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Welcome to SNU Exchange Program

How to Apply for the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) Exchange Program?

Background of the Erasmus+ ICM Exchange Agreement

Under The MIDA FINNSOM phase II – Health and Education project, a partnership between the Somali National University and the University of Helsinki was established in 2018. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two academic institutions was signed in 2018 and renewed in 2020. The main objective of the MoU is to promote cooperation in the fields of education and research, focusing primarily on the respective Faculties of Education. This includes curriculum review, enhancing teaching practices through pedagogical frameworks, developing relevant academic policies and guidelines to improve education systems, and enhancing the standard of research. This cooperation is based on the needs of the faculty of education at SNU and the context of Somalia, while it also responds to the rapid changes in education systems globally.

The Faculty of Education at SNU seeks to extend and deepen its collaboration with the University of Helsinki under the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) program due to several strategic reasons:

Since 2018, the MoU between SNU and the University of Helsinki has fostered cooperation in curriculum review, pedagogical frameworks, and research development. Erasmus+ ICM provides an opportunity to further strengthen this collaboration and institutionalize knowledge and expertise exchange mechanisms.

Furthermore, SNU’s role as the lead academic partner in national teacher training projects, including the World Bank-funded Somali Education for Human Capital Development (SEHCD), aligns with the University of Helsinki’s expertise in innovative teaching practices and teacher education. The collaboration aims to enhance the quality and relevance of teacher training programs in Somalia, ensuring alignment with global standards.

Through previous joint activities, including course redevelopment and meetings on subject didactics, the University of Helsinki has demonstrated its ability to support SNU in addressing educational challenges unique to Somalia. Erasmus+ ICM would enable more focused exchanges of best practices, particularly in revising delivery methods and diversifying assessment strategies to suit the local context.

The Erasmus+ ICM framework provides an ideal platform for advancing collaborative research. SNU aims to integrate international research methodologies and align its academic policies with global standards, with particular emphasis on addressing the social, economic, and educational challenges of Somalia.

The collaboration facilitates mutual cultural understanding between Finland and Somalia, which is crucial for fostering a globally minded academic community. Finnish expertise in sustainability and inclusive education complements Somalia’s focus on community-oriented approaches, creating a unique synergy for educational reform.

Participation in Erasmus+ ICM aligns with SNU’s mission to rebuild its academic infrastructure and contribute to national development by producing highly qualified educators and researchers. The partnership with the University of Helsinki serves as a model for international collaboration that is contextually relevant and future-focused.

By applying for Erasmus+ ICM with the University of Helsinki, SNU seeks to expand an already productive partnership. This initiative will enhance the capacity of SNU to address national education challenges, foster cultural and academic exchanges, and contribute to the global education community through innovative collaboration.

This Erasmus+ ICM programme creates opportunities for internationalization for our staff and students and this is one of the cornerstones for the Somali National University to join global educational forums and platforms to benefit from the expertise of prestigious universities in advanced countries such as University of Helsinki, in addition to Finland being a global leader in education.

This programme will be a means of achieving community engagement, multiculturalism and global education, which is one of the strategies of the Somali National University, by building intensive cooperation and strengthening previous links by taking full advantage of the possibilities offered by the Erasmus programme. The strategy actively works to enhance our international outlook and a broader understanding of the world around us, by enhancing our students’ learning in international settings and engaging with multiple academic and cultural competencies.

Academic disciplines taking part in the Erasmus+ ICM application: academic content, goals, study level of participating students:

The Erasmus+ ICM application will involve the Faculty of Education at Somali National University, specifically the Departments of Educational Sciences. This department was selected based on its critical role in preparing future teachers, which aligns with the overarching goal of enhancing teacher education and addressing the pressing need for qualified educators in Somalia.

Academic Content and Goals

The primary academic focus for this collaboration includes:

    • Curriculum development and pedagogy, with an emphasis on inclusive and culturally responsive teaching methods.
    • Leadership and management training for educational administrators.
    • Theoretical and practical approaches to enhancing teacher effectiveness in diverse classroom settings.
    • Strengthening subject-specific pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) such as didactics of chemistry, biology, Math, Physics, English, history and Geography.
    • Promoting innovative and active learning techniques in science and social science such as inquiry-based and hands-on methods.
    • Enhancing teachers’ abilities to integrate local environmental and societal issues into the curriculum, such as conservation, climate change, and health education.

Study Level of Participating Students

The program will target postgraduate teacher education students. The postgraduate programs aim to build capacity in leadership, curriculum design, and advanced science education.

 

 

 

 

 

Rationale for Selecting These Academic Disciplines

The collaboration with the University of Helsinki will offer field-specific value in several ways:

    • The exchange will introduce Somali educators to innovative strategies in educational leadership, curriculum design, and classroom management from a global perspective.
    • It will strengthen Somali faculty and students’ capacity to address challenges such as overcrowded classrooms and lack of resources, particularly in public schools.
    • The partnership will enhance research opportunities, enabling studies on educational challenges like teacher recruitment and retention, particularly for women.
    • Collaboration will improve the quality of science and social science education, focusing on equipping teachers with modern, practical teaching methods aligned with global standards.
    • Faculty and students will gain exposure to cutting-edge research and resources at the University of Helsinki, which can significantly enhance science teaching in Somalia.
    • The exchange will help integrate local context (e.g., Somali environment and health challenges) into science education, making it more relevant and impactful.

Anticipated Outcomes

This collaboration will:

    • Improve teacher training and professional development in Somalia, addressing the shortage of qualified educators.
    • Promote innovative and research-based teaching methodologies.
    • Strengthen institutional capacity for curriculum development and education quality assurance in Somali universities.
    • Contribute to long-term educational reform in Somalia, particularly in science and educational leadership.

Selection Process for Mobility Participants at Somali National University (SNU):

1. Eligibility Criteria:

For Students:

    • The candidate must prove that he/she is enrolled in an postgraduate program at the Faculty of Education at the Somali National University at the time of application and during the entire mobility period.
    • Candidates must submit the application forms and supporting documents to the Administration Office by the specified deadline.
    • Submit a copy of a strong academic record, demonstrating their ability to excel in their studies.
    • Submit a certificate of confirmation/proof of English language level or demonstrate proficiency in English and sufficient language skills to participate effectively in academic and cultural exchanges.
    • Submit a motivational letter outlining the student’s goals and desires regarding the opportunity to study abroad.
    • Submit a CV
    • Submit copy of the passport valid for at least one year
    • Preference is given to students who actively participate in extracurricular activities or community service, reflecting their commitment to personal and community development. Also, priority is given to students with fewer opportunities to ensure equitable and fair access to opportunities, thereby guaranteeing the inclusion and accommodation of all participants regardless of their background.
    • The exchange program must align with the student’s academic field and career aspirations, ensuring meaningful and beneficial participation.

For Staff:

    • The applicant must prove that he/she is a registered teacher or official staff member of the Faculty of Education at the Somali National University at the time of application and during the entire mobility period.
    • Applicants must submit the application forms and supporting documents to the Administration Office by the specified deadline.
    • Submit a motivational letter outlining his/her goals and desires regarding the opportunity to study abroad.
    • Submit a CV
    • Submit copy of the passport valid for at least one year
    • Relevant teaching or administrative experience in the participant’s area of expertise.
    • Applicants must demonstrate the ability to contribute to institutional goals upon return.
    • Alignment of research interests with the exchange program.
2. Application Procedure:
    • Open calls are announced for mobility opportunities, specifying requirements, deadlines, and application procedures.
    • Applicants submit a detailed portfolio, including a motivation letter, academic transcripts (for students), and a professional résumé (for staff).
3. Evaluation and Shortlisting:
    • A selection committee, comprising faculty and administrators, reviews the applications based on set criteria.
    • Students are evaluated for their academic merit, personal motivation, and potential for representing SNU internationally.
    • Staff members are assessed for their ability to contribute to the exchange program’s objectives and their potential impact upon return.
4. Interview Process:
    • Shortlisted candidates undergo an interview to assess their communication skills, adaptability, and readiness for international mobility.
5. Final Selection and Preparation:
    • Selected participants are provided with pre-departure orientation, including cultural sensitivity training and guidelines for representing SNU abroad.
Measures to ensure participation of students with fewer opportunities

Somali National University (SNU) offers a range of scholarships funded by local and international partners to ensure that students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can access higher education. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate both academic potential and financial need. Furthermore, SNU provides capacity-building initiatives, including preparatory programs, academic support, and mentorship, to help students with fewer opportunities succeed in their studies and future careers.

Recognizing the diverse challenges that students face, SNU employs flexible admission pathways that consider unique educational experiences while maintaining academic standards. Moreover, the university partners with employers and community stakeholders to create programs that prepare students for meaningful contributions to society after graduation.

In order to achieve transparency, it will be ensured that the advertisement of the opportunities is for everyone and through platforms and websites that everyone can follow. Then the selection will be made through fair criteria prepared in advance and not based on favoritism.

On that account, the Somali National University always seeks to activate the policy of inclusion and provide opportunities for all students, graduates, teachers and staff who have less opportunities and remove all the obstacles that prevent them from enjoying effective access to the opportunities provided by the program. Therefore, at all the steps, we ensure equality and fairness in access and opportunities for current and potential participants from all backgrounds, to make sure that candidates who have less opportunities are included.

Participants Support Throughout the Mobility Experience

  • Before Mobility:

SNU provides tailored support to both students and staff selected for mobility programs. A comprehensive orientation program is conducted to prepare participants for their exchange experience. For students, this focuses on academic expectations, cultural adaptation, and logistical preparations such as visa applications and travel arrangements. For staff, the orientation includes workshops on pedagogical practices, research collaboration opportunities, and institutional policies at the host institution. Both groups receive resources for understanding the host country’s academic and social norms. Staff members are also encouraged to develop clear professional goals for the exchange period, ensuring that their participation aligns with SNU’s strategic priorities.

Staff members and students must ensure the completion of the following steps:

  • Obtain nomination from Somali National University (SNU).
  • Select your degree program after reviewing available courses and their requirements.
  • Complete your program registration online through the hosting university’s Mobility system.
  • Prepare and submit the Learning Agreement in collaboration with the hosting institution.
  • Upload all required documents in PDF format before the deadline.
  • During Mobility:

SNU provides ongoing support to both students and staff during their exchange period. A designated liaison officer from SNU remains in regular contact with participants, offering guidance and addressing any challenges. For students, this includes academic monitoring and emotional support, while staff members receive assistance with collaboration projects and integration into the host institution’s academic culture.

Virtual discussion groups are organized, allowing both students and staff to share their experiences and progress with peers and colleagues back at SNU. This ensures participants maintain strong connections with their home institution and enables SNU to track the program’s success.

  • After Mobility:

Upon returning, students and staff undergo a structured debriefing process to reflect on their experiences and the skills they have acquired. For students, this includes workshops on applying newly learned knowledge to address challenges in Somali education, while staff members focus on incorporating best practices and research insights into their teaching and administrative roles at SNU.

Participants are encouraged to share their experiences through seminars, written reports, and mentorship programs. Staff members also contribute to capacity-building initiatives by leading workshops or training sessions for their colleagues, ensuring that the benefits of the exchange are extended to the broader university community.

Credit Transfer Process for Incoming Exchange Students

Pre-Approval of Courses:

  • Students must identify the list of courses they intend to take at the host university.
  • Each course must include the syllabus, course description, and credit workload.
  • Pre-approval of courses must be obtained from Somali National University (SNU).

Submission of Transcript of Records:

  • Upon returning, students must submit an official transcript from the host university.
  • The transcript must be in English or accompanied by an official translation.
  • Students must have achieved the targeted learning outcomes and passed the courses according to the required success criteria.

Credit Evaluation and Transfer:

  • The Credit Transfer Committee will review and compare the completed courses against SNU’s curriculum to assess content equivalency.
  • Courses that do not match any existing courses or modules may be credited as electives.
  • Approved credits will be transferred and recorded in the student’s academic record after departmental and registrar approval.
  • Final approval must be obtained from the student’s department to ensure transferred credits comply with degree requirements.

Contact information for this agreement:

exchangeprogram@snu.edu.so  / exchangeagreements@snu.edu.so / abdiweli.m.yussuf@gmail.com

Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator:

Mohamed Abdullahi Gure

exchangeprogram@snu.edu.so / + 252 352-6258