British Council hosted the largest Education UK Exhibition ever in Colombia after 7 years of absence.
43 UK Institutions together with Colombian Agencies Colfuturo, Colciencias, Icetex, UKBA, represented the largest Education UK offer in the region with 48 participating institutions.
As a result of this, more than 2,500 new fans to the BC Colombia Facebook page and a more dynamic use of Twitter, with colleagues replicating the message to encourage visiting the exhibition, proved to be extremely successful.
4,166 people registered to attend the exhibition in Bogota, plus another 1,164 in Medellin.
Over 200 key stakeholders and partners attended the opening which in Bogotá included a welcome by the Minister of Education and HM Ambassador and the Governor of Antioquia and Local Education Authorities in Medellín.
When referring to the Education UK Exhibition, the Minister said: "It shows the importance of strengthening academic integration and internationalization in both academic and research scenarios in higher education between Colombia and the UK"
The Governor of Antioquia, on the other hand stated that: "People’s talent can make extraordinary human beings. Scientists and people who can make a difference in Antioquia." He added that "this is the best way to establish the basis for an exchange of science and education between the two countries."
The events in both cities were busy from beginning to end. 2367 people managed to enter the exhibition in Bogotá during the two days, while 767 people attended the event in Medellín.
A total of 3,134 visitors in 3 days and 2 cities exceeded not just our expectations in terms of quantity but quality.
Heather McKeever, Regional Manager Americas from from the University of Reading provided the following piece of feedback: "I found the exhibition one of the best I have attended. The students had prepared well, and knew what the subjects they wanted to follow." She also added: "the event has exceeded my expectations. The reception facilitated connections with stakeholders, which will enable us to fulfil our research aspirations with Colombia."