STEM Study Abroad Program in Colombia

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Overview

Feel the future of sustainable agriculture in the second most biodiverse country on Earth!

Step inside one of the world’s leading agricultural research hubs – the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT in Cali and Palmira – for an unforgettable, hands-on learning journey. Roll up your sleeves and go behind the scenes to explore how climate-smart plant breeding, soil health, and carbon sequestration can tackle critical global challenges like climate change and food security. You’ll study key global crops and discover cutting-edge coffee innovations.

Then, journey into the stunning cloud forests of Salento in Colombia’s famous coffee region. Hike through breathtaking Andean landscapes, connect with local realities, and see firsthand how sustainable farming, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihoods intersect. Gain real-world skills, leave a positive footprint, and unlock a global perspective that will elevate your career in agriculture, environmental science, and international development.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted

Trip highlights

Work alongside scientists in the field

Experience a farm-to-fork activity

Daily lectures from leading UC Davis lecuturer

Dance salsa in Cali

Hike amongst towering palm trees

Discover how world-class coffee is made

Price from $2,999 per person

Stay on world-class research campus

All on-ground logistics included

Example Itinerary

Week 1: Arrival & Foundational Agricultural Science (Palmira & Cali)

Students arrive in Cali and transfer to the international research center CIAT (Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT) in Palmira. The week begins with an orientation, campus tours, and introduction to sustainable agricultural systems, followed by visits to key research facilities and academic lectures.

Overnight: CIAT Housing, Palmira.

Weekend 1: Cali tour, salsa & markey visit (Cali)

Sat: Cali Cultural Immersion & Salsa Class: A guided Cali City Tour featuring historic downtown sites, local markets, and a traditional Salsa dance lesson in the world capital of Salsa.

Sun: Free Day & Academic Study: Independent student study time for course assignments and reflections, with early morning shuttle return to CIAT.

Overnight: CIAT Housing, Palmira.

Week 2: Crop Science Programs & Local Festivals

This week focuses on specialized crop research programs at CIAT (Cassava, Beans, Rice, Forages), combined with university lectures and cultural engagements in the region.

Overnight: CIAT Housing, Palmira.

Weekend 2: Afro-Colombian Cultural Celebration (Cali)

Sat: Interaction with local student guides from Cali and evening attendance at the celebrated Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival, experiencing regional music, gastronomy, and cultural heritage.

Sun: Field visit to a local farm hosted by Dr. JoEllen Simpson to examine smallholder agricultural methods and regional food production systems.

Overnight: CIAT Housing, Palmira.

Week 3: Farm-to-Table & Biotechnology & The Coffee Region (Palmira)

Students explore sustainable gastronomy, advanced crop biotechnology, and travel into the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle (Eje Cafetero).

Overnight: CIAT Housing, Palmira.

Long weekend 3: Discover Epic Nature in Colombia's Coffee Zone (Salento)

Wed: Journey to Salento & Coffee Zone: Overland travel from Palmira to the picturesque town of Salento in the Quindío department. Settle into local accommodations surrounded by Andean landscapes.

Thu: Guided visit to Cenicafé (National Coffee Research Center) to examine coffee genetics, disease resistance (coffee rust), and sustainable coffee agro-ecosystems.

Fri: Sustainable Architecture & Coffee Farm Tour: Morning exploration of Kasaguadua to learn about bamboo (Guadua) bioconstruction and tropical forest conservation. Afternoon guided tour of a coffee farm. In the evening, play Colombia’s national sport, Tejo.

Overnight: Hotel/Guest House in Salento.

Sat-Sun Cocora Valley & Return to CIAT Hike among the iconic Quindío wax palms in the Cocora Valley. Enjoy a group lunch in Salento before returning by private shuttle to CIAT in Palmira.

    • Overnight: CIAT Housing, Palmira.

Week 4: Advanced Labs, Sugarcane Systems & Final Project Prep

The final full week integrates biotechnology, industrial agriculture (sugarcane production), and preparation of student capstone research projects.

Overnight: CIAT Housing, Palmira.

Weekend 4: Final Presentation & farewell (Palmira, Cali)

Fri: Final Presentations & Farewell: Students present their final project reports summarizing their findings and scientific research. Evening farewell celebration dinner and of course salsa dancing!

Overnight: CIAT Housing, Palmira.

Sat: Program Completion & Departures Check-out from CIAT Housing and private transfers arranged by Kagumu to Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) for return flights.

Essential information

“A huge thank you to our colleagues at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and all our partners, including Kagumu Adventures, for giving our UC Davis students such a rich, hands-on learning experience in agriculture, research, and Colombian culture. Looking forward to returning in 2027!”

Dr. Zhang, Assistance Professor of Genetics and Breeding of Small Grain Crops, UC Davis

 

“Our students arrived in Colombia in August 2026 thanks to the UC Davis Global Learning Hub team and Kagumu Adventures.

Working alongside a provider who understands the needs of our STEM degree students has made a HUGE impact on the program’s itinerary and I can’t wait to see photos and hear stories from our students on the ground.”

Brooke Paynter, Coordinator of Global Affairs, UC Davis

Protecting Native Forest

Tour an innovative conservation project whose award-winning design promotes harmonious living within Colombia’s Andean rainforest. You will discover how these Andean mountains help create the vast biodiversity, unique climates and high-altitude tropical ecosystems known as páramos as well as learning how to reduce carbon emissions on a daily basis.

Farm-to-table experience

Discover the flavors of the countryside with Colombia’s most profound farm-to-table experience. At this community-run project by 30 local farmers, learn about regenerative agriculture – a multi-impact solution that addresses humanity’s common challenges. Through hands-on activities, explore how these practices contribute to carbon capture, food and nutritional security, soil and biodiversity regeneration, and wealth redistribution in rural Valle del Cauca.

  • Locations visited: Cali, Palmira, Salento
  • Cost: From $2,999 per person (price depends on group size)
  • Accommodation: CIAT campus in Palmira, hotel in Salento
  • Program length: 28 days (students can arrive before if required)
  • Credit: For credit or no credit options avalable

  • Most meals (we chose varied dishes to give a real taste of Colombia)
  • Accommodation (rooms are shared but privates are available on request and at an extra cost)
  • Transport – private buses
  • All scheduled excursions, activities, visits
  • Local guides and translators
  • Safety documents – risk assessment, safety protocols
  • Faculty free places, depending on group size

  • International flights
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Activties not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Some meals – students should plan to spend 100USD on food

Book this itinerary or tailor one to suit your curriculum by contacting us.

Fully Customizable

Remember we customize every itinerary to your curriculum. If you have a specifc academic focus in mind, allow us to tailor a trip for you.

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