Can education tourism be T&T’s next economic lifeline?

University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad. Photo: Guyana Times.

Education tourism: A golden opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago

The global education tourism market is undergoing a seismic shift. With traditional destinations like the United States tightening immigration rules under the Trump administration, including pausing new student visa interviews, countries that have long dominated international education are becoming less accessible to prospective students.

This opens a rare and timely window for emerging nations to reposition themselves as credible, appealing destinations for academic tourism. Trinidad and Tobago is ideally placed to seize this opportunity.

The global education tourism market, valued at over US$1 trillion in 2022, is expanding rapidly and is expected to exceed US$2 trillion by 2032, with annual growth rates between 10% and 12%. This growth is fuelled by rising demand for international education, cultural exchange, and global mobility among students and professionals.

While countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe remain dominant due to their established institutions and networks, there is increasing interest in non-traditional destinations offering short-term programmes, vocational training, language learning, and cultural experiences.

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Could Trinidad and Tobago benefit from starting an education tourism industry?

Trinidad and Tobago has significant potential to tap into this lucrative market. While the country is already known for its culture, Carnival, and biodiversity, the education tourism sector remains an untapped niche that could diversify the economy and create sustainable development opportunities. With its affordable yet accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, year-round favourable weather, and friendly English-speaking population, the country checks several key boxes.

Beyond the benefits of education itself, students often act as high-value tourists, injecting foreign currency into the economy not only through tuition but also through extended stays, cultural experiences, housing, and more. For a country in need of foreign exchange, education tourism is a service-based industry that requires minimal upfront investment thanks to existing infrastructure.

Strategic advantages of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographical position

T&T is ideally located at the crossroads of North America, South America, and the Caribbean, making it a strategic hub for regional students, especially from Latin America, the OECS, and West Africa.

English-speaking nation

Being an English-speaking country gives T&T an edge for students from non-English-speaking nations looking to improve their English language proficiency. English language schools could become a cornerstone of an education tourism model.

Cultural diversity

Trinidad and Tobago offers a rich blend of African, Indian, European, Chinese, and indigenous influences, which could be the basis for cultural immersion programmes.

Existing educational infrastructure

UWI (University of the West Indies), UTT (University of Trinidad and Tobago), COSTAATT, and other institutions already cater to thousands of students. These can be scaled or partnered with international institutions to offer exchange programmes, summer schools, and certificate courses.

Opportunities for Trinidad and Tobago

Short-term study abroad and summer programmes

T&T could develop niche summer courses in Caribbean history, biodiversity, marine science, agriculture, or music and culture that attract international students from Europe, North America, and Asia seeking immersive experiences.

Technical and Vocational Education (TVET)

There is global demand for hospitality, culinary arts, ICT, energy, and fashion design training. T&T can offer intensive short-term programmes in these areas, targeting CARICOM nationals and Latin America.

Language schools

Given the proximity to Venezuela and Colombia, English as a Second Language (ESL) programmes could be marketed to Latin American students. These schools can offer immersive courses tied with accommodation and cultural activities.

Carnival and cultural studies

A uniquely Trinbagonian offering could be Carnival arts and performance courses. These could teach music production (soca, calypso), costume design, steelpan, and mas-making to international students and artists.

Eco and marine education

Trinidad and Tobago has one of the richest biodiversity systems in the Caribbean, making it ideal for conservation studies, turtle watching fieldwork, and marine biology modules.

Agricultural studies

The facilities of the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (ECIAF) could be put to practical revenue-generating use by offering short courses, workshops, and internships in sustainable agriculture, agro-processing, and environmental management. These programmes could attract students and professionals from the Caribbean, Latin America, and beyond.

Economic and social benefits

Foreign exchange earnings

Students typically stay longer and spend more per capita than leisure tourists. They pay for tuition, accommodation, food, transport, excursions, and communication services.

Job creation

Education tourism would create jobs for lecturers, tour operators, accommodation providers, student support services, interpreters, hospitality and transport providers.

Soft power and diplomacy

Welcoming international students builds long-term goodwill, creating alumni who may become ambassadors or influential leaders with ties to T&T.

Year-round tourism

Unlike leisure tourism, education tourism isn’t seasonal. This would smooth out peaks and troughs in visitor arrivals and help support businesses year-round.

Combatting brain drain

An education tourism industry would mean more jobs for academics, researchers, and support professionals. The multiplier effect would support housing, hospitality, transportation, and even banking and tech sectors creating local opportunities that help stem emigration.

Case studies: Countries that have done it successfully

Malaysia

Malaysia launched a dedicated education tourism strategy in the early 2000s. By offering quality tertiary education at affordable prices and aggressively marketing to Asia and Africa, it now attracts over 130,000 international students annually.

Ireland

Ireland has positioned itself as an English-speaking alternative to the UK, offering strong postgraduate programmes and an attractive post-study work policy. Education tourism contributes over €2 billion annually to its economy.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has become a hub for eco-education, attracting students interested in sustainability, biodiversity, and tropical research. Many short courses are tied to local universities and biological stations.

Barbados

Closer to home, Barbados has promoted itself as a destination for medical and business students, particularly from the United States and Canada, with American-accredited institutions operating on the island.

Trinidad and Tobago can take cues from these nations by identifying its strengths, investing wisely, and marketing effectively.

Strategic steps forward

National policy and strategic plan

Government must recognise education tourism as a pillar in the national development strategy, aligning Ministries of Education, Tourism, Trade, and Foreign Affairs.

Incentives and investment

Offer grants or tax breaks to local institutions to develop international partnerships, upgrade facilities, and launch niche programmes.

Accreditation and quality control

T&T institutions need to meet international standards and have globally recognised accreditation to appeal to overseas students.

Student visas and immigration support

Simplify visa applications for educational purposes, including short-term study permits and work-study options.

Marketing and branding

Develop a ‘Study in Trinidad and Tobago’ international campaign targeting markets in Latin America, Africa, and within CARICOM. Highlight T&T’s safe learning environment, cultural richness, affordability, and English-speaking status.

A role for UWI Debe Campus

The University of the West Indies Debe Campus, currently undergoing refurbishment, could play a key role in this strategy. Its location near cultural hubs like San Fernando and Penal positions it perfectly for programmes in cultural studies, law, and business. Foreign enrolment can help finance its completion while adding to the country’s stock of faculties.

Challenges to consider

Safety concerns and perception of crime could deter potential students.
Limited global recognition of local institutions might affect initial uptake.
Infrastructure constraints, especially housing, may need addressing.
Coordination between stakeholders public and private must be strong to ensure successful rollout.