Location

Bogota, Cartagena, Colombia

Program Description

This four-week, three-credit program provides students with a comprehensive introduction of 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.

Students will also 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.

The program offers several cultural activities such as a food tour, learn how to salsa and boat trip on the caribbean coast. 

The program is designed in a hybrid model by taking advantage of in-person study abroad experience and global virtual learning. See program itinerary below:

Week 1: Using synchronous and asynchronous formats, students will learn about the program objectives, engage in team building exercises, practice cross-cultural skills, and prepare for the trip.

Week 2 and Week 3: Students will travel to Colombia and participate in academic and cultural programs. Some of the activities include guest lectures, interactions with Colombian students and faculty, exploring cultural sites, and visiting P-12 schools and higher education institutions.

Week 4: Upon returning, students will reflect and debrief as a group on their study abroad experience and develop their Culture/Identity Poster Project and final presentation.

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 | Honors College

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, meals provided by the hotel and stipend.

Additional Items to Consider

Some coursework is required during the week prior to departure.

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