If you have questions about this program, email the program leader listed below.

Cartagena: Revolutions and Reclamation

Program Details

The arrangements for the travel, housing, meals, excursions and course content of this program have been made by the leader. Questions about this program can only be answered by the program leader listed below.
Program Type Departmental
Program Location Cartagena, Colombia
Course # SA 10313
Duration Spring Break
Upcoming Program Dates
To Be Announced
Current Program Dates
Spring Break 2025 03/15/25 to 03/22/25

Program Leader

Name Joel Ebarb
Email jebarb@purdue.edu
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Enrollment Details: Enrollment Currently Closed

Program Description

Cartagena: Revolutions and Reparation

The program includes 7 nights in Cartagena’s historic Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where students will experience firsthand the architectural, cultural, and historical legacies of colonial rule. As part of their transformative learning experience, students will engage in discussions on social transformation using the various themes of music, rest, art, and food. Students will also explore the roles of indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities as we visit San Basilio de Palenque. 

This course provides a unique opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of colonial histories, revolutionary movements, and the ways in which communities reclaim agency in the face of past oppressions. Students will explore narratives of revolutions, restorative practices, and the reclamation of identity and space in post-colonial contexts. Cartagena, Colombia, a city steeped in history and vibrant culture will serve as our learning lab. Using interdisciplinary approaches, critical reflection, and cross-cultural dialogue, students will return with new perspectives on global issues of justice and equity, as well as a richer understanding of Colombian history and contemporary society.

Program Highlights

Explore the historic Spanish colonial walled city of Cartagena

Savor the flavors of Colombia during a guided food tour 

Hear the traditional rhythms of Colombia in a one-of-a-kind music center located in the countryside outside Cartagena 

Experience the unique culture of San Basilio de Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas

Collaborate with students of Universidad de Cartagena (1827) on meaningful research

Relax during a sun-filled day at beautiful Fenix Beach

Shop for handmade art, candy, and more in Cartagena’s vibrant markets

For photos, links, and lots more information, please go HERE. 

Academic Credit

SCLA 491: Cartagena: Revolutions and Reclamation. 3 credits. Class will meet once a week for 1 hour 50 minutes, day/time TBD (based on the schedules of particpating students)

Course can meet University Core requirement for Humanities for many majors, check with your advisor

At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Recognize and describe humanistic, historical, or artistic works or problems and patterns of the human experience, using Cartagena and San Basilio de Palenque’s history and culture as exemplars.
  2. Analyze and evaluate Colombian texts, works, objects, events, or ideas in their cultural, intellectual, or historical contexts.
  3. Describe the history, literature, languages, arts, philosophy, religion, and traditions of Colombian culture.
  4. Identify the history and the basic principles and operation of government in Colombia.

The course will include research projects in collaboration with the faculty and staff of Universidad de Cartagena.

Program leaders and instructors: Briggitta August, Director of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives for the Collegeof Liberal Arts & Joel Ebarb, Professor, Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance. 

For photos, links, and lots more information, please go HERE. 

Eligibility

This study abroad program is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts. Students from all colleges at Purdue are welcome to apply to participate, regardless of their major or area of study.

Student must complete a short essay to be considered for approval, details provided during the application process. 

This program requires a 10-student minimum enrollment, and has a maximum capacity of 14 students. 

For photos, links, and lots more information, please go HERE. 

All students participating in a departmental program will complete a pre and post assessment as part of program completion.

Program Cost

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.

Estimated cost: $3100 (final program fee may vary slightly)

What is included

Round-trip airfare from Indianapolis to Cartagena, Colombia

All ground transportation (private shuttle) in Cartagena and surrounding areas

Shared bedroom (2 students to a room, single beds) in 4.5-star historic hotel in the walled city of old Cartagena

All programming costs (tours, entry fees, etc.)

Meals: breakfast at the hotel each morning, a welcome dinner, a farewell dinner, two lunches, and a food tour (11 total)

Insurance

For photos, links, and lots more information, please go HERE. 

What is not included

Transportation to/from Purdue to Indianapolis Airport

Passport fees

Meals other than those included in your program fee

Souvenirs, toiletries, etc.

Application Deadline

Deadline to apply for the program is November 1. Deadline to pay $500 deposit is November 8 (please note the deposit is applied to the total cost of the trip).

Once approved and accepted into the program, you must submit a $500 non-refundable* deposit by November 8 to reserve your seat in the class. Until you pay your deposit, your seat is not confirmed. 

* Please note: A minimum of 10 students must be approved and pay their deposit by November 8 for this program to launch. Only in the event that less than 10 students apply/are approved/pay their deposit by November 8 will deposits be fully refunded.

For photos, links, and lots more information, please go HERE. 

Financial Aid

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.