Action Research for Sustainability Management in Tolima, Colombia.

Program Overview

This hybrid, international short course offers a unique opportunity for graduate students to explore sustainability management in a real-world regional context. Bringing together participants from Colombia, Norway, and Guatemala, the program includes virtual training and a hands-on field immersion in the Tolima region of Colombia.

Inspired by the Semestre Paz y Región (SPR) program at Universidad de Ibagué, the course emphasizes:

• Understanding local environments and social dynamics ("comprensión del entorno")
• Working directly with communities
• Generating real-world solutions to sustainability challenges

The municipalities of Icononzo and Murillo serve as field sites due to their environmental richness and complex socio-political contexts, including reintegration zones for ex-combatants and ecotourism challenges.

Program Highlights

•  
• Field Immersion in Ibagué: November 26th – December 4th, 2025
• Virtual Pre-Course (Online): September–November 2025
• Topics:
  • Sustainable tourism and ecotourism
  • Community development
  • Environmental conservation
  • Peacebuilding and post-conflict transition

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the sustainability landscape of the Tolima region using SPR methodologies
• Apply action research to a real community-based challenge
• Engage ethically and collaboratively with local stakeholders
• Design and implement a relevant community-based project
• Produce a final report linking theory and practice
• Develop skills in critical thinking, interdisciplinary teamwork, and science communication
• Reflect on their role as professionals contributing to regional development

•  
• Application deadline: August 5th, 2025
• Virtual training: September-October 2025
• Field immersion in Ibagué, Tolima: November 26th – December 4th, 2025

• Full tuition for the program
• Travel and accommodation expenses in Ibagué
• Learning materials and course resources

Master’s and PhD students from disciplines related to:

• Sustainability
• Environmental science
• Development studies
• Peace and conflict studies
• Or related fields

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Active enrollment in a graduate program (Master’s or PhD)
• Minimum GPA: 4.0/5.0
• No disciplinary sanctions
• Minimum English level: B2 (certified)
• Availability to travel to Ibagué on the established dates

Send a ZIP folder with the following PDF documents to cooperacion@urosario.edu.co by August 5th, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Use the subject line:

Action Research for Sustainability Management in Tolima, Colombia 

1. LinkedIn profile or resume in Spanish (maximum 1 page).
2. Motivation letter in Spanish (maximum 1 page) including:

•   Personal details (name, program, semester)
•   Reasons for applying
•   Potential impact of the experience on your academic/professional career.

3. Video in English of no more than 1 minute, in which the applicant explains why he/she is the ideal candidate for this scholarship. Subtitles in Spanish.
    
4. Academic transcript (downloaded from SIAR).
    
5. English language certificate with a minimum level of B2 (any certificate or evidence of language proficiency is acceptable).

• Universidad del Rosario
• University of South-Eastern Norway
• Universidad del Valle de Guatemala
• Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
• Universidad de Ibagué, Colombia