The ASAF Forum has initiated a series of information sessions aimed at promoting international mobility programmes for academics throughout Senegal, with a focus on equal opportunities and equal access. One of the most promising private universities in Senegal was chosen to host this information session, as Erasmus+ mobility is open to Senegalese private universities with institutional accreditation issued by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

The face-to-face and online session was co-hosted by the ASAF co-ambassadors, Mr. Samba Simane and Ms. Marième Wade, and the Erasmus Focal Point at UCAD, Mr Abdoulaye Niang.

The session opened with a word of welcome from Ms Suzanne Sagne, Head of Sales and Academic Partnerships at the Dakar Institute of Technology (DIT). This was followed by a presentation of DIT by its director, Dr. Nicolas Poussielgue, who emphasised the institute's primary vocation to train graduates in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

Next, Mr. Abdoulaye Niang gave a detailed presentation on Erasmus+ actions open to sub-Saharan Africa, eligibility criteria in general, the programme's new priorities (2021 - 2027) and its international scope. He also spoke of the positive effects of international mobility, not just for Erasmus students but also for the administrative and teaching staff.

Ms. Marième Wade then presented the MOBAF (Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme), a flagship initiative under the European Union's Global Gateway Africa-Europe investment program. MOBAF aims to encourage academic mobility among African students, trainees and university staff within the continent. Senegal's participation in MOBAF was also highlighted.

Mr. Samba Simane also spoke to the students about the impact that international student mobility can have on their socio-professional lives. He showed them how mobility brings added value not only in the academic field, but also how it shapes personality (personal development) and career paths (international network, opportunities, entrepreneurial spirit, transfer of know-how, civic commitment...).

Following these presentations, the panellists shared practical tips for students seeking international mobility opportunities. In particular, they encouraged them to seek information from university cooperation offices and the European Union's official website dedicated to scholarship programmes. Students were advised to strengthen their ability to write cover letters, which are often decisive in the application process, and to prepare in advance with internationally recognised language certificates and letters of recommendation from their professors.

The final presentation was delivered by Ms. Wade on the topic of the ASAF Forum. She outlined the group's milestones, objectives and missions. The co-ambassador of ASAF in Senegal also mentioned the projects implemented over the past few years in the five African regions, to mark the civic commitment of former scholarship holders who have returned to the fold. These ambassadors for the programmes they have followed abroad are doing their utmost to ensure that other generations of students after them can also benefit, and under the best possible conditions.

Before the question-and-answer session, each panellist looked back on their mobility periods to give practical insights into international mobility.

The day ended with a speech from the Director of the Dakar Institute of Technology, Dr. Nicolas Poussielgue, who expressed his satisfaction with the information session. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in guiding students toward international opportunities, underlining the major impact of global collaboration and learning.

 

Senegal, Dakar, 31 January 2025
Marième Wade coambassador.senegal@asaf.africa
Edited by the Erasmus+ Support Service Team