Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) Seminar and Field Trip Program
Program Overview
The Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) Seminar and Field Trip Program celebrates its 51st trip in 2025! Since 1972, the program has provided more than 600 students a unique educational and cross-cultural immersion experience.
This intensive, two-part program incorporates a cross-cultural homestay with individualized field study. The program is open to undergraduates of any major at the University of Pittsburgh with sufficient Spanish language proficiency and an interest in Latin American culture. About 10-15 students will be selected for the program and enroll in a preparatory seminar on campus during the spring of 2025, and then travel to the host country where they will study, live with a host family, and carry out an independent field project during the summer.
The Destination: Medellin, Colombia
Medellín, often called the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its pleasant climate, offers a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, making it an ideal destination for the 2025 CLAS Seminar and Field Trip Program. Nestled in the Aburrá Valley, this bustling metropolis is renowned for its rich history, cultural diversity, and progressive urban transformation. Participants will experience Medellín’s dynamic public spaces, innovative transportation systems, and thriving art scene, while engaging deeply with its warm, welcoming communities. Through homestays and field projects, students will explore the complexities of Colombian society, gaining firsthand insights into Medellín’s resilience and social development, particularly in areas like education, sustainability, and urban regeneration. This immersion will not only enhance students’ understanding of Latin American culture but also offer a profound cross-cultural experience that will resonate long after their return.