Colombian students are taking meaningful steps toward international academic opportunities, thanks to the tireless work of ICETEX as the Erasmus+ National Focal Point, and the dynamic collaboration with the Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA) Colombia. With the dedication of Vanessa Caicedo Sánchez and Sebastián Fajardo, the promotion of Erasmus+ opportunities has gained significant traction across the country.
A prime example of this effort is the ongoing workshop series “One Step Closer to Erasmus+”, which continues to build momentum. Launched in March 2025, this initiative provides monthly virtual workshops aimed at empowering Colombian students with the tools and knowledge needed to apply for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD).
The most recent session—the third in the series—focused on one of the most critical yet often misunderstood elements of the application process: letters of recommendation. With over 90 enthusiastic participants, the session provided step-by-step guidance, practical examples, and space for live Q&A, ensuring that attendees left with greater confidence and clarity.
These workshops are more than just informational sessions—they are part of a broader strategy to democratize access to international education, particularly for students who may not have previous exposure to global academic programs. Through this initiative, ICETEX, in close cooperation with EMA Colombia, is actively working to increase Colombian participation in Erasmus+ scholarships and help level the playing field for talented individuals across the country.
The commitment of Vanessa and Sebastián has been central to the success of this initiative. Their experience, engagement, and deep understanding of the Erasmus+ programme have enabled them to support hundreds of aspiring students while strengthening Colombia’s presence within the global Erasmus+ community.
As the “One Step Closer to Erasmus+” series continues in the months ahead, the hope is clear: to inspire, inform, and ultimately send more Colombian students abroad to benefit from the life-changing experience of studying in Europe.
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Did you find this article interesting? Would you like to learn more about Erasmus+ programs and scholarships for you and your institution in your country? Feel free to contact your Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP)!
ENFP of Colombia - Vanessa Caicedo Sanchez (Colombian Institute of Educational Credit and Technical Studies Abroad): vcaicedo.cont@icetex.gov.co
Auxiliar ENFP of Colombia - Sebastian Fajardo (Colombian Institute of Educational Credit and Technical Studies Abroad): sfajardo@icetex.gov.co
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