Kauno kolegija strengthens ties with the Mexican-Lithuanian community and higher education institutions
During a recent visit to Mexico, a delegation from Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution – comprising Director Dr Andrius Brusokas, Head of the International Relations Unit Povilas Beseckas, and researchers Assoc. Prof. Dr Diana Barragan-Ferrer and Jesus Manuel Barragan-Ferrer – met with the Chairperson of the Mexican-Lithuanian Community, Jolita Mikštaitė. During the meeting, the parties agreed on a broad framework for cooperation between Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution, the diaspora, and Mexican higher education institutions. The discussions highlighted the vital role of the diaspora in strengthening academic, cultural, and professional links between Lithuania and Mexico.
A primary pillar of this collaboration is the expansion of study and research links. The Mexican-Lithuanian community is becoming a strategic partner in establishing connections with Mexican universities, business organisations, and other key players in the innovation ecosystem. This partnership enables the launch of joint Erasmus+ initiatives, international research projects, and academic mobility. Furthermore, the parties will organise joint conferences, lecture cycles, expert discussions, and short-term study and internship programmes for students.
Special attention was given to the recruitment of scientists, researchers, and high-level specialists from Mexico and the wider Latin American region.
‘As we strengthen our international reach and applied research, Kauno kolegija will actively collaborate with members of the Lithuanian diaspora and their professional networks to find partners for joint research. We will carry out lecturer exchanges, visiting scientist programmes, and expert activities,’ the Kauno kolegija representatives stated. According to them, such a partnership will directly contribute to the development of new scientific fields and the creation of a cross-cultural academic environment.
The visit also served as a launchpad for broader partnerships across other Central and South American countries. The region, particularly nations such as Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina, boasts rapidly growing potential in higher education and applied research, supported by strong universities, technology centres, and innovation hubs.
‘These countries are becoming our strategic partners for developing joint research projects and academic exchanges. We will also begin actively attracting students from Latin America to study at Kauno kolegija, particularly in the fields of technology, business, health sciences, design, and creative industries,’ said the representatives.
Growing interest in Europe and practical, market-oriented higher education will allow Kauno kolegija to strengthen its visibility in this region and develop long-term partnerships.
‘We have agreed to collaborate by involving Lithuanian-origin professionals living abroad in mentorship, consultancy, and innovation development. Diaspora representatives will contribute to fostering student entrepreneurship, developing international projects, and expanding market knowledge and contacts with partners across Central and South America. This will be carried out within the fields of business, technology, creative industries, social innovation, and sustainability,’ the representatives added.
This collaboration will also encompass the promotion of Lithuanian heritage, educational initiatives, language training, and cultural events to present Lithuania in Mexico. Such activities will not only strengthen the diaspora’s connection with Lithuania but will also ensure the international visibility of Lithuanian higher education and the growth of new partnerships across the entire Latin American region.