The Erasmus+ program in Suriname is gaining fresh momentum with the recent nomination of Nasiah Hafizagatoen Hassankhan as the official Erasmus+ National Focal Point (ENFP). With a distinguished background in public administration, Drs. Hassankhan currently serves as the Deputy Director of Higher and Scientific Education at the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture of Suriname. Her appointment signals a renewed commitment to strengthening international education opportunities for Surinamese students.
Engaging Students in International Education: First Visibility Event
Since assuming her new role, Drs. Hassankhan has actively engaged in promoting the Erasmus+ program, beginning with a key visibility event organized on February 27, 2025, at Anton de Kom University of Suriname. Hosted in collaboration with the European Union Delegation, the event sparked significant interest among university students eager to explore international mobility opportunities.
Key speakers included Charlotte De Grauwe from the EU Delegation, Drs. Hassankhan as the Erasmus+ National Focal Point for Suriname, and Nishma Bharos from the International Relations desk at Anton de Kom University. Their insights provided students with a clearer understanding of the pathways available for studying abroad through Erasmus+.
Attending the NEO–ICP–ENFP Meeting 2025
In addition to her local engagement, Drs. Hassankhan recently attended the NEO–ICP–ENFP Meeting 2025, held from February 4-6, 2025, in Brussels. This event provided her with the opportunity to meet other Erasmus+ National Focal Points worldwide, as well as representatives from the Erasmus National Offices and International Contact Points. This experience allowed her to exchange best practices and gain insights into enhancing Erasmus+ participation in Suriname.
Unlocking Erasmus+ Opportunities for Surinamese Students
The Erasmus+ program, funded by the European Union, facilitates international academic exchanges across 33 EU countries and 169 partner countries worldwide. Through the International Credit Mobility (ICM) program, students can undertake study periods abroad ranging from two to twelve months. Additionally, the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Master’s program offers joint degrees across multiple institutions in different countries.
Currently, Suriname has 19 Erasmus+ ICM partnerships, primarily with universities in the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as in Turkey and Poland. These agreements enable Surinamese students to pursue master’s-level studies abroad through their home institutions. The Erasmus Mundus program, known for its competitiveness, requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree and submit applications online, even if their home university is not an Erasmus partner.
Bridging the Gap: Encouraging More Applications
Despite the wide-reaching benefits of Erasmus+, Suriname has seen relatively few applications from students. This presents a significant opportunity to enhance awareness and support for prospective applicants. During the event, practical guidance was provided, emphasizing key factors such as English language proficiency, meeting application deadlines, and proactively reaching out to master’s programs to understand specific admission requirements.
Drs. Hassankhan's leadership as the Erasmus+ National Focal Point will be instrumental in increasing participation in Erasmus+ and ensuring that more Surinamese students seize these valuable international education opportunities. Her commitment to fostering global academic exchanges marks a promising new chapter for Suriname in the Erasmus+ program.
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 Surinam: Nasiah Hafizagatoen Hassankhan: nasiah82hassankhan@gmail.com
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