The Erasmus+ Programme continues to expand its global reach, and in the Dominican Republic, a new chapter begins under the leadership of Celeste Castillo Roa, who has recently been appointed as the National Focal Point for Erasmus+. This development promises to strengthen the bridge between Dominican students and European higher education institutions, promoting academic exchange, cultural enrichment, and international cooperation.
Who is Celeste Castillo Roa?
Celeste Castillo Roa brings to this role over a decade of dedicated service and strategic leadership at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCYT) in the Dominican Republic. She currently serves as the Head of Follow-up of Scholarship Holders and Graduates of MESCYT Scholarship Programs, a position through which she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Her academic background reflects her international outlook:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Farmingdale State College, New York
- Master’s in Human Resources Development from Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
- Master’s in Quality Management and Process Reengineering from the School of Industrial Organization, Madrid, Spain
With specialized expertise in human resources, continuous process improvement, strategic planning, and quality assurance, Celeste has been instrumental in implementing performance evaluation frameworks and satisfaction analyses that enhance scholarship programs and foster institutional excellence.
Promoting Erasmus+ in the Dominican Republic
In her new role as the Erasmus+ National Focal Point, Celeste has already begun laying the foundation for deeper collaboration between the Dominican Republic and the European Union in the field of higher education.
On April 24, she held an important meeting with Mr. Melvin Asin, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in the Dominican Republic, and Mr. Alexander Gotz, Cooperation Attaché. This strategic encounter was aimed at identifying concrete steps to expand the impact of the Erasmus+ Programme across Dominican academic institutions.
Key topics discussed included:
- The current partnerships between Dominican and European universities
- Opportunities to expand international academic agreements
- Plans to enhance student and faculty mobility to and from Europe through Erasmus+
This collaboration reflects a shared vision to make Erasmus+ more accessible and impactful for Dominican students, educators, and institutions.
Engaging the Public: European Union Open Day
One of the major upcoming initiatives is the European Union Delegation Open Day, scheduled for May 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the EU Delegation offices in the Dominican Republic. During this event, Celeste Castillo Roa will contribute to sharing information about Erasmus+ and its transformative opportunities for Dominican youth and academic institutions.
The event will feature:
- Presentations about Erasmus+ mobility opportunities
- Information booths on EU-funded projects
- Networking with EU representatives and academic stakeholders
This public engagement effort aims to raise awareness and encourage more Dominican students and institutions to actively participate in the Erasmus+ Programme, opening doors to world-class education and cultural exchange.
Looking Ahead
Celeste Castillo Roa’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the Dominican Republic’s international education landscape. Through her leadership and deep understanding of institutional development, the Erasmus+ Programme is poised to thrive, offering new pathways for academic mobility, innovation, and global collaboration.
As she continues to build connections and implement strategic initiatives, Dominican students and faculty can look forward to increased access to European academic excellence and a more vibrant international learning experience.
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 Dominican Republic, Celeste Castillo Roa (mescyt): Croa@mescyt.gob.do
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