Supporting Mobility and Internationalization for Learning and Engagement in Somalia HEIs-SMILE

SMILE (Supporting Mobility and Internationalization for Learning and Engagement in Somali Higher Education Institutions) is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) project co-funded by the European Union. The project aims to strengthen the internationalization of Somali universities by enhancing academic mobility, institutional cooperation, digital international learning, and inclusive education. Through collaboration between Somali and European partner institutions, SMILE supports capacity building, knowledge exchange, research, innovation, and the development of sustainable strategies that improve the quality and global engagement of higher education in Somalia.

Project Partners

The SMILE (Supporting Mobility and Internationalization for Learning and Engagement in Somali HEIs) Project is implemented through a consortium of Somali and European higher education institutions and organizations. The partnership brings together expertise in higher education, internationalization, academic mobility, digital learning, and institutional capacity building to strengthen the global engagement of Somali universities.

Somali Partners

1. Horseed International University (HIU) – Somalia (Project Coordinator)
2. Baidoa International University (BIU) – Somalia
3. Plasma University – Somalia
4. Somali Education and Youth Development Action (SOEYDA) – Somalia

European & International Partners

1. Middle East Technical University (METU) – Türkiye
2. University of Piraeus / University of Piraeus Research Center (UNIPI) – Greece
3. European Society for Socio Economic Integration (ESSEI) – Belgium
4. European Association of Erasmus Coordinators (EAEC) – Cyprus

Project Beneficiaries

The SMILE Project benefits Somali higher education institutions and stakeholders by improving international cooperation, academic mobility opportunities, digital learning approaches, and institutional capacity.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)

Somali universities benefit from strengthened internationalization strategies, improved institutional capacity, new cooperation agreements, and enhanced participation in global academic networks.

University Students

Students benefit from increased opportunities for academic mobility, international learning experiences, digital education opportunities, and stronger connections with global higher education communities.

University Staff and Researchers

Academic and administrative staff benefit from training, knowledge exchange, capacity-building activities, and improved skills in international project management and cooperation.

Young People and Future Graduates

The project supports youth development by improving access to quality higher education, international opportunities, and skills that enhance employability and innovation.

Somali Higher Education Sector

The wider Somali education sector benefits from stronger university partnerships, improved international visibility, and sustainable frameworks for collaboration with European institutions.

Funding

Funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Programme.