a wonderful visit,” said Sandra Shaddick.

Student mobility figures between the Tec and Canada

Some international mobility program figures between the Tec and Canada were presented during the visit.

2,835 students had international experiences between 2016 and 2021 as a result of the partnership between the Tec and Canada.

During the same period, more than 2,353 undergraduate students studied on academic exchange programs in Canada, while 446 Canadian students studied at Tec de Monterrey.

The University of British Columbia, McGill University, Université Laval, and Vancouver Film School are some of the Canadian universities that receive the most Tec students.

The majority of Canadian students coming to study at Tec de Monterrey are from HEC Montréal, The University of British Columbia, and Université Laval.

“Cooperation (between the Tec and Canada) is very strong. We really value our relationship with the Tec,” Shaddick said.