Memorandums of understanding (MoU) in education and training are developed to formalise relationships between the Australian Department of Education (DoE) and education ministries in foreign countries. Areas of cooperation include:
- staff exchanges
- development of institutional links
- co-operation in research and development
- recognition of qualifications and credit transfer
- exchange of information on education policy, systems, curriculum development, governance,
- education materials, etc.,
- and development of twinning programs1
As example of the Australian government policies to enhance the connections between Australia and Latin America are the Memorandum of Understanding signed over the past 15 years with several countries:
Argentina
The Government of Australia and the Government of the Argentine Republic signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in the Field of Education and Training on 26 March 2001. The Memorandum provides a framework within which the two Governments can jointly consider programs of co-operation in education and training based on reciprocity and mutual benefit.
Brazil
The Government of Australia and the Government of Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in the Field of Education and Training on 25 April 2005. The Memorandum provides a framework within which the two Governments can jointly consider programs of co-operation in education and training based on reciprocity and mutual benefit.
- Download the Brazil MoU (4.2Mb pdf)
Colombia
The Government of Australia and the Government of Colombia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in the Field of Education and Training on 6 August 2002 in Canberra. This formalises the education and training relationship between the two countries. The Memorandum provides a framework within which the two Governments can jointly consider programs of co-operation in education and training based on reciprocity and mutual benefit. Some examples of co-operation that the MoU provides for include: mutual assistance and exchange of information in areas of interest in schools, vocational and higher education; facilitation of the organisation of relevant specialised exhibitions and seminars; support for the development of collaborative training, joint research, technology transfer, and joint ventures between appropriate authorities and institutions; and regulate education in both countries, Academies, Universities and exchange of information regarding institutions that promote and other education institutions. The Memorandum is to be in effect for five years and after the expiry of that time, unless otherwise arranged, it will come into effect for a further five years.
- Download the Colombia MoU (185kb pdf)
Mexico
The Government of Australia and the Government of the United Mexican States signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in the Field of Education and Training in Mexico City on 10 March 2003 which expired on 9 March 2008. Encouraged by the successful outcomes of the implementation of the cooperation activities of this Memorandum of Understanding another MoU was signed on the 18 November 2008. The Memorandum provides a framework within which the two governments can jointly consider programs of co-operation in education and training based on reciprocity and mutual benefit.
- Download the 2008 Mexico MoU (730kb pdf)
The first initiative under the earlier 2003 MoU was the visit by a senior Mexican education delegation, including a Vice-Minister and five Directors-General, to examine best practice education policies in Australia. This mission, which was the largest and highest level education mission Mexico has ever sent abroad, examined Australia’s approach to higher education, secondary education, distance and special education as well as teacher training and evaluation. The mission also participated in an Australia – Latin America Education Symposium in Canberra on 18 March 2003.
Among other initiatives resulting from the MoU, we can mention:
- Visit to Queensland by a Senior delegation from the Mexican Ministry of Education, headed by Vice Minister Dr. Sylvia Ortega. February 2004
- Visit to Australia by the Minister of Education of Mexico, Dr Reyes Tamez and a high level delegation. February 2005
- Visit to Mexico of an Australian delegation on Vocational Education and Training (VET). November 2005
- Collaboration of the Mexican Ministry for Education in funding IDP’s Peace Scholarship Program. This program brings every year more than 50 young Mexicans to study in Australia Universities
Peru
The Ministry of Education of Peru and the Department of Education and Training of Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in the Field of Education and Training on 12 May 2006. The Memorandum provides the framework within which both governments will endeavour to encourage and facilitate, as appropriate and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of both Parties, the developments of contacts and cooperation between government agencies, educational institutions, organizations and other entities of Australia and Peru and the conclusion of further arrangements between such bodies for the conduct of cooperative activities.
- Download the Peru MoU (125kb pdf)
Council on Australia-Latin America Relations (COALAR)
In 2001, the Australian Government established the Council on Australia-Latin America Relations (COALAR) which aims to enhance commercial, political and cultural relations between Australia and Latin America. Since its inception, COALAR has been active in promoting business, education, tourism and cultural links between Australia and Latin America. For updates on COALAR activities and information on the annual grants program, follow COALAR on Facebook.
The Council’s objectives are the achievement of:
- Enhanced and strengthened links between Australia and Latin America in the priority areas of business, education, sustainability, tourism and cultural promotion
- A closer engagement between corporate Australia with Latin America
- An increased awareness and understanding of Australia in Latin America, and of Latin America in Australia2
To achieve these objectives, the members of COALAR will undertake a range of outreach activities – including personal contact with key decision makers in government and business. The Council will also support collaborative activities in five priority areas:
- education
- business
- tourism
- cultural promotion; and
- sustainability
In addition, during the 2011-2014 triennium, COALAR will investigate and support activities in new areas including science, energy technology, agribusiness, youth and mid career leadership and sports cooperation.3
Continue reading…
- It’s a multilingual world
- Multilingual policies
- How learning languages changes brain anatomy
- Developing language skills as an investment for Australia
- Useful links
10 Reasons to Learn Spanish 