International Scholars Program, First Stop: Colombia
You are here
Professional Exchange, Delegation to Colombia
March 21-27, 2020
Connect with early childhood professionals and fellow NAEYC members (trip currently open to members only) in Colombia through World Learning. Led by Isauro M. Escamilla Calan, member of the NAEYC Governing Board, 
this program will give you a unique opportunity to learn about early childhood education in Colombia, exchange experiences with like-minded peers, and reflect on the similarities and differences with your context.
In 2016, the Government of Colombia announced the end of the civil unrest that had plagued their country for more than 50 years. Since that time, the government has aimed to further the peace and stability of Colombian civil society through advancing its education, healthcare, and family welfare structures. Early childhood education is an integral part of their plans to improve the education foundation. The initial successful programs have focused on the vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. These programs expanded the number and quality of early childhood education ECE programs in the urban communities. Access to public ECE programs in rural areas is the next hurdle. Join us for an in-depth experience to learn about their bold strategy and some of the promising early findings that can inform our practice.
Professional visits will focus on topics such as:
- Early Childhood Professionals – Who comprises the workforce in Colombia, and what are the standards for Colombian early childhood teacher training programs?
- Quality – How are early learning programs regulated, monitored, and evaluated? How do Colombians address socioeconomic differences between urban and rural schools?
- Language Learning – How are issues of linguistic and social-cultural diversity addressed in early childhood education practices?
- Formative Assessment of Child Progress – How do Colombian teachers assess children’s learning? How is assessment used in the planning and implementation of classroom activities? Is there a system of early intervention?
Graduate level credits are available through Seattle Pacific University. Learn more at SPU’s Center for Professional Education.
Delegation Information
Brief Itinerary
Day 2: Tour the city of Bogotá, including the National Capitol and Casa de Nariño, the presidential house, and key museums. Visit Mount Monserrate, the iconic symbol of Bogotá, and the sanctuary at its summit.
Day 3: Introduction to the Colombian education system and international programs by the Ministry of Education. Learn about Colombia’s education strategy, goals, and challenges for the next ten years. Meet with faculty and students at the National University of Colombia School of Education and Learning.
Day 4: Visit an early childhood education center and community childcare program to observe the work of educators and childcare professionals.
Day 5: Travel to the town of Zipaquirá, which means “City of our Father” in the language of the Chibcha people, to visit the famed Salt Cathedral, built 180 meters below the surface. In the afternoon, visit a local school offering an early childhood education program.
Optional Extension Tour
While in Colombia, why not extend your travels to see more of the region? World Learning offers an optional add-on excursion of 4 days to enable you to maximize your experience overseas. These excursions will introduce you to a wider range of cultural, historical, and culinary sights and experiences.
4-Day Excursion to Medellín
$1250 per person ($400 single supplement)
Includes domestic flight to/from Bogotá
Accompanying Guests
Guests are welcome to join the delegation at the same rate as professional participants, and will have opportunities to enjoy cultural enrichment and community service activities in lieu of the professional program (minimum of 6 guests required for a formal program). This is a wonderful opportunity for your partner, spouse, or friend to share the experience of traveling in Colombia with you.
Pricing
Cost of Program: $4,995 per person (4-star accommodations), plus airfare | Single Supplement Cost: $410 per person
Prospective participants must apply and be approved by the delegation leader before proceeding with registration. A $500 nonrefundable deposit is due upon approval of your application. The balance is due upon receipt of invoice, 90 days before departure.
Program fees are based on double rooms. A single-room supplement is provided as an option. If you have to cancel, you must submit your request in writing, dated upon receipt.
| If you cancel... | Your penalty is |
|---|---|
| After payment of the deposit | $500.00 |
| 90–61 days prior to departure | 50% of Program Cost |
| 60–31 days prior to departure | 75% of Program Cost |
| 30 days prior to departure | 100% of Program Cost |
| Cancellation of program by World Learning | Full Refund to You |
Conditions of Participation
Please be sure to read World Learning’s Conditions of Participation and the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Information on Colombia before registering. All participants must sign the Conditions in order to embark on the program.
The program must meet a minimum registration of 15 participants in order to proceed. If registration does not meet the minimum, the program may be canceled and all previously paid registration fees will be refunded. Please see the Conditions of Participation for further details on registration, payment, and refund policies.