International Work Based Learning : Medellin

An Impact Case Study

Creating “Global Citizens” is a phrase we often see promoted through marketing channels but what are a select group of universities?doing to really drive this initiative forward..

Well, for students to become “aware of and understand the wider world” it’s important for them to experience it in-person. That’s why we’re seeing more universities offer students the opportunity to engage in short-term international experiences during their degree. Different from an international internship or a study abroad initiative, these shorter trips are usually one week in length and involve an action-packed agenda including real-world company projects with local businesses, guest speakers, cultural activities, company visits and more!?

In this edition of IC Insights, we wanted to share with you a short case study about a recent international experience we helped organise to Medellin, Colombia.

Why Medellin?

Medellin, one of Colombia’s largest cities, has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now a vibrant hub for technology and social innovation. With its booming startup scene and focus on social entrepreneurship, Medellin offers the perfect setting for an international student experience.

What Did The Students Experience?

During the trip students worked in groups on a consulting style project for a local business, tackling challenges in areas such as strategy development, international expansion, fundraising and more! In addition, students were immersed in local culture visiting places like Comuna 13, a neighbourhood celebrated for its colourful street art and inspiring community resilience after overcoming a troubled past. And lastly, students visited leading South American businesses such as Bancolombia to meet and listen to senior leadership talk about sustainability within Colombia and the wider region.

Top 3 Benefits for Universities

We think the benefits to students of these international work-based learning initiatives are fairly obvious; cultural exposure, applied learning, soft skill development, to name a few however it may be less obvious as to why universities should make the investment:

1. Student Recruitment: in the higher education industry gaining a competitive advantage is critical, especially in 2024/2025. With student admission numbers collapsing, universities are looking to bolster their offering to attract new students from around the world. By embedding an immersive week-long trip into the academic calendar, universities can leverage this when speaking to prospective students and use it as a key differentiator.?
2. Quickly Scaleable: Longer term work-based learning experiences are complex and can take time to set up (planning, module changes, approvals etc.), whereas shorter international experiences can be deployed at almost any time without the need to change the curriculum. It’s an effective way to quickly roll out work-based learning to a lot of students!
3. Build International Industry Partnerships: Working with businesses overseas helps universities build valuable industry connections, leading to further collaborations, research projects, and improved job prospects for graduates.

How Can Your University Get Involved? Medellin is just one example of how Impact Consulting supports universities in offering international work experiences. Over the years, we’ve successfully organised experiences in destinations like Peru, Nepal, and Turkey among many others. We manage everything—from sourcing exciting host companies, to logistics, programme planning and on-the-ground support!

Our team takes care of the entire process, ensuring a seamless staff and student experience. We’re here to help you bring these opportunities to your students and internationalise your curriculum. Want to know more? Reach out to us through our website—we’d love to chat about how we can help.