Taking organic knowledge to Colombia
For the past five years, EARTH University and Universidad Libre de Colombia have maintained a collaborative partnership to share knowledge across borders.
With campuses throughout Colombia, Universidad Libre aims to promote democracy, tolerance and sustainable development, while instilling in its academic community the motto “Science is a source of freedom.” EARTH, through its Office of International Academic Relations, has welcomed more than 15 students from Libre for internships since 2012. The interns have focused on organic agriculture and integrated animal production.
Most recently, Ángela Camacho, a Libre student of environmental engineering, came to EARTH for a month-long internship.
The 23-year-old, who hails from the north-central Colombian province of Santander, labored and learned in EARTH’s Integrated Organic Farm.
We spoke with her about her recently completed tropical Costa Rican experience.
Why did you want to intern at EARTH University?
I finished my studies at Libre in June, but I wanted to have work experience. Also, I always had this idea of leaving the country and getting to know new places. I spoke with EARTH, which seemed like a very good option, as there was so much to learn. That’s why I came. Students who had already been to EARTH convinced me of how great an experience it would be for me.
Ángela worked with compost, vermicompost, biodigesters and organic crops during her time at EARTH.
What do you think about EARTH’s Integrated Organic Farm?
I really liked how much it taught me about how to support the environment and lessen agrochemical pollution.
What’s one thing you really liked about campus?
I loved how well everything was organized.
What stands out to you about the learning process at EARTH?
The first few days were really difficult because I had never been outside of Colombia. Then I started talking with the other students and found that I fit right in.
What did you most enjoy learning?
I really liked learning about compost – how to make it with microorganisms – and working with biodigesters, which is something I had been doing in Colombia. Among my many internship tasks were feeding the animals, planting seeds, transplanting crops and applying natural fertilizers. I also tended the composters and the worms of the vermicompost.
How were you received by the community?
Everyone accepted me with open arms and was very friendly. EARTH is full of really good people.
Final thoughts?
Because I challenged myself to do things on my own, I took advantage of this experience, which has helped me to mature and expand my knowledge.
Ángela stands beside the plaque at the Integrated Organic Farm.
To have an experience like Ángela’s, apply to our intern abroad program here.
