QES: Towards water resilience: Participatory rainwater management streategy in response to climate change (UMAP–VCC QES Program 2026-27) - Program Details| General Information | Institution | Universidad Catolica de Colombia |
|---|---|---|
| Program A/B Status: Cycle 1 | Closed | |
| Program A/B Status: Cycle 2 | Closed | |
| Timeline | Study Abroad Year | 2026 |
| Semester | Fall | |
| Program Information | Program Name | QES: Towards water resilience: Participatory rainwater management streategy in response to climate change (UMAP–VCC QES Program 2026-27) |
| Program Type | Program B | |
| Program Description | The program is an initiative that brings together professors, students, and the community around participatory rainwater management as a response to the challenges of climate change in vulnerable urban contexts and to improve living conditions in the face of climate variability. It integrates research, community engagement, and academic coursework to address this phenomenon. Students (from different disciplines) and professors work alongside community members to design, implement, and monitor rainwater harvesting and filtration systems adapted to local conditions. The research component focuses on developing and testing sustainable water technologies, while the community project fosters capacity building through participatory workshops on domestic water management, hygiene, and system maintenance. The program combines the courses Community Development Project (elective), Game-Based Learning (disciplinary), and Spanish as a Foreign Language, providing participants with opportunities to develop technical, social, and linguistic competencies. | |
| Contact Information | Heidy Johana Quintero, coopinternacional@ucatolica.edu.co | |
| Teaching Language | Spanish including contents in English | |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate or Graduate | |
| Exchange Duration | 1 semester | |
| Language Proficiency Requirements | Accept Native English | Yes |
| English Language Requirements: Other | Scores: Not applicable | |
| Other English Language Requirements | It is not necessary, since the main language of instruction will be Spanish | |
| Other Language Requirements | An intermediate level of Spanish (at least A2) is required to interact with community during fieldwork. | |
| Academic Field | Agriculture, Architecture, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Human Services, International / Global Studies, Natural Resources, Physical Sciences, Psychology, Social Sciences, Sustainability / Climate Change Studies | |
| Facilities and Resources | Universidad Católica de Colombia provides QES scholars with access to all institutional facilities. In particular, the School of Engineering offers well-equipped laboratories where students can advance the project “Towards Water Resilience: Participatory Rainwater Management Strategy in Response to Climate Change.” Scholars will also have access to the university library, computer laboratories, and all other institutional services available during their stay. They will enjoy the same rights and benefits as regular students, including participation in well-being programs, as well as cultural and sports activities organized by the university. | |
| Scholarships Available: | Yes | |
| Scholarship Information | As part of the program, students will benefit from tuition waivers. QES scholarship available to eligible Canadian or PR students | |
| Program Fees (All values are in USD) | Tuition or Program Fee | $0.00 |
| Average Housing Cost | $265.00 average per month. | |
| Local Transportation | $70.00 average per month. This can include cost of buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation. | |
| Other Program Fees | $0.00 excluding tuition. These may include activity, lab/materials, or other fees. | |
| Cost of Living | $200.00 average per month. This can include meals, pocket money, and entertainment. | |
| Medical Insurance | $80.00 per month. | |
| Visa | $0.00 | |
| Additional Program Information | The program integrates academic coursework, research, and community engagement focused on water resilience and climate adaptation. Students will take Community Development Project, Game-Based Learning, and Spanish for Foreigners, combining technical learning with cultural experience. Students will receive full support from their academic facilitators, who are experts in their fields. Moreover, the International Office staff will assist them in adapting to life in Colombia and integrating into the university community. | |
| Supplementary Links | Flyer information | Link |
| Testimonial video from Belgian students participating in a previous community-based experience | Link | |
| University website | Link | |
| Program A/B Information | Additional Information | Students can also take some of the following elective courses offered in English: Conflict and peace-building (3 UCC credits) Fundamentals of argumentation and debate (2 UCC credits) Intercultural competencies (2 UCC credits) Game-Based Learning: 2 academic credits (1.5 Canada) Community Development Project: 4 academic credits. (2.5-3 Canadian credits) The Spanish for Foreigners course is offered as a non-credit language and cultural immersion component. |
| Required GPA | Not applicable | |
| Program Schedules | ||
| 2nd Semester Dates: | 27/Jul/2026 | |
| 2nd Semester End Date: | 21/Nov/2026 | |
| Credit Transfer |
Yes, 2 credits per course UCTS Calculator |
|
| Number of Tuition Waved Participants | 2 | |
| Number of Fee Paying Students Accepted | 2 | |