1) You are now in Bogota with the Javeriana University for the third semester of the NOHA master. What exactly is this semester abroad about?
Stefan: Basically, the third semester in the Javeriana is an opportunity to conduct an in-depth original research of own choice. The size and deadline of your final thesis is the same as for other NOHAs, but the quality and the originality of the research are expected to be different. Nevertheless, don't worry about marks - All NOHAs tend to pass. By choosing the Javeriana you receive tutoring from Colombian academics and from visiting NOHA scholars. You might receive invitations to modules and conferences. Also, you have access to library and sports facilities. Especially, the tutoring from the Colombian academics is useful.This is a brilliant opportunity to establish contacts to a network of Colombian stakeholders relevant for your research.
Marleen: The only thing I can add to that is that you also have the opportunity to do any module you want on the Javeriana, both at bachelors and masters level. It is good to realize that Javeriana is seen as one of the best (and most expensive) universities of Colombia. Although classes generally start at seven o´clock in the morning and modules can be intensive, it is a good option for example to gain knowledge on a topic related to your research.
What are the requirements to access this program? Can anyone within NOHA qualify, and are there other locations?
Stefan: There are several universities worldwide, which offer the same option as the Javeriana. Nonetheless, the Javeriana is the only option in Latin America. Everybody who is participating in the mobility programme on second semester can apply for this third semester option. The mobility option is an exchange programme in which you study on another European NOHA university during second semester. When applying for the third semester option the Javeriana will offer a number of research streams and you will have to write a brief proposal related to one or more of these. You should not be worried about this, because few people tend to apply and the Javeriana accepts most applications which suit to the research lines and expertise of the university.
Marleen: This year unfortunately there were only two students who went to the Javeriana, which is a pity because of the lost opportunity. Nevertheless, not all students are accepted, but all reasonable proposals will be, even if you maybe only have a vague idea of what you want.
What does a typical week look like for you here?
Stefan: Well, I as many others, chose to do an internship relevant to my research. This is not recommended by NOHA, but in the end it worked out very well for me. This means that I worked almost full time in the Organization of American States (OAS) and the rest of the time I spent on studying on the Javeriana. I was busy, but it was all well linked together, which motivated me.
Marleen: I decided to focus the first three months on my research and after that doing an internship in Colombia. During the research months I spent a lot of time in the library, in the gym and having lunch with the programme coordinator. Of course there is also plenty of time for social activities and travelling, which is perhaps an advantage if you don´t combine internship and research.
Some people still think that Colombia is a dangerous place to be. What's your assessment of security?
Stefan: Colombia is still a country in armed conflict. Indeed, in the latest years a new tendency of violence and organised crime has been detected. Bogotá is no longer affectedby the armed conflict. Nevertheless, crime is widespread and security precautions should be taken. I have as part of my research visited conflict-affected areas. But doing a security analysis before travelling should make you relatively safe. In my case the security office at the OAS helped me. There is no reason for staying away from Colombia because of the security situation. Nevertheless, if you are not willing to compromise yourself and taking the needed security precautions Europe might be a nicer option for you.
Marleen: I agree, no need to stay away. In Bogotá you have to be careful just like in most big cities, but with normal precautionary measures you can avoid a lot of trouble. On the other hand, some people tend to think that Colombia is in a post-conflict situation, which is not true. The conflict is just very localized, so you have to think about the places you're visiting.
Everything happens in Spanish here and both of you are now fluent speakers. Do you need to have a good command of Spanish already before coming here?
Stefan: I'm not fluent in Spanish. Let's say I'm advanced. Fluent Spanish is NOT essential. The scholars at the Javeriana speak English and your thesis usually is to be written in English. And being here is a good way to improve your Spanish.
Marleen: I was already fluent in Spanish before I came here, which is nice of course, but like Stefan says it´s no precondition to come here. Only for doing field research and read Spanish literature it is quite important, but you can choose to adapt your research to your level of Spanish.
You both seem to enjoy your time in Bogota, why would you recommend to other students to come here rather than stay at their home university for the third semester?
Stefan: Indeed I have had a wonderful time here. Many people choose to focus on internships rather than on the research. But the truth is that choosing the Javeriana option is a brilliant way of getting an internship. The scholars there are willing to help you out with that. Also, I believe that I've received more tutoring than other NOHAs, who didn't do this option. This has helped me a lot. You can say that being a student in the Javeriana is a nice and easy way to get to know Colombia.
Marleen: I would always recommend NOHAs to follow the mobility path, both in the second and the third semester, because the different places make the experience richer and you can find out if you can live with this kind of lifestyle (moving around the world). Also, you broaden your network by changing places. And the advantage of going to Colombia instead of another random country is that you are sure that you find other (ex)NOHAs along the way, so that you always have some family membersnear to you.
What are your plans after you graduate?
Stefan: I will stay in Colombia. The Javeriana is a highly regarded university. With this experience on my CV I will relatively easily be able to get a job. At the moment the tutors at the Javeriana and at the OAS are helping me networking in order for me to find a job.
Marleen: I am now working for my internship organization, a great opportunity to gain experience. It is perhaps not the organization where I want to work the rest of my life, but a good start for me to build a career.
What else would you like to let other NOHAs know?
Stefan:
1) Studying at the Javeriana is NOT only for hardcore researchers. Anyone can do it. We might even have received more support and tutoring than other NOHAs.
2) This option is not necessarily an alternative to doing an internship. Even though NOHA does not encourage it, it is perfectly possible to do an internship meanwhile or after the 3 months at the Javeriana.
3) Don't worry too much about the proposal you have to submit by December the year before! Nearly everybody, who submits a relevant proposal, is chosen. It is better to apply and have the option to go, than not to apply and later regret it.
4) Even if you are not on this option you can still do an internship in Colombia and visit the Javeriana and have a coffee with the scholars linked to the NOHA programme. They are very helpful to all NOHAs approaching them.
5) Of interest, accommodation in a relatively safe neighborhood (Chapinero Alto) can be found for less than €200 per month. This typically includes a private room with shared bath and kitchen. A typical menu-del-día lunch costs between €3 and €5. The biggest cost of the Javeriana option is the flight, which can be fairly pricey.
6) In Colombia "the only risk is wanting to stay". Bogotá might be rather messy, but Colombia and its people are wonderful.
Marleen:Stefan said everything. I only would like to say that you can have lunch also for €2 if you try hard enough.
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