IPSL Colombia: Custom Study and Volunteer Program
by: IPSL
Learn, serve, and experience the beautiful and biodiverse coffee-growing region of Chinchiná. This UNESCO Heritage city is nestled in the high Andean valley and is surrounded by coffee fincas. Improve your Spanish language skills while taking courses focusing on development in post-conflict societies, global education and development, Afro-Caribbean studies, and race and racism. Some include ri...
Learn, serve, and experience the beautiful and biodiverse coffee-growing region of Chinchiná. This UNESCO Heritage city is nestled in the high Andean valley and is surrounded by coffee fincas. Improve your Spanish language skills while taking courses focusing on development in post-conflict societies, global education and development, Afro-Caribbean studies, and race and racism. Some include rich excursions to Medellín, Cartagena, or both cities! Volunteer service opportunities are generally available in teaching English to children; providing social services to the elderly and homeless and at a sex workers' childcare center; assisting at an animal shelter; working with emergency paramedics and fire fighting squad; providing medical/health assistance in a local, Tier II hospital; and...
Program Highlights
Live and learn from the inside, like a local!
Learn Spanish and increase your fluency by living, learning, and working with local Colombians!
Take time to visit Medellin or Cartagena as part of your program.
Grow and expand your horizons in a new environment!
Earn academic credit for courses taken.
Quick Details
- Colombia
- 3-6 Months
- 7-12 Months
- Animal Welfare
- Childcare & Children
- Community Centers
- Community Development
- Conflict Resolution
- See more
- All Nationalities
Awards

Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Cartagena: the colorful city of life, fun, and culture
June 27, 2018by: Sarah Oq - United StatesProgram: IPSL Colombia: Custom Study and Volunteer ProgramCartagena was a life-changing trip! I was a Spanish minor with hopes for a chance at study abroad that would fit my busy nursing schedule. IPSL gave me just that and more! For a whole week, I had morning Spanish classes with Centro Catalina, a school dedicated to sharing and teaching the culture and history of Cartagena, that worked with me on my own level and pace. But I also had afternoon tour throughout the city of Cartagena guided by teachers and assistants from Centro Catalina. The whole week was dedicated to the learning of the rich culture and history of Cartagena and Colombia. But not only was I receiving so much back from this school but they also gave me a chance to give back by volunteering at a local school to help teach and play with an elementary school. It felt so rewarding when the kids had rushed over to give me the biggest hug of thanks! This trip showed me not only to step away from my comfort zones but to dive right in to experience a culture entirely different from own here in the US. This study abroad was definitely a once in a lifetime trip!

Thank you so much Sarah for your enthusiastically kind words! We love putting together these Faculty-Led trips and I'm so glad that you found yours to be exciting, interesting and fun!
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Colombia
Types and Subjects
- Subjects & Courses
- Anthropology
- Arts
- Conflict Studies
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 3-6 Months
- 7-12 Months
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
- All Nationalities
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Medical / Accident Insurance
Accommodation Options
- Apartment/Flat
- Dormitory
- Group living
- Guest House
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Letters of Reference
- Transcript
- Online Application
- Essay
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