Colombia 02.02.2010 - 17.02.2010

Our study trip kicks-off in Bogotá, the political and economic center of Colombia. During the first days, we will get to know the first insights into the vibrant country. Meetings with journalists, politicians as well as officials from the government to get to know the challenging nature of the current situation will be on the agenda. Representatives from NGOs and international organizations will provide a briefing on the complex state of affairs in Colombia. At the Swiss embassy we will get to know more about the relations between the two countries and the Swiss activities in Colombia. A visit to a Swiss company will show us what “doing business in Colombia” means. We will also have the possibility to discover the metropolitan area and the most important surroundings.

Our journey to Medellín will take a three day detour in order to discover Colombia’s spectacular and beautiful countryside. We will head northwards to the historic heartland, and will do some pit stops until we will finally reach the beautiful colonial town Villa de Leyva. After some time of enjoying the stunning countryside we will drive through the pilgrimage place Chiquinquira down to the Tierra caliente with a day stop in the nature reserve Rio Claro. Here, optional outdoor activities such as river rafting will be possible. Finally, we will reach Medellín, where we will stay the next four days in a comfy Casa built directly at the booming nightlife neighborhood.

In order to get a thorough understanding of the role of paramilitaries and guerillas in the internal conflict, we will meet staff from the UNHCR in Medellín. Furthermore we will get to know the everlasting problem of urban violence in the slums and the problem of social inequality. During a conference at EAFIT University with local youth and students, we will explore the differences and similarities between our two countries and cultures. Optional activities such as tandem paragliding or a canopy ride in the El Salado Park are possible.
 
After a challenging program we will relax and enjoy the last days in the Colombian Caribbean. A night bus will take us to Cartagena, world culture heritage due to its colonial center. A day trip by boat to the Islas de Rosario will offer us unforgettable moments on the stunning Caribbean islands. Afterwards we will continue our trip alongside the coast to Taganga, with short stops in Baranquilla and Santa Marta. Finally arrived at the pearl of Colombia’s nature - in beautiful national park Tayrona - we will spend overnight in hammocks at the beach and enjoy the rainforest, which lies up to the slopes of the Sierra Nevada. A short flight will take us back to Bogota.

The participants will receive further information regarding the program as well as the cultural, political and economical history of Colombia shortly before the study trip. The trip is intended for those of you who have an interest in Iberoamerica and who want to experience an unforgetable time in a small group. No previous knowledge is necessary.