Three Students Conduct Educational Research in Colombia

Students in Colombia have traveled to three cities - Manizales, Cali and Cartagena - to conduct research at three public higher education institutions that have been engaged with SUNY Oneonta through COIL (Collaborative Online International/Intercultural/Interdisciplinary Learning) since 2014. These are the Universidad de Cartagena, Universidad del Valle, and Universidad de Caldas.

The students are collecting data through interviews and ethnographic observations, and have presented to faculty and students at these institutions. The objective of their work is to "investigate opportunities accessible to undergraduate students through COIL to become intercultural and linguistically competent," according to Associate Professor of Spanish Maria Cristina Montoya, a faculty sponsor for the trip along with Spanish Lecturer Alejandra Escudero.

"By investigating different avenues to bring meaningful education for all and to advance towards a more equal and sustained access to global learning opportunities, their aim is to observe social justice through the implementation of COIL," Montoya said.

A highlight of the trip so far has been meeting (and getting a photo with) Francia Marquez, an environmental activist from southwestern Colombia who has become a national phenomenon since becoming the country's first Black vice president last week. While abroad, the students are maintaining a blog to recount their experiences.