The first ever UK universities fair in Paraguay took place in Asunción on 9-10 October at two prestigious venues: the Central Bank and the Colegio Americano (ASA). It was a GREAT success. 15 UK universities signed up, double the number initially expected.
The universities were overwhelmed by the high turnout and impressed by the quality and good levels of English of the Paraguayan students they spoke to. Many of the international liaison officers said it was one of the best fairs they had attended in Latin America in recent years. They now look forward to receiving more high quality applications from Paraguay. The good turnout was helped by a major publicity campaign on social media, radio, TV and in local newspapers.
Parallel briefing sessions on the British Government’s Chevening scholarship programme and Paraguay’s recently launched ‘Carlos Antonio Lopez’ scholarship scheme were equally popular and generated lively Q&A sessions. There were also presentations on British culture and how to apply for a UK visa, as well as opportunities to chat more informally with ex-Chevening scholars.
Chevening seeks to target young, ambitious students with leadership potential. Selection is based purely on merit. The Embassy has successfully expanded Chevening from 1 to 9 scholarships in just two years. We are currently negotiating an agreement with ‘Carlos Antonio Lopez’ that should boost Chevening numbers still further. Watch this space.
Besides talking to hundreds of prospective students, the universities also had productive business meetings with the Central Bank, Planning Ministry (STP), Ministry of Education, and Paraguayan universities – all of which should lead to increased educational exchanges between the two countries.
For most of the Universities it was their first visit to Paraguay, but given the success of the fair and the warm welcome they received definitely not their last! All said they looked forward to returning to Paraguay next year.
The fair demonstrated beyond doubt that investing in young people is the best investment the British Government can make in the future of Paraguay and our bilateral relations.