USI welcomes cohort of students, faculty from Mexico

On October 17, USI welcomed its first cohort of students and faculty members from Mexico as part of the Mexican government's plan to have 100,000 Mexican citizens studying in United States colleges and universities by 2018. The initiative, known as "Proyecta 100,000," provides scholarships funded by the Mexican government for the study of English language courses. 

Twenty-four students and faculty members are enrolled in a four-week Intensive English course at USI this month. The goal is to increase their English language skills and knowledge of higher education, as well as American culture by attending daily classes, living on campus, and visiting area attractions. USI is one of a handful of U.S. institutions selected to host a cohort from the State of Mexico this fall. 

The program is administered through USI's Center for International Programs and the Intensive English Program (IEP). As USI students, the Proyecta 100,000 participants have full access to campus facilities and student activities. In addition to participating in IEP courses, their schedule includes day trips to St. Louis, Holiday World, Garden of the Gods, and the local community. Program participants also serve as cultural "ambassadors" through a variety of activities, such as cooking Mexican food in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, providing activities for children at the New Harmony Global Crossroads Culture and Music Festival, and showcasing Mexican folk dances at the Liberal Arts Day of the Dead program. They also will visit an area school.

Reciprocal Initiative

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto launched "Proyecta 100,000" in 2013 as a reciprocal effort to President Barack Obama's signature education initiative, "100,000 Strong in the Americas." The goal of that program is to increase the number of U.S. students studying in the Western Hemisphere to 100,000, and the number of Western Hemisphere students studying in the United States to 100,000 by 2020. 

The initiatives are aimed at enhancing hemispheric competitiveness, increasing prosperity and providing study abroad opportunities to better prepare a globally aware and culturally competent workforce.

For further information please contact Heidi Gregori-Gahan, assistant provost for USI's Center for International Programs at 812-465-1248.