This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.

This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
 

Overview

The United States is a leading destination for education and training services for Honduras, which steadily continues to lead Central America as the #1 country in the region to send international students to the United States. According to the 2017 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, improvement in bilingual education in-country and increased visibility and availability of Education USA advising services, have had a positive impact on mobility to the United States.

For the region combined (Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica), the number of Central Americans studying in the United States reached a total of 6,419 during the 2017/18 academic year, representing an increase of 0.6% compared to the previous year. Among the key reasons why Central American students choose U.S. higher education institutions are the geographic proximity, a high-quality education system, a wide variety of institutions and higher education programs, good living environments and the possibility of living with relatives while studying. In addition, studying abroad represents an opportunity to be more competitive and increases the possibility for better employment in national or multinational corporations.
 

 2015201620172018
Students Studying in the U.S. from Honduras1,7601,9852,0462,104
Source: 2017 Open Doors Report


Leading Sub Sectors

Students from Honduras are primarily attracted to the following degree programs in the United States:
  • U.S. universities (undergraduate and graduate degrees), 2+2 programs and community colleges with tuition fees lower than $20,000
  • Intensive and short English Language Programs (from 1 month up to 1 year) for students, teachers, and adults
  • Vocational trainings
  • Online programs
  • Summer Camps


Opportunities

Honduran students in general are interested in scholarships and financial aid opportunities when evaluating universities. Community college degrees represent an appealing opportunity for Hondurans due to lower tuition fees, as well as the need to equip the labor force with more technical and management skills.

Undergraduate studies are usually preferred, followed by graduate and non-degree programs. In addition to scholarship opportunities, the market typically looks at aspects such as location, ranking, tuition and living costs, promotional allowances, majors, accreditations, and work-study opportunities.

Top fields of academic interest for Honduras students include engineering, technology, science and mathematics, business administration, social sciences and fine and applied arts. At present, the top receiving states for students from Honduras are Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, New York, Massachusetts, California, and Virginia. Main competitor countries are Canada, Mexico, Spain, Germany, France, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Chile, and Argentina.

The “100,000 Strong in the Americas” Initiative, announced by President Obama in 2011, represents an opportunity to increase the number of exchange students between Central America and the United States. All U.S. Embassies and EDUCATION USA offices in the region are committed to work with the business community to promote professional development and increase the number of students studying in the U.S. Through grants competitions, the 100K Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund provides funds for innovative partnerships between U.S. and Latin American and Caribbean institutions of higher education. 

On July 2017, Honduras launched the government sponsored Presidential Program for International Scholarships “Honduras 20/20,” aimed at supporting graduate studies abroad for students with academic excellence. The program gives priority to areas under the economic development program “Honduras 2020,” which seeks to generate 600,000 new jobs and sharply boost exports by expanding and adding value to key investment sectors including textiles, manufacturing, tourism, and business services.

For student recruitment strategies and exploring the Honduras market, it is highly recommended for U.S. academic institutions to:
  • Seek partnerships or agreements with public or private universities to facilitate exchange programs for students and professors, recognition of credits and/or dual certification;
  • Travel to the market to meet face-to-face with school counselors, parents, and higher education institution officers;
  • Participate in local recruitment campaigns, student fairs, trade missions, and outreach events in high schools, public venues, and universities;
  • Provide in-depth information about programs and the application processes;
  • Describe opportunities of scholarships and financial aid;
  • Engage in digital and social media marketing.

 

Web Resources

U.S. Department of Commerce/Global Education Team: http://www.export.gov/industry/education
NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo (May 26-31, 2019 Washington, D.C.): http://www.nafsa.org

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.