Mexico: a market to investigate
A flying visit to a Mexican-focussed agent workshop has confirmed to our Market Development and Insights Manager, Roz McGill, that the country has definite potential for English UK members.
"Our statistics show that it is one of the current standout markets for UK ELT. In 2024, it was our 14th source market, up from 20th the year before. Although student numbers were relatively small – at just under 5,000 students - it sent 145% of its 2019 student week volume. And figures for 2025 from our voluntary QUIC scheme indicate this market has continued to grow this year.
"But the UK only hosts 6% of Mexican outbound ELT student weeks, so there is plenty of scope for further growth by gaining market share from other countries," said Roz. Until now, preferred destinations have been Canada and the USA, but visa caps and other geopolitical changes have now made both destinations less attractive to students.
She added: "Demand for the UK is strong and growing. A lot of it is not just down to the beauty of our country, but external factors. There is product potential for adults and juniors, and the UK is expert in these products. Agents are interested in the UK but broadly speaking are currently aware only of larger chains or those with in-country reps. I'd suggest interested centres to raise their profile there."
Agents advise students to consider UK ELT
Conversations Roz had with Mexican agents revealed they are advising students who do not already have a visa for the USA to consider the UK for ELT. The new ETA route makes it much easier for non-visa nationals such as Mexicans to come for a short course.
"Visa-wise, we are competitive for short courses. The problem remains the time difference and it being more of a challenge to get here. There are direct flights from Mexico City to London, and to other cities via European hubs. If you book in advance, flights to London are not a dissimilar cost to flying to Vancouver and the courses themselves are comparable," she said.
Agreement signed with Mexican agent association
Roz attended ST Alphe Secondary in Mexico City where around 75 of the agents were new to English UK. Targeting these, she spent two days in meetings promoting the UK market, English UK members, British Council agent training and more.
She also met agent association AMTE (Asociación Mexicana de Turismo Educativo). They are about to sign a memorandum of understanding with English UK, agreeing to work together to share information, promote each other and provide best practice and education for students.
Meeting Mexican agents
Roz has encouraged new agents to consider attending our own StudyWorld events, including StudyWorld Online in 2026 as a travel-free way to meet English UK members for the first time.
For English UK members prepared to travel, three commercial B2B organisers have in-country events next year:
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