Growing interest in Latin America as a region in which to invest has presented its business schools with an opportunity – a chance to use their knowledge of the region’s markets and business practices as a marketing tool. Now, the question is how quickly these schools can start competing for applicants on the global stage.

It will not necessarily be easy. The rising economic prominence of Latin America has brought with it fresh challenges, particularly in the wake of financial difficulties in mature economies. With schools in the US and Europe facing falling applications, many have turned to Latin America as an alternative hunting ground for MBA candidates.

“Those business schools are becoming more aggressive in recruiting here,” says Arturo Condo, president of Costa Rica’s Incae Business School. “Executive MBA programmes are being marketed very aggressively in the region and schools from the US and Europe are even establishing campuses here.”