The Erasmus+ program continues to expand its impact in Latin America and the Caribbean, thanks to the commitment and initiatives of the National Focal Points (ENFPs) in each country. In Ecuador, Joselyn Goyes, Director of Planning and Monitoring at the Secretariat of Higher Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENESCYT), and Gabriela Cáceres, Coordinator of Funds and Scholarships at CEDIA, have played a key role in promoting the program and creating strategic alliances with European institutions.
1. Strengthening Erasmus+ Promotion in Ecuador
As the governing body for public policy in higher education, SENESCYT has developed dissemination strategies to increase the participation of Ecuadorian institutions in Erasmus+. National awareness campaigns were conducted via social media and email in November 2024 and February 2025. These efforts have enabled more universities to learn about Erasmus+ opportunities and explore new possibilities for international cooperation.
As part of this effort, SENESCYT is organizing an informational session for Ecuadorian higher education institutions. This session will enhance institutional capacities in project formulation and academic mobility management with Europe, fostering a more robust international collaboration ecosystem.
2. Alliances for Higher Education Cooperation between Ecuador and Europe
Meeting in Santiago de Compostela – February 10, 2025
Taking a decisive step toward the internationalization of Ecuadorian higher education, a delegation from the Ecuadorian Corporation for the Development of Research and Academia (CEDIA) visited the headquarters of the Compostela Group of Universities (GCU) in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. GCU President Carla Martins and Executive Secretary María Teresa Carballeira Rivera welcomed the Ecuadorian delegation, led by CEDIA CEO Juan Pablo Carvallo and Gabriela Cáceres.
Creating Networks for Collaboration
During the meeting, key topics of mutual interest were discussed, including innovation, science, and sustainable development in the university sector. This shared vision aims to strengthen academic cooperation networks between Ecuadorian and European institutions, promoting academic mobility, joint research, and participation in high-impact European programs such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.
The Compostela Group of Universities has played a fundamental role in fostering initiatives between Europe and Latin America. CEDIA’s integration into these collaboration networks will facilitate access to European funds and financing opportunities for Ecuadorian institutions, generating a multiplier effect in strengthening higher education.
Towards Sustainable International Cooperation
This meeting marks the beginning of a new phase in international cooperation in higher education. Through the creation and strengthening of these networks, Ecuador and Europe are expected to boost student and faculty mobility, foster innovation and sustainable development, and promote a more inclusive and globalized higher education system.
The alliance between GCU and CEDIA is a clear example of how transnational cooperation can open new academic opportunities and consolidate platforms that allow universities to adapt to the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.
Did you find this article interesting? Would you like to learn more about Erasmus+ programs and scholarships in your country? Feel free to contact your Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP)!
ENFP of Ecuador - Joselyn Goyes (SENESCYT): jgoyes@senescyt.gob.ec
Auxiliar ENFP of Ecuador Gabriela Caceres (CEDIA): gabriela.caceres@cedia.org.ec
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