PEACE BUILDING
COLOMBIA
Lead your students on a documentary tour of Colombia: connecting to peacebuilding stories in Bogotá.
This documentary field study offers a unique opportunity for students to dive into the critical narratives of peacebuilding in Colombia, where the arts and grassroots organizations are vital in the healing and reconciliation process.
Under your guidance and the support of our Actuality team on location, students will work with local peacebuilding organizations to create a documentary that captures the voices and stories of communities striving for a lasting peace. This hands-on experience takes them beyond the classroom and into the heart of meaningful change through storytelling.
Students will experience Bogotá through responsible tourism activities that highlight the city’s historical and cultural landmarks, giving them a deeper understanding of Colombia’s path to peace and reconciliation.
DESTINATION
COMMUNITY
Bogotá, Colombia, the sprawling capital, is a city rich with history and resilience. It’s a dynamic hub for peacebuilding efforts in a country that has experienced decades of conflict. Known for its street art, cultural diversity, and transformative social movements, Bogotá offers students a unique chance to explore how grassroots organizations are shaping Colombia’s future through peacebuilding and reconciliation.
This program connects students with local leaders working to rebuild and heal communities, providing firsthand insight into how storytelling can amplify voices and support peace efforts. Through this experience, students will see how art, dialogue, and social action can lead to lasting change, deepening their understanding of global peacebuilding and conflict resolution strategies.
DOCUMENTARY
PROCESS
The documentary project is the centerpiece of this week-long trip, providing students with the chance to learn and practice ethical, collaborative documentary production. This experience teaches both the technical aspects of filmmaking and photography and emphasizes the importance of storytelling within a community context.
Students can choose to engage in either a group video project or individual photography projects, both following a similar storytelling process. Whether they choose video or photography, the focus remains on ethical storytelling, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity.
Workshop – The project starts with a comprehensive workshop that introduces the stages of documentary production, covering key milestones and best practices. This ensures that all participants are well-prepared for their chosen roles.
Research – After the workshop, students will conduct field research, meet with collaborators, build relationships, and plan their projects. This phase is essential for ensuring that the stories are told accurately and respectfully.
Production – As the project continues, students in the video project will conduct interviews and gather visuals, refining their camera and audio skills. Photography students will focus on creating impactful images that tell a compelling story.
Editing – Students in the group video project will create a “paper cut,” outlining the documentary’s structure and flow, guiding the editing process. While the students are on a 1-2 day excursion, a member of the Actuality team will edit the video, creating a rough cut. Upon returning, students will review the rough cut, offer feedback, and gain insights into the editing process. Photography students will also finalize their work during this time.
Screening – The project concludes with a community screening where both the group video and individual photography projects are presented.
This experience goes beyond filmmaking, fostering ethical collaboration, developing practical skills, and using storytelling to connect with and contribute to the community. Students will gain a deeper understanding of documentary work and the impact of their creative efforts.
EXCURSION
OPTIONS
BOGOTÁ STREET ART TOUR
Explore Bogotá’s vibrant street art scene on a guided tour. Visit neighborhoods like La Candelaria to see colorful murals that tell the city’s stories of resilience, politics, and culture.
MARKET TOUR + COOKING CLASS
Tour one of Bogotá’s largest traditional markets, and shop for fresh local ingredients. Then, learn to cook traditional Colombian dishes like ajiaco and arepas in a hands-on cooking class.
WATERFALL AND CAVING ADVENTURE
Travel to Tobia, a small town two hours from Bogotá, for a day of adventure. Explore caves and rappel down waterfalls in this scenic Andean setting, perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
MONSERRATE MOUNTAIN TOUR
Take a cable car or hike to the top of Monserrate, a mountain that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Bogotá. At the summit, visit the iconic 17th-century church and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
BOGOTÁ GOLD MUSEUM
Visit the famous Gold Museum, home to one of the largest collections of pre-Colombian gold artifacts in the world. Discover the rich history of indigenous cultures and their connection to gold.
ZIPAQUIRÁ SALT CATHEDRAL
Take a day trip to Zipaquirá and tour the stunning underground Salt Cathedral, an architectural marvel carved into a salt mine. The cathedral is one of Colombia’s most famous attractions, combining spirituality with history.
BOGOTÁ CITY BIKE TOUR
Explore Bogotá’s diverse neighborhoods and landmarks on a bike tour. Pedal through bustling streets, visit historical sites, and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and architecture.
USAQUÉN FLEA MARKET
Visit the Usaquén Flea Market on a Sunday, where local artisans sell handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience Bogotá’s local culture and shop for unique items.
SUGGESTED
ITINERARY
Upon arrival in Bogotá, your group will be greeted by a private driver who will transport you to our guesthouse, conveniently located near the historic La Candelaria district. After settling in, a local guide will lead us on a walking tour of La Candelaria, where we’ll explore its colonial architecture and vibrant street art scene. The guide will share the stories behind the murals, highlighting the city’s struggles, resilience, and artistic expressions. The evening will conclude with a welcome dinner, where the group can come together to discuss the exciting week ahead.
We’ll begin the day with workshops focused on documentary storytelling, specifically tailored to exploring themes of peacebuilding and social resilience in Colombia. These sessions will equip your students with the necessary skills to document the stories of the local peacebuilding organization we’ll be collaborating with. In the afternoon, we’ll dive into Bogotá’s culinary culture with a visit to the Paloquemao Market. Students will explore the vibrant market, sampling local ingredients before participating in a hands-on cooking class to prepare traditional Colombian dishes like ajiaco and arepas. This experience provides an interactive and delicious way to connect with the local culture.
Today, we’ll engage directly with a local peacebuilding organization making significant strides toward healing and reconciliation in the community. The morning will be spent learning about their mission, meeting community leaders, and understanding the impact of their work. This hands-on research will provide crucial context for the stories we’ll be telling. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the guesthouse for a group discussion and production meeting to plan the documentary approach, ensuring everyone is aligned and ready to move forward with the project.
We’ll return to the organization to conduct in-depth interviews with key individuals, such as community leaders and those affected by the peacebuilding process. These interviews will help students understand the personal and societal impact of these initiatives. In addition to interviews, we’ll document the organization’s environment and activities, enriching the narrative. The afternoon will be dedicated to reviewing the day’s material and refining our storytelling techniques.
We’ll spend the day documenting visual elements that bring our stories to life, capturing the essence of the organization’s daily activities and its impact on the community. This could include documenting workshops, community dialogues, or social programs. After returning to the guesthouse, the group will review the material and begin planning the next steps in the post-production process to ensure the narrative is cohesive and impactful.
Today, we’ll take a break from our documentary work and head out for a day of adventure in Tobia, a small town located about two hours from Bogotá, known for its lush landscapes and thrilling outdoor activities. Nestled in the Andean foothills, Tobia offers an exciting contrast to the bustling city. The group will start by exploring caves, crawling through tunnels, and discovering hidden underground spots. Afterward, we’ll take on the exhilarating challenge of rappelling down a waterfall. This full-day excursion provides a perfect blend of nature and adventure, offering a chance to experience Colombia’s diverse environments. In the evening, we’ll return to Bogotá for a relaxing night at the guesthouse.
We’ll start the day with an early morning trip to Monserrate, one of Bogotá’s most iconic landmarks. Students will either hike, take the funicular, or ride the cable car to the top, where they’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and visit the 17th-century church. After returning from Monserrate, we’ll gather for a workshop led by the Actuality team to review the rough cut of our documentary. The group will provide feedback to be incorporated into the final edit. The day will conclude with a screening of the completed documentary, followed by a wrap party to celebrate the project’s success.
After a final breakfast at the guesthouse, the group will gather for reflections and farewells, sharing key takeaways from the trip. Following this, pre-arranged transport will be ready to take everyone to the airport for the journey home.
START YOUR
JOURNEY
STEP 1
Schedule a call with us to brainstorm ideas for your trip.
STEP 2
Receive your custom trip proposal ready for University approval.
STEP 3
Get ready to travel the world and inspire your students.
