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Office of International Education / Study Abroad / Programs / SMCM Programs / Study Tours / Colombia Study Tour

Colombia Study Tour

Pre-Requisites

  • Minimum GPA: 2.5
  • Judicial Check
  • Academic Conduct Review
  • BIOL majors must have passed POB I (BIOL 105) and POB II (BIOL 106) with a C or better at the time of the program. ENST majors need to have passed ENST 100 with a C or better. Students who are not in a STEM major need to have passed an introductory Biology course (101 or 105) with a C or better.
  • Optional for ILCS majors/minors seeking potential Spanish credit: ILCS 260 or 261

Dates and Important Links

  • Summer 2025 Estimated Dates: June 8-28th, 2025
  • Deadline: Apply on Via TRM!  by JANUARY 1, 2025
  • Info Sessions:
    • October 2nd, 11:45 am in Blackistone
    • November 6th, 11:45 am in Schaefer 106

Highlights

  • Earn 8 STEM credits while being immersed in the cultural heritage of Cali, Colombia!
  • Visit the local coffee region and native forest projects!
  • No Spanish language required (though it’s helpful)

Costs

  • Estimated Program Cost: $6700
  • The cost includes airfare, accommodations, excursions, international health insurance, 8 credits of in-state part-time tuition, and more.
    Out-of-state students should expect to pay the out-of-state tuition costs. Please inquire with the OIE about costs and available aid.

About the Program

Have you been hoping to experience South American culture while earning Biology and Environmental Studies credit? You’ve found the perfect program!

This study tour will introduce students to biodiversity and conservation approaches in tropical ecosystems, as well as critical perspectives on the colonial history of conservation and indigenous voices shaping conservation and development futures. Students will take two courses for credit: Tropical Biology and Decolonizing Biodiversity, Conservation and Development while living and studying in Cali, Colombia.

Tropical Biology introduces students to the physical, chemical and biological characteristics and processes of a range of tropical environments, such as rain, dry and cloud tropical forests, savannas and riverine ecosystems, using Neotropical ecosystems in Colombia as primary examples. Emphasis will be placed upon the identification of tropical biota, ecological interactions within tropical communities, and human impacts on tropical ecosystems. Decolonizing biodiversity, conservation and development introduces students to the intersections of biodiversity conservation and colonial legacies while exploring the vibrant cultures and diverse ecosystems of this richly biodiverse nation. Students will critically analyze the colonial foundations of conservation practices, current national and international frameworks such as protected areas, payment for ecosystem services and REDD+, as well as emerging alternatives that value the unique contributions of indigenous peoples and worldviews.

While in Colombia, the group will travel to different natural forests and preserves around Valle del Cauca, visit the coffee region, interact with local community members and tour international research facilities as well as grassroots native species restoration projects.

This course satisfies the cultural literacy requirement.

Spanish majors or minors seeking Spanish credit for this program can potentially earn 4 credits of Spanish credit if they meet the pre-requisite of having taken ILCS 260 or 261 before the program and complete coursework for the ENST 385 course mostly in Spanish. Majors in particular may also opt to take this course in English for ILCS credit, to fulfill the English class related to Latin American or Spanish Studies major requirement. Please discuss this option with your faculty leaders when applying.

 

Faculty Leaders

Professor Lorena Torres-Martinez, ltorresmartinez@smcm.edu
Professor Parisa Rinaldi, pnrinaldi@smcm.edu

Transfer Credit Policy

Credits earned on this program are SMCM credits and do not need to transfer.

Academic and Judicial Policies

The academic and judicial requirements for any student considering studying abroad.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

How financial aid will apply towards your study abroad program and what scholarships are available.

Payments and Services

Payment processes for semester-long, short-term, and non-SMCM study abroad programs.