Education
Constraints of language capability and, to some extent, geographical distance, as well as the lack of historical contact between institutions of higher education in both countries, have limited academic contacts between Colombia and India.
In recent years contacts have been increasing, although the pace has been slow. MOUs have been signed – mostly in absentia – between some Indian and Colombian universities, but interaction has been at a low level. Some Indian professors and experts have visited Colombia in recent years, and there are some notable Indologists and academicians in Colombian universities, who have been studying India and have written extensively on their experiences and study.
Notable Colombian universities which have collaborated with the Embassy of India and with Indian universities include:- Sergio Arboleda; University La Tadeo; National University; Javeriana; Externado; Los Andes; Rosario in Bogota; EAFIT in Medellin – and some in other cities
In recent years there has been tremendous interest on account of India’s economic growth and role in world affairs, which has excited Colombian universities to hold seminars and Weeks of India all over Colombia.
From the Indian side, there has been collaboration by Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, while a few others have expressed interest.
Colombian and Indian universities have assisted in the publication of literature, particularly magazines and books on topics of common interest. The Embassy of India in Colombia undertook projects for the publication of the autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi in Spanish; a magazine, and a compilation of high level contributions to commemorate 50 years of bilateral relations between the two countries in 2009.
Indian technical and economic cooperation programme (ITEC)
In 2009-2010, 25 scholarships were earmarked for professionals and students in various disciplines from Colombia. Interested applicants can get information and application forms through the Colombian academic exchange agency (ICETEX) on www.icetex.gov.co.
Interested persons should apply, in the prescribed form through their own Institutions or Ministries/Departments to ICETEX which will screen and recommend the application to the Embassy of India in Bogotá. The Embassy interviews the candidates before recommending their names for the scholarship.
The employees and officials of the Government, Public Sector Enterprises, Universities and Chambers of Commerce and Industry are eligible to apply for Scholarships under the ITEC program.
The applicant must be conversant in English language to be able to follow the course in India. He/she should be in good health and a certificate to this effect must be provided as per the application form.
Applications will be sent to the training institutes in India, which will scrutinize the applications of the candidates and eligibility from the technical point of view including educational qualification and work experience. The final decision for grant of scholarship rests with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
Upon selection, the Indian Embassy in Bogotá will inform the concerned authorities. The Indian Embassy will brief the selected candidate about the training Program in India and will also provide an economy/tourist class return air ticket to the candidate for travel to India. Strict conditions are attached to ensure that candidates go through the full course and conform to the requirements and time table of the institution concerned.
COLOMBIAN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIA
ICETEX, the Colombian government agency for management of scholarships and educational exchanges, offers scholarships to Indian candidates. The scholarships are essentially only for payment of tuition fees and incidental expenses in Colombia. Selected candidates have to pay their own airfare.
ICETEX also has a programme under which it sponsors visits by professors from foreign countries, through selected universities. The Colombian university concerned can apply for either the airfare or for local hospitality – but not both – from ICETEX.
For further information click here
INDIAN COUNCIL FOR CULTURAL RELATIONS (ICCR)
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) awards scholarships for regular courses of higher studies to candidates in countries which have a bilateral Cultural Exchange Program with India. Two such scholarships are therefore awarded to Colombian nationals per year. The scholarship is awarded in almost all the disciplines of regular study and also for classical dance, music, fine arts, etc. in India. For details of the courses and scholarships, please contact the Embassy of India in Bogota in person before February 12 2010. Any questions can be sent to the e-mail : culturalindia@cable.net.co. |
|
