Six University of Strathclyde students have returned from a transformative two-week academic and cultural experience in Colombia, led by Dr Teresita Sevilla (FHEA), Teaching Fellow in the Department of Social Work and Social Policy.
The initiative forms part of the BA Education and Social Services (BAESS) Global Engagement programme, designed to embed international perspectives and real-world social justice practice into the curriculum.
Hosted by Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Cali and supported by the UK Government’s Turing Scheme, the programme brought together four 3rd year and two 4th year students for an intensive period of study, fieldwork and cultural exchange. Activities were closely aligned with academic assessments, allowing participants to translate international learning directly into their degree pathways.
Under Dr Sevilla’s leadership, students explored the social, cultural and economic dynamics of Cali, Colombia’s third-largest city, through guided field visits and collaborative teaching with local academics. Early activities focused on building “structural literacy” of the city, examining its urban geography, inequality and cultural diversity.
Welcoming the students was a genuine pleasure. Watching the students navigate our city, conversations and ways of living was a reminder that meaningful learning can happen when you step outside the familiar. International experiences like this truly help build bridges.
Angie Preciado, International Affairs Office
The programme offered hands-on engagement with a wide range of social issues. Students evaluated youth-focused health education in underserved communities, analysing peer-led initiatives designed to improve access to sexual and reproductive health information. They also examined community mental health delivery in the rural municipality of Vijes, gaining insight into decentralised healthcare systems and digital health infrastructure.
A major highlight was fieldwork in the District of Aguablanca, where students worked with grassroots organisations to understand the impact of urban inequality and community-led responses. This included dialogue with local women and youth groups addressing human rights, peacebuilding and environmental challenges.
The cohort also explored how cultural heritage supports community resilience, participating in workshops at the Katanga community hub and learning about music as a tool for identity and social cohesion. Further study included visits to innovative educational and sports institutions, such as the GameLab for digital learning innovation and the Escuela Nacional del Deporte, where inclusive programmes for disabled athletes were assessed.
Students described the experience as “life-changing”, highlighting personal growth, increased social awareness and a deeper understanding of community-driven practice.
Dr Sevilla said the programme reflects Strathclyde’s commitment to widening participation and fostering global collaboration: “By providing immersive, international learning opportunities, we empower our students to think critically about social challenges and develop the skills needed to create meaningful change.” The initiative underscores the University’s ongoing investment in experiential learning, ensuring graduates are equipped with both academic knowledge and global perspective.
Regarding international connections, universities should make efforts to ensure that students and faculty have in-depth experiences. That is what happened during this visit, as students from Strathclyde had the opportunity to develop intercultural bonds with Javeriana, with Cali and with Colombia. Equally important, opportunities were opened for further collaborative actions between both institutions.
Manuel Sevilla, professor, School of Creation and Habitat. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali
One of the students expressed how much the trip had an impact on his work and life back home in Scotland.
"Colombia taught "community" in a sense I never knew existed before. We rely heavily on policy in Scotland, Colombia shows community grit and kindness goes a long way (…) I have came back more compassionate, more socially aware and more committed to my young people than I was previously and that shows in my work"
Ross Carey - BA Education & Social Services, 4th year student
