International Cooperation at ICETEX: Vanessa Caicedo Sánchez, as International Office Director

The landscape of international education cooperation in Colombia is entering an exciting new chapter. Vanessa Caicedo Sánchez has been appointed as the new Director of the International Office at ICETEX, taking on the pivotal role of Erasmus+ National Focal Point in Colombia. Her appointment marks not just a leadership transition, but a renewed commitment to deepening the vital academic and research bonds between Colombia and the member states of the European Union.

A Leader for Global Education in Colombia

Vanessa Caicedo Sánchez brings to ICETEX a wealth of experience in international relations, education policy, and project management. Her background reflects a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics of global cooperation and a vision for enhancing opportunities for Colombian students, researchers, and institutions on the world stage.

As the Erasmus+ National Focal Point, she will act as a bridge between Colombia and the European Union, fostering more robust participation in the Erasmus+ Programme — the EU’s flagship initiative supporting education, training, youth, and sport in Europe and beyond.

The Historic Ties Between Colombia and the EU in Education and Research

The cooperation between Colombia and EU member states has long been a model of successful international partnership. Over decades, this relationship has led to numerous transformative opportunities:

• Academic Exchange: Thousands of Colombian students and academics have studied, taught, and conducted research in Europe through scholarships and mobility programs like Erasmus+, Erasmus Mundus, and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.
• Research Collaboration: Colombia has been an active participant in EU research programs such as Horizon 2020 and now Horizon Europe, contributing to fields ranging from climate science to digital innovation and social sciences.
• Capacity Building: Joint projects have strengthened Colombian universities’ capacities in curriculum development, institutional management, and community engagement, aligning local education systems more closely with global standards.
• Policy Dialogue: Regular high-level dialogues between Colombia and the EU have promoted the exchange of best practices in education policy, inclusion, digitalization, and sustainable development.

This historic cooperation has had a ripple effect across sectors, inspiring innovation, economic growth, and social change in Colombia. Education and research remain at the core of this thriving partnership, making the role of ICETEX — and Vanessa Caicedo Sánchez's leadership — even more vital.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Partnerships and Opportunities

Under Vanessa Caicedo Sánchez’s leadership, the International Office at ICETEX is poised to expand and diversify the opportunities available to Colombians. Her focus will include:

• Increasing Mobility: Encouraging more Colombian students and researchers to take advantage of scholarships, joint degrees, internships, and training in EU countries.
• Enhancing Institutional Cooperation: Facilitating partnerships between Colombian and European universities for dual-degree programs, research consortia, and innovation networks.
• Promoting Inclusive Access: Ensuring that students from all backgrounds — including those from marginalized communities — can benefit from international mobility and cooperation programs.
• Supporting Return and Reintegration: Developing programs that help returning students apply their international experience in ways that benefit Colombian society and economy.

Vanessa Caicedo Sánchez’s vision aligns closely with the broader goals of the Erasmus+ programme: promoting mutual understanding, fostering excellence in education and research, and contributing to peace and development worldwide.

Conclusion

Vanessa Caicedo Sánchez’s appointment as ICETEX’s new International Office Director and Erasmus+ National Focal Point symbolizes Colombia's ongoing commitment to global education cooperation. With her leadership, Colombia is well-positioned to strengthen its historic ties with the European Union and to open new pathways for its students, researchers, and academic institutions.

The future of Colombian-European cooperation in education and research has never looked brighter.

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