Colorful houses with ornate designs and hanging flowers line a cobblestone street.

Summer Abroad Colombia

Agriculture and the Environment in Colombia

Cali, Palmira, and Salento, Colombia

  • DatesAugust 1–29, 2027
  • Max Enrollment – 30
  • Taught In – English
  • Prerequisites – Yes
  • Academic Areas – Plant Sciences

Program Overview

Come explore how agriculture can address urgent global challenges such as climate change, food security and sustainability through this immersive program based at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT in Cali and Palmira, Colombia, one of the world's leading agricultural research hubs. Study cassava, beans, sugarcane, coffee and rice while gaining hands-on experience in soil health, carbon sequestration and climate-smart plant breeding. Visit Cenicafé, the research center of Colombia's National Coffee Growers Federation, to explore sustainable coffee innovation and production. You'll also travel to Salento in Colombia's renowned coffee region to hike through biodiverse Andean landscapes and examine the connections between agriculture, conservation and rural livelihoods, gaining practical skills and a global perspective for careers in agriculture, environmental science and international development.

Program Contacts

Program Highlights

  • Work side by side with international scientists and local farmers on real-world agricultural challenges, getting hands-on experience with soil health, plant breeding, and sustainable farming practices.
  • Explore real-world solutions to improve farming and food systems in tropical and global settings.
  • Hike through rivers and waterfalls, dance and learn about Afro-Colombian and Pacific Indigenous culture at the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival and enjoy traditional coffee tastings.

Similar Programs

Program Overview (Instructor Video)