Location

Bogota, Cartagena, Colombia

Program Description

The program provides students with a comprehensive introduction to global culture studies by exploring the concept of global citizenship. Students will study and learn about the contemporary social, political, cultural, and economic conditions of Latin America, with a focus on Colombia, through readings, guest speakers, and virtual learning.

Honors 300: Students will compare Colombian and U.S. cultures and societies by examining a variety of topics. As a result, ongoing structured reflection will provide a way for all participants to discover, articulate, integrate, and act on what they learned in class to the concept of being a global citizen.

EDUC 310: Students will examine how personal and professional values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors affect teaching and learning. The pre-service teachers will develop an understanding of similar unique characteristics of Pre-K to 12 grade students and their families, including culture, race, ethnicity, heritage language and learning abilities, gender socialization and sexual orientation.

This study abroad program is designed in a hybrid model by taking advantage of in-person study abroad experience and global virtual learning. Prior to the trip, students will use asynchronous formats to learn about the program objectives and Colombian culture, practice cross-cultural skills, and prepare for the trip. Students will travel to Colombia and participate in academic and cultural programs. Some activities include guest lectures, interactions with Colombian students and faculty, exploring cultural sites, and visiting P-12 schools and higher education institutions.

Location Description

The program will start in Bogota, capital of Colombia and then transition to Cartagena, coastal city on the Caribbean coast.

Director

Felix Wang | wangch@jmu.edu | Honors College

Diana Meza | mezadx@jmu.edu | College of Education

Accommodations

Students will stay in hotels at both cities in shared double rooms.

All meals are provided during the trip. Meal options include group meals at local restaurants and a stipend.

Additional Items to Consider

There is an asynchrous online course work prior to the trip. Students need to complete the work at their own pace between December 16, 2024 and January 5, 2025.

No visa is required for this program.

No foreign language is required.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to students in all class levels and majors

Open to non-JMU students