In Colombia, the Erasmus+ programme continues to gain ground, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Vanessa Caicedo Sánchez and Sebastián Fajardo, the Erasmus+ National Focal Points (ENFPs) based at ICETEX, the national institution responsible for international academic cooperation and mobility. Their work exemplifies how consistent outreach and strategic partnerships can bring European opportunities closer to Colombian students, educators, and institutions.
🎓 Participation in National and International Fairs
As part of a comprehensive promotional strategy, the Erasmus+ ENFPs of Colombia have actively participated in regional student fairs, partnering with ICETEX’s Commercial and Marketing Division, which tours the entire country to showcase educational opportunities. These regional tours ensure that students from diverse regions of Colombia — including those in more remote areas — are informed about Erasmus+ and its potential to transform their academic paths.
In parallel, Vanessa and Sebastián have represented Erasmus+ in prestigious international fairs organized by EU Member State Delegations in Colombia, including events such as Campus France and Aula Italia. These platforms serve as excellent opportunities to reinforce Erasmus+ as a key pathway for international academic exchange and cooperation between Colombia and Europe.
🧭 On-the-Ground Visibility: ICETEX Experience Centers
Erasmus+ information is also permanently visible in ICETEX’s Experience Centers through the “Tropezones” initiative. Visitors to these centers can instantly access Erasmus+ information via QR codes displayed at entry points, ensuring a seamless and tech-savvy connection to the opportunities offered by the programme.
🤝 Strategic Meeting with Regional Manager: Strengthening the Network
On May 20, 2025, Vanessa Caicedo Sánchez and Sebastián Fajardo welcomed Dr. Daniel Uriel Ventura Cáceres, Regional Manager of the Erasmus+ National Focal Point Network for Latin America and the Caribbean, to a strategic meeting at ICETEX headquarters in Bogotá.
This meeting was a critical milestone to assess the impact of Erasmus+ promotional efforts in Colombia, identify current challenges, and project future initiatives. The discussion was highly productive, resulting in the definition of several key goals and action points to strengthen Erasmus+ visibility and participation from Colombian institutions.
📅 Looking Ahead: Erasmus+ Week Colombia – October 2025
An exciting highlight from the meeting was the planning of the Erasmus+ Week Colombia, scheduled to take place in Bogotá from October 7 to 9, 2025. This flagship event will bring together representatives from higher education institutions, government agencies, civil society, and international partners to celebrate, promote, and expand Erasmus+ cooperation in Colombia. Organizational details were discussed in depth, setting the groundwork for what promises to be a landmark event in the country’s international education calendar.
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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