Lessons Learned? Internationalization of Higher Education in Mexico from (A)H1N1 to COVID-19

Abstract

Mexico faced two public-health crises in the span of eleven years: the (A)H1N1 crisis and the current one by COVID-19. Differences in magnitude and impact between them are notable; still, for higher education each one compromised the continuity of academic and administrative activities including international programs. In this chapter we analyze, from an organizational perspective, whether or not, and to what extent the response of Mexican HEIs to the 2009 crisis informed their response to the current one. We also explore potential learnings that internationalization offices gained from such experience and if those were applicable facing the Covid-19 crisis. We draw our data from interviews with 21 participants—current SIOs and experts in higher education—as well as a survey previously conducted by CONAHEC. Key findings support our recommendations for HEIs in Mexico and elsewhere, to capitalize on current experience with the COVID-19 pandemic and be prepared for imminent future crises.