You'll love Bogotá after this trip!

No matter where in the world you come from, going to Colombia is a necessary experience. Not only because of the beautiful people, delicious Colombian dishes or the amazing dance floors you’ll find, but because Colombia is setting the example for a transitional Peace Process on a world level. Being able to learn about the people, culture and political situation of Colombia through a program like Red Tree Study’s Peacebuilding in Colombia was enriching on so many levels.

The academic aspect of the program was incredible. Our unique curriculum that included lectures, conversations and classes from some of the most renowned professors in Latin America and abroad varied from day to day. One morning we could be listening to a professor from the Universidad de los Andes itself speak on the political economy of the Colombian armed conflict, and in the afternoon have a talk with a professor from Harvard Law School mentioning the importance of Women in the Armed Conflict and Transitional Justice.

Coming to Colombia with little to almost no understanding of the Peace Process Colombia has been in for decades, I was astounded by the incredible work the people of Colombia have been putting in for Peace. Having the opportunity to visit the United Nation Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVM-C), the Colombian Agency for Reincorporation (ARN) and the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) allowed me to see the effort the country is placing on a societal transition to peace. As one of our guest speakers put it, Colombia is working for Peace by Piece.

My experience within the 3 weeks of the program was so eye-opening and engaging. Being able to learn about Colombia’s history through museum visits, graffiti tours and bicycle tours I got to see what the country is fighting for in many different art forms. As most of the program participants were international students, the way we saw, discussed and took in most of the information was different. By bringing our own unique perspectives we were able to add and extend the conversation around Peace and Peacebuilding worldwide.