News

Mexican Ambassador to Ireland Welcomed to Institute

11/10/2018

Mexican-Ambassor-Visits-IT-CarlowMexican Ambassador to Ireland Mr Miguel Malfavón, was a recent visitor to Institute of Technology Carlow.

The ambassador was welcomed by Vice-President for Development and Research Declan Doyle, who gave a presentation in the Haughton Building showcasing the Institute and its many programmes and facilities. The Ambassador met with several members of staff before and after the presentation, including representatives from the Design Gateway team and the international office.

Traditionally, Mexicans study at US universities and colleges but this is now changing, said Mr. Doyle, with Mexican students looking further afield for their studies. Approximately 30,000 Mexican students are thought to be currently studying abroad and the latest available figures show an increase of 1,500 students each year. While the USA is still the number one destination for Mexican students, the number of students opting to study in other European countries is increasing. 

With Mexico boasting a population of over 120 million, Mr. Doyle compared its size to Europe and said the size and scale of the country should be recognised as such with each region presenting different challenges and requirements. With nearly 2 million square kilometres of continental territory, Mexico is large enough to accommodate 23 European countries inside its territory.

In addition to Mexico's embassy in Dublin, Mexico has three consulates in Cork, Galway and Limerick. Ireland has two representations in Mexico - an embassy in Mexico City a consulate in Cancun.


Afterwards Carlow Chamber of Commerce hosted a Trade Connections Ambassadors reception and discussion on trade, led by Brian O’Farrell, at which the ambassador was guest of honour.