Exciting Opportunity for Third-Year Students: Join a Life-Changing 8-Week Research Experience in Colombia!
Plan for Spring 2025
- Earn 6.0 Queen’s units at the 400-level while contributing to meaningful community-driven research.
- Engage in an 8-week research experience in partnership with Universidad Autónoma de Occidente (UAO) in Cali, Colombia.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Cali, the ‘Salsa Capital of the World,’ and experience Colombia’s diverse heritage.
This unique opportunity is part of the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Scholars Program (QES), which provides funding towards travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
Program Features:
Queen’s partnership with UAO allows up to eight Queen’s students to participate in an 8-week research experience over the 2025 spring term while actively engaging in Colombia’s environmental and social justice challenges. This opportunity offers you a chance to immerse yourself in a dynamic research project that focuses on building climate-resilient rural communities through interdisciplinary collaboration. You will collaborate closely with Black community councils in the Alto Cauca region to support their efforts to safeguard ancestral and agro-biodiverse territories through Participatory Action Research (PAR) and environmental projects. Additionally, scholars will receive leadership and entrepreneurship training from Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC) to further enhance their professional skills.
Examples of research areas include:
- Land Management Project: This will involve students in various activities related to land management, with a focus on territorial planning and Black community representation. Activities will include community workshops, Territorial Cartography, and designing environmental justice maps to address urban expansion and monoculture impacts.
- Renewable Energy Project with Afro-descendant Women: This focuses on supporting Afro-descendant women in the rural area of Jamundí, Valle del Cauca, who manage a medicinal plant nursery venture called “Valle de la Salud (Valley of Health).” The women in this group use renewable energy in their activities. Activities may include digital literacy and communication workshops, production of medicinal oils, and implementation of photovoltaic irrigation systems.
Program activities and Timeline:
- January 10: Complete the application form, and submit it to the Faculty Lead, Dr. Diana Córdoba (diana.cordoba@queensu.ca).
- January 14: Information session with all potential scholars – attendance required
- January 21: Successful applicants notified. (TBC)
- Winter Term (Flexible start date): Preparatory meetings and submission of plan to earn DEVS 410 - Work Placement in Development Studies.
- May – June 2025: Participate in an 8-week research experience in Colombia
- To be completed by August 2025: Enroll in the DDQIC Explore Entrepreneurship course virtually.
What You Will Gain
This immersive experience offers a unique chance to contribute to a meaningful, community-driven project with lasting impacts on land rights, climate resilience, and cultural heritage. By participating, you’ll:
- Gain hands-on experience in transdisciplinary research, climate resilience and agroecology.
- Collaborate with local community leaders and researchers on critical environmental and social issues.
- Develop skills that are highly valued in international development, environmental studies, and social justice.
- Have the opportunity to make a tangible impact in a community’s fight for land rights and food sovereignty.
- Gain Leadership and Entrepreneurship training through DDQIC
Accomodation
During your stay, you will live in Cali, a vibrant city known for its rich culture and welcoming atmosphere. Cali offers a blend of modern city life and traditional Colombian culture. From its lively music scene to its delicious local cuisine and nearby natural landscapes, you will have the opportunity to experience Colombia’s diverse heritage first-hand.
Costs
Student will receive $1,212 towards their tuition fees and $5,250 towards visa expenses, travel and living expenses (accommodation and meals). DDQIC Program fees are waived for students. Students will be required to cover any additional expenses.
Who Should Apply
We are looking for third-year students who:
- Have a passion for environmental sustainability, community development, or social justice.
- Are eager to learn about Afro-Colombian culture, history, and agricultural practices.
- Possess strong research skills and an interest in participatory methods.
- Are able to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-cultural, interdisciplinary environment.
Eligibility
- Students must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents
The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES) is managed through a unique partnership of Universities Canada, the Rideau Hall Foundation, and Canadian postsecondary institutions. QES 2025 is made possible with financial contributions from the Rideau Hall Foundation.
For inquiries, please contact global@queensu.ca