Summer School EAFIT Colombia – FHNW Switzerland

School of Business

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Explore global business perspectives while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Medellín, Colombia. The FHNW Summer School EAFIT offers a unique opportunity to earn credits, grow personally and professionally, and build an international network – all in just two weeks.

Factsheet

Degree: Check with your dean of studies if and how this module will be accepted at your specific degree programme
Study mode: Full-time
Learning environment: Onsite
ECTS points: 5
Next start: 28.6.2026
Duration: 2 weeks
Language: English
Place: Basel and Medellin
Staying abroad: Mandatory
Application fee: CHF 980

At a glance

International experience in Latin America: Study at Universidad EAFIT, one of Colombia’s top universities.
Practice-oriented learning: Tackle real-world business challenges in an intercultural setting.
Earn 5 ECTS in two weeks: Intensive format with academic quality and credit transferability.
Cultural immersion: Combine studies with guided excursions and local insights.
Expand your global network: Connect with students and professionals from around the world.

Why study this?

The summer school programme focuses on four major aspects

Fostering the interaction between the students from both countries across faculty boundaries and thereby strengthening the international as well as the interdisciplinary exchange between students and employees.
Students learn how to use innovative techniques to find creative ideas and new solutions to today’s challenges.
Students get to know relevant tools for the successful development of their projects / business idea.
Target-oriented working and cooperating in international and interdisciplinary groups.

Target group

The summer school programme is open for bachelor and master students as well as employees from the organising universities. Its content is designed for students from all fields and each faculty of the participating universities.

Universidad EAFIT is a highly reputed private Colombian university located in Medellín offering over 100 programmes on undergraduate, master, specialisation, and doctoral level. The university offers degrees in various fields through its schools of Management, Engineering, Law, Finance and Economics, Science, and Humanities.
FHNW Students and employees of all schools are welcome. The aim is to have a truly divers group representing the various fields of FHNW.

Structure and Content

During two exciting and challenging weeks, participants take a deep dive into the world of entrepreneurship by developing projects and business ideas from all fields of study, attending courses, visiting different organisations, discovering local culture and expand relevant networks with people from Colombia and Switzerland. The course combines profit, non-profit and sustainable projects at the same time.

Our summer school concentrates on entrepreneurial skills and spirit. The courses are academically challenging with a strong practical focus. Lecturers are experts in their fields and experienced practitioners, interaction between students and lecturers will be fostered.

Participants will work in mixed groups on their own projects in various fields. Relevant content in the course:

creating a business idea
developing and evaluating business models
strategic planning
market analysis and market entry
finance and human resources
stakeholder dialogue
intercultural management
convincing pitching and persuasive communication

The programme also includes visits to companies (e.g. start-ups, social enterprises, SMEs) and organisations (e.g. business hubs) in both countries. Engaging cultural and social events will enrich the participants' experience, making their stay truly memorable while fostering intercultural competence. The programme also features excursions to cultural and historical landmarks in each country.

Timeframe

There is a preparatory evening before the summer school. Students will get insights about the main topics.

On site:

Classroom instructions with workshops, lectures, seminars
Group work on business idea
Company visit / visits of institutions
Cultural activities

May 2026 (tbc)	Online Preperatory Evening
Sun, 28 Jun – Fri, 3. Jul 2026	Summer School at FHNW, Basel
Sat/Sun, 4 – 5 Jul 2026	Travel to Medellin, Colombia
Mon, 6 Jul – Fri, 10 Jul 2026	Summer School at EAFIT, Medellín

Requirements and admission

The summer school will be open for maximum 30 participants (15 EAFIT, 15 FHNW). Participants need to be fluent in English (advanced level: European levels B2 written/C1 oral). No formal document/proof needed. Knowledge of Spanish not mandatory.

Organisationam matters

Application

The registration deadline is 30 March 2026. The number of participants is limited to 30 people (15 EAFIT, 15 FHNW), early registration is recommended.

With your application you confirm having read and accepted the following terms and condition:

You are ready to participate in the on-site seminar and the preparatory session as outlined in the programme. Once the delegation members have been confirmed, full cost incurs in case of withdrawal (health reasons, e.g.).
Flights can only be booked once participation has been confirmed. FHNW does not take over any responsibility for individual costs incurred (in case of early bookings, e.g.).
Insurance coverage for the entire study trip is each student’s individual responsibility.
You ensure that necessary travel documents (passports, insurance confirmation, visa, etc.) will be organised in time as required.
You agree that photos and pictures taken of you while you are on the programme can be published by the FHNW on their respective home pages and in their brochures, flyers, etc, within reason.
The nomination process is not further documented or commented. Students have no right to appeal the final decision on delegation members by the supervisor.

Selection of participants will be based on the availability of places, the quality of the application and on the timing of the application. You will hear from us latest at the beginning of April 2025.

Registration

Credits

The summer school is accredited with 5 ECTS (please check with your dean of studies if and how this module will be accepted at your specific degree programme).

The assessment consists of a group work and presentation during the summer school.

Flights

Participants book (and pay) flights individually. The flight from Switzerland to Medellin Colombia has to be on Saturday 4 or Sunday 5 July 2026 (programme in Colombia starts on Monday, 6 July at 12.00 local time). The flight back to Switzerland can earliest be on Saturday, 11 July 2026.

Housing / Accommodation

In Medellín: All FHNW participants stay at the same hotel, organised and offered by EAFIT.
In Switzerland: All EAFIT participants stay at the same hotel, organised and offered by FHNW.

Insurance / Health / Visa

The following matters are the sole responsibility of each participant:

Insurance coverage
Health-related concerns and vaccinations
Visa arrangements and compliance with entry requirements

Fee

There is a fee of CHF 980 per participant. This fee is due within 10 days after the communication of the selection of the students. This fee will not be paid back when a student withdraws (except serious health issues).

Included: accommodation in Medellín; lunches in Basel and Medellin, company visits, cultural and social programme both in Basel and Medellin.
Not included: transport (except company visits, cultural and social activities), health insurance, visa cost (visa free for Swiss/EU citizens), other meals (lunch is included) additional individual sightseeing trips and personal expenses.

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