Course dates have now been confirmed.

Cartagena Summer School 2008 will run from:

Monday 7 July to Friday 25 July 2008.

The course takes place in the colonial city of Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It is hosted by the main university of Cartagena; the Universidad Technológica de Bolivar (UTB).

Cartagena is described in the Lonely Planet as ‘a fairy-tale city of romance, legends and sheer beauty’  . According to Footprint guide ‘Cartagena should not be missed. Besides being Colombia’s top tourist destination and a World Heritage site, it is one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in South America. It’s an eclectic mix of Caribbean, African and Spanish tastes.’

You can read a Guardian Travel article on Cartagena here.

You can download a free sample from the Lonely Planet guide on Colombia here.

You will fly into the capital Bogotá, and from there make your way to Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, where the courses take place. Throughout the week you will have a variety of classes at the Universidad Tecnica Bolivar. They run high quality Spanish courses with experienced teachers and modern methodology. As well as Spanish lessons during the week, you will have the choice of participating in a wide range of extracurricular activities, most of which are at no extra cost. The activities are likely to include, amongst others:

			a night out in a ‘Chiva’ (a Colombian party bus)
			tours of Cartagena – showing old and new, rich and poor
			a talk on the history of the city
			a visit to nearby tropical islands with white sandy beaches
			a cooking demonstration to introduce you to Colombian cuisine
			the opportunity to get involved in some local social work
			other activities to be confirmed

The Summer Course is a great way to immerse yourself in Hispanic culture, develop your spoken and academic Spanish and learn about Colombian history and culture.

It offers you the opportunity to:

			Develop your Spanish in an academic context, through language, grammar and literature classes.
			Develop your spoken Spanish both in a formal classroom context and in an informal context within your host family and Colombian surroundings
			Learn about Colombian, and ‘costeño’ culture; music, food, dance, literature etc.
			Acclimatise in Latin America before your year abroad or Language Assistant placement
			Get a feel for the real Colombia if you are considering it as a destination for a year abroad or gap year in the future

We will organise your accommodation for you. You will stay with a Colombian host family in Cartagena, who you’ll be matched to according to your needs and preferences. Students in the past have found this an excellent part of the programme; allowing them to integrate themselves into the Cartagenian way of life, sample local home-cooking and develop their spoken Spanish outside the classroom.

The option of accommodation in a hotel is also available but is more costly, and less good for your Spanish!

‘Both the course and the experience as a whole were excellent. I learnt so much and I’ll leave Colombia with a better understanding of the language and the culture, having got to know the country, and with a desire to come back soon!’ – Andrew, 2007 Course participant

‘On this course I’ve got to be able to communicate better in Spanish, learn about Colombia and of course; have a great time!’ – Elisabeth, 2007 Course participant

‘I’d like to thank the teachers and co-ordinators at the UTB - we have had a spectacular three weeks! I would recommend this course to anyone!’ – Stephen, 2007 Course participant

‘I have learnt so much over the last few weeks – it has been a really brilliant a very important experience for me… Would I do it again? Yes!’ – Erin, 2007 Course participant

‘This programme has really changed my perspective on Colombia, and I would definitely recommend it to others.’ – Ruth, 2007 Course participant

‘It was the perfect thing to do before a year abroad as it can be tied into travelling around, and getting used to the country, or Latin America. But I think it would also work as something to do in the summer of first year, as a taster of where you might like to spend your sandwich year’ – Emily, 2007 Course participant

‘This experience has been one of the best of my life… The course helped my Spanish significantly. The organisation was exceptional and neither the British Council nor UTB could have done anything better. I’ve learnt so much about Colombian culture, the way of life in Cartagena, and Spanish language. It’s incredible how different my perception of Colombia is now, and I owe it all to my stay here in Cartagena’ – Alexandra, 2007 Course participant

Check out photos from last year's course here.

In recent years the security situation has improved greatly in Colombia.  Once here, you will find that in most places life appears as normal as anywhere else and, avoiding certain key areas, it is safe to travel within the country.  Bogotá, for example, is considered safer than many other major Latin American cities, and with the usual precautions it is unlikely that you will encounter any personal security risk.  It's true that some remote regions of the country suffer guerrilla and paramilitary insurgence, but the British Council, working closely with the Foreign Office, only arranges programmes in secure locations. Cartagena is amongst the safest of Colombian destinations, benefiting from a stable tourist trade. For insider views and a chance to discuss Colombia online, visit PoorButHappy.com, a site for expatriates and visitors to the country.

'I arrived in Colombia expecting the worst – drugs, violence, kidnapping – but actually it was one of the best experiences of my life. My Spanish has improved a great deal, and my understanding of the culture, politics and history of Colombia has changed and improved. I felt comfortable, happy and well fed during my entire time in Cartagena. If I had the chance to go back, I’d jump at it without thinking twice!’  William, 2006 course participant.

There are a number of beautiful and exciting places to visit in the near vicinity of Cartagena. The course allows you to make your own arrangements during the weekends, and will support you in planning trips should you wish to. In the past students have travelled to local destinations during the weekends with their course-mates.

Some local sites of interest include:

Parque Tayrona; one of Colombia’s most popular national parks, with sandy beaches, hills and rainforest. It is listed at number 2 on Guardian Travel’s ‘Top 10 beaches of the world’

Playa Blanca/Isla de Barú; one of the more beautiful beaches around Cartagena is on the Isla de Barú, some 20 km southwest of Cartagena. A number of boat tours visit the island which is a popular destination for snorkelling.

Volcan de Lodo El Tutumo; the famous mud volcano, in which you can bathe and get a relaxing massage. The mud is said to contain minerals with therapeutic properties.

Islas del Rosario; archipelago made up for 27 small coral islands 35km southwest of Cartagena. Popular for diving and other water-sports.

Santa Marta; a popular tourist destination for Colombians, with long streches of sandy beaches and great nightlife.

El Rodadero; a fashionable beach resort just south of Santa Marta.

Taganga; a small fishing village with a reputation as a backpacker hangout, set in a horse-shoe shaped bay just 5km up the coast from Santa Marta.

Mompós; a quiet and remote village, which although more difficult to reach is well worth the visit. 200km southeast of Catagena it is the setting for Gabriel García Márquez’s ‘Chronicle of a Death Fortold’.

San Andrés; the largest island in the archipelago off the Caribbean coast of Colombia, San Andrés has beautiful palm tree speckled beaches and bustling town centre.

Providencia; tourquoise sea, pristine coral reefs and extensive marine life make Providencia a haven for snorklers and scuba divers.

Cuidad Perdida (‘Lost City’); one of the largest pre-colombian settlements in the Americas. Despite being only 40km southeast of Santa Marta the only way to reach it is by foot. The trek must be made with an organised tour group and takes 6 days there and back.

British Nationals do not need a visa to enter Colombia. On arrival you are automatically issued with a three month tourist visa.

Nationals of other countries can check with the Colombian Consulate in London or with their own government.

In the past, the course has been popular with students beginning their third year abroad of a language degree.  For those staying longer either to study or to be a Language Assistant, visas must be organised well in advance.

Course: The price for all three weeks of the course is £260 for three weeks. This includes the Spanish classes and most of the extracurricular activities. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.

Book now and receive a discount of over 10%!

The first 15 students to book will pay ONLY £230 for the course (three weeks). To be one of these lucky few, check out information about how to book below.

The majority of the money goes to the university in Cartagena, but some goes to the British Council to cover costs. We do not make a profit form the course.

Accommodation: The cost of accommodation in home-stays will be approximately £75 a week for three weeks, including food. (Meal arrangements are made directly with the host family).

Flights: You should also bear in mind the cost of your flights – and remember that the sooner you book, the better the deal you will get.

Spending money: The cost of living in Colombia is very low. So whilst you will need extra spending money, it is a lot less when compared to a trip to a European country. For example, a cheap beer in Cartagena costs about 30 pence!

YES: Book now and receive a discount of over 10%!

The first 15 students to book will pay ONLY £230 for the course (three weeks). To be one of these lucky few, check out information about how to book below.

Booking forms are NOW AVAILABLE. Download one below to book.

Please note, an expression of interest does not count as a booking. The discount will be applied to the first 15 to return their booking form together with evidence of having placed a deposit.

UK – Bogotá - UK

As soon as you have received confirmation that your booking has been registered, you should start looking into flights. The course takes place in July which is peak time for international travel, so it is important to book early for the best deals.

The cheapest flight combinations often involve a change either in Europe or the US (nb baggage allowance via the states is greater). Some examples are as follows:

Aircomet: Madrid to Bogotá

Airfrance: London Heathrow via Paris to Bogotá

Continental: London Gatwick via Newark to Bogotá

Delta: London Gatwick via Atlanta to Bogotá

As ever with international flights it is worth shopping around and booking as far in advance as possible.

Bogotá – Cartagena - Bogotá

Please bear in mind that you will have to make your way from Bogotá to Cartagena. It is possible to do this by bus (approx. 20 hours) but most students prefer to fly. It is often easier to book internal flights from the UK. We recommend Journey Latin America, who have experienced, specialist agents who will be able to talk you through your options and book both your international and internal flights for you if you so wish.

Journey Latin America: 020 8747 3108

chris.rendell-dunn@journeylatinamerica.co.uk or miguel.vega@journeylatinamerica.co.uk

Alternatively it is possible to book your internal flight directly with Avianca on their website avianca.com

UK – Cartagena - UK

If you would prefer to fly direct to Cartagena, it is worth noting that some airlines now offer flights from London to Cartagena. Some examples are as follows:

Iberia: London Heathrow via Madrid to Cartagena

Delta/Avianca: London Gatwick with 2 changes (in Atlanta and Bogotá) to Cartagena

British Airways/Avianca: London Heathrow via Barcelona to Cartagena

These direct flight routings are likely to be more costly, but are of course an option. You may find it useful to shop around for possible combinations on expedia.com

The British Council runs the Summer School at the lowest cost possible and on a non-for-profit basis, but cannot unfortunately offer any sources of funding for this course.

However, many universities offer travel grants for research trips or language courses abroad. It is worth contacting your student finance office, departmental secretary, or grants administrator with details of the course to find out whether there are any sources of funding you could apply to. Students from some universities have in the past made successful applications for travel grants to cover the costs of the course.

A centre for academic excellence

Founded in 1970, the Universidad Tecnológica de Bolivar has built up a reputation for academic excellence over the last 36 years.

Today the Tecnológica has two modern campuses, one in the original Manga district and one in Ternera, situated in the outskirts of Cartagena.  Both venues consist of modern and comfortable buildings equiped with laboratories, computer-rooms, areas for outdoor activities, a function room for cultural events and two modern libraries, one of which is the biggest in Cartagena and used by the community as a whole.  The Summer School takes place at the Manga Campus, near the city centre.

Institutional experience in teaching Spanish

Spanish is rapidly becoming the second language in many English speaking countries that have recognised the need to broaden commercial and cultural links with Latin America and Spain.  This trend is relatively new and has provided impetus for well-known universities to offer Spanish courses to foreigners.

The Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar, has for several years offered an intensive Spanish course for foreigners (the Summer School) and weekly courses during the year that have been well received not only because of their academic quality but also for the cultural integration that they encourage.

Please download the booking and deposit form by clicking here. You should complete it electronically and return it, together with evidence of payment of deposit, as an email attachment to: elisa.birtwistle@britishcouncil.org.co

In order to make a successful booking we need to receive, attached to the same email:

			a booking form with all three sections completed
			evidence that you have paid a deposit into our UK bank account, either in person or online

IMPORTANT: Please DO NOT send this booking form, without evidence of having paid the deposit, as forms without the accompanying payment document WILL NOT be processed.

Please note: We will not be processing bookings between December 17th 2007 and January 9th 2007, therefore:

If you submit your form together with evidence of payment of deposit before December 17th 2007, we will be able to confirm your booking by December 20th.

Candidates who submit forms after December 17th are unlikely to receive confirmation until January 9th 2008 at the earliest.

It is recommendable to submit your form and evidence of payment prior to December 17th 2007 so that you can start to book your flights over the Christmas break. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Once your booking has been processed you will receive and email confirming your place, and letting you know the balance remaining to pay is. You be kept updated on course developments and will receive support in planning your course related arrangements.

Terms of Booking and Deposit:

1. If we (British Council Colombia) cancel your place on the course after you have paid your deposit, your deposit will be returned.

2. If we (British Council Colombia) cancel your place on the course after you have paid the full amount, the full amount will be returned.

3. If you (the participant) cancel your place on the course after paying your deposit, you will lose your deposit, but will NOT be liable for the full amount.

4. If you (the participant) cancel your place on the course after paying the full amount, you will lose the full amount.

5. In addition, the British Council accepts no responsibility should any of the following affect the course:

- travel problems (such as a missed flight)

- denied entry to the country

- natural disasters

- any other local or global events outside the control of the British Council or the UTB which prevent the running of the course.

6.You (the participant) must be over 18 years of age when the course commences in order to book.

Terms of Discount:

The discount (of £30) will be applied to the first 15 people to make a booking payment into our UK account. Any further bookings taken after that will be charged at the full rate (£260), and candidates will be asked to pay the appropriate remaining balance.

If you have any questions about the course or the booking process please contact:

Elisa Birtwistle, either via e-mail or phone on:

+57 1 325 9075

elisa.birtwistle@britishcouncil.org.co

We welcome applications from students with disabilities; there would be no access problems at the UTB.

However, students should bear in mind that some of Colombia's infrastructure, such as taxis and pavements, lacks development in this area.  Even so, we and the UTB will do everything we can to make it possible for disabled students to attend the course.

If you think this course may be of interest to someone you know please refer them to this website for more information.

Alternatively, if you would like to display details of the course on a departmental or student noticeboard, you can download and print an A4 poster here.