IPSL Colombia: Post-Conflict Study & Afro-Caribbean Cultures

Program Description

IPSL has designed & delivered international programs focusing on experiential learning, ethical service & engaged research for 37 years. Now the independent IPSL Institute for Global Learning is authorized to offer academic credit, issue official transcripts and confer diplomas through the Master's level. IPSL is a B-Corp (Social Benefit Organization) with over 83% of profits directly returned to the people, communities & NGOs they partner with abroad.

Experience both the vibrant, modern energy of Medellín AND the sunny, historic, colonial Caribbean city of Cartagena. Spanish language courses will be taught throughout the program. While in Medellín, students study Spanish culture and the issues facing a post-conflict society. In Cartagena the academics focus on Afro-Caribbean History and Culture as well as Global Education with a development focus. Your time spent in the city studying, volunteering and living with a Colombian family is combined with opportunities to explore the surrounding regions of Colombia and neighboring Latin American countries.

Learn the practical skills to be an active agent of change and social justice. Study the many international efforts in history, learn from these efforts and use them to develop a personal ethic of service, advocacy and civic engagement. COSA (Community Organizing & Social Activism) will teach you the skills of community organizing and will empower you to create sustainable change in your own communities.

Highlights

Students live in homestays in both Medellín and Cartagena. Full board is included. Homestays offer the opportunity to make life-long friends, gain higher proficiency in the language, and experience the culture from "the inside." All IPSL host families are carefully selected and experienced with hosting students.

Opportunities for substantive service are generally available in the following areas: Displaced Persons Support; Social Services for peoples affected by conflict; Peace and Reconciliation Policy Work; Home and community building projects for low income barrios; Education; Environment; Medicine/Health; Social Service; After School Centers and Animal Welfare Organizations

What`s Included

Tuition/academic fees; academic transcript; on-site/on-line orientation & pre-departure materials; service placement & supervision; health insurance; pick-up & drop off at the airport upon arrival & departure; academic excursions

Excursions MAY include some of the following: Guided tours of Medellín & Cartagena; Museo de Antioquia (includes the works of Colombian sculptor Botero); The Cartagena de Indias Route of Gabriel García Márquez; Museum of the Inquisition and Gold; San Felipe Castle; Horseback riding and boating. Students may also work with program staff to arrange for independent travel.