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IPSL: Study, Service & Research in COLOMBIA (Directory Program)

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  • Locations: Cartagena, Colombia; Medellin, Colombia
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Semester, Spring, Summer, Winter
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: IPSL: Study Abroad + Service-Learning 
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Spanish Click here for a definition of this term Class Status: 1-first year, 2-sophomore, 3-junior, 4-senior, 5-grad student, 6-other
Housing Options: Homestay Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study: African Studies, Caribbean Studies, Culture, Environmental Studies, Global Studies, History, Human Rights, Independent Study, International Studies, Internships, Latin American Studies, Peace & Conflict Studies, Peace Studies, Service Learning, Social Policy & Administration, Spanish
Program Type: Field Study, Internship Abroad, Study Abroad, Volunteer Abroad Click here for a definition of this term Program: Direct
Program Description:
COLOMBIA
Post-Conflict Studies and Afro-Caribbean Culture

Colombia 16x9 750
 
NOW MORE THAN EVER...
There is a clear and pressing need to engage with our world in an ACTIVE way. The world needs young leaders to fight for social justice and equal rights. Are you up for the challenge? Then be part of COSA™ - the only study abroad program working to create sustainable change though advocacy!

COSA - Community Organizing and Social Activism
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 will teach you the skills of community organizing and empower you to create sustainable change in your own communities. 

Experience Colombia like a local...not a tourist in
TWO amazing Colombian cities...Medellín and Cartagena!
Medellín is the capital of Colombia’s mountainous Antioquia province and is nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” for its temperate weather.
Cartagena is on the coast of the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

Time spent in both cities studying, volunteering and living with a Colombian family is combined with opportunities to explore the surrounding regions of Colombia and neighboring Latin American countries. Students take their Spanish course with students from a variety of countries and receive their transcript from the IPSL Institute for Global Learning. The semester and academic year curriculum combines a Spanish Language & Culture course, the IPSL COSA in Colombia - Community Organizing, Social Activism and Service-Learning, a Service Learning Reflections and Practicum course as well as elective courses centered on Race and Racism, Development in Post-Conflict Societies, Afro-Caribbean Studies and more. Along with these exciting and relevant courses that give a true picture of Colombia, there are substantial opportunities for volunteer service in the community. Service-Learning placements are organized at various NGOs, schools,  clinics. 
   
Language of Instruction
English and Spanish

Courses & Credits
Students may take up to 18 credits per semester 
Courses are 3 credits each

Required Courses
Beginning to Advanced Spanish Language
COSA in Colombia (Community Organizing & Social Activism)
Intro to COSA

Possible Electives
Electives may vary depending on term and, as with all institutions, may not be offered due to low enrollment and other factors. Additionally, not all choices may be available as there may be a scheduling conflict between the required courses, your service obligations and your electives. It is best to choose additional electives from the list and get approval from your home school in advance.

From Escobar to Santos: Socio-Historical Perspectives on Modern Colombia
Conflict, Peace and Reconciliation: Comparative Peace Processes in Colombia, South Africa, North Ireland and Rwanda
Afro-Caribbean History and Culture
Global Education as a Development Tool

medellin Graffiti

Service Opportunities 
Opportunities for substantive service (approximately 15 hours per week) are generally available in the following areas:

Migration / Displaced Persons (forced internal migration and conflicts)
Peace Process in Post Conflict Areas
Reconciliation Organization
Animal Welfare
Social Services
Home Building
Education
The Elderly

Housing
Students will live in a homestay with a Colombian family in both Medellín and Cartagena. Bedrooms can be either single or double-occupancy and shared with another same-sex family member or other student. Full board is included. An integral part of the program, the homestay offers you 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. Living with local residents is part of the immersion experience. Instead of being a tourist, an IPSL student gets to know what it's like to be part of a different culture.

Eligibility
The program welcomes students of any nation who have a high school diploma or equivalent credential. TOEFL equivalent 550. No Spanish language requirement.

What's Included?
Tuition and academic fees; academic transcript; on-site and on-line orientation and pre-departure materials; homestay housing; two to three meals per day, 7 days per week; service placement and supervision; health insurance;  pick-up and drop off at the airport upon arrival and departure; academic excursions.

What's typically NOT Included? 
Passport; in-country visa; vaccine fees (if required); international airfare; books; personal spending money; some meals; local personal transportation; local cell phone; and independent travel.

IPSL engages students, educators, and grassroots organizations around the world in hands-on service to promote equitable relationships, social justice, sustainable change, and a commitment to our shared humanity. 
IPSL, the founder of Service-Learning, is a global education institute within the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM.edu). They invest over 83% of their revenues directly back into the communities where they serve.