Australian-Latin American Trade Relations in Educational Services

Abstract

This chapter discusses the increasing trade in educational services from Latin American countries to Australia and the spillover effects on bilateral trade. Education has played a pivotal role in building and fostering deeper and stronger links between Australia and Latin American countries. While the focus of this chapter is on the educational services dimension, it touches on various elements that underpin Australia’s relationship with the Latin American region. In particular this chapter brings into perspective student and academic mobility and the study choices made by Latin American students in Australia. The chapter goes on to reflect upon the Latin American migrant experience and highlights how migrant experiences have contributed to shaping Australia’s ties with the countries of the region. In closing, the chapter includes recommendations for ways to increase educational development opportunities, enhance two-way trade, and strengthen relations over the long term. There is a growing maturity in the nature of relations between Australia and Latin American countries, combined with an improved knowledge about each other’s role in world and regional affairs. Globalization and technological development, among many drivers of change, have also brought Australia and Latin America a lot closer. Australia is becoming a preferred destination for Latin American students, and this student mobility is shaping a base for strengthening bilateral trade relations between Australia and key Latin American nations.