Tampa, Florida, celebrates Sister City Relationship with Barranquilla, Colombia. In recognition of this bond, Tampa's Mayor officially proclaimed August 23 as "Barranquilla, Colombia Day.”
The Universidad del Norte (UniNorte) student welcome took place following a historic ceremony where Tampa Mayor Jane Castor proclaimed August 23 as Barranquilla, Colombia Day, recognizing celebrating the special Sister City relationship between Tampa and Barranquilla, home to UniNorte. The event was attended by many dignitaries, including the Consul General of Colombia to Florida. The ceremony honored the productive partnership that has flourished since 1966 and was followed by a business briefing hosted by Tampa Sister Cities and AmCham Barranquilla, featuring a delegation of executives leading successful firms in Barranquilla.
Students had the opportunity to learn about the unique 58-year partnership between the two cities, which they will both call home this year, as well as the 31-year partnership between UniNorte and USF!
Students had the opportunity to learn about the unique 58-year partnership between
the two cities, which they will both call home this year, as well as the 31-year partnership
between UniNorte and USF! Since the start of the collaboration in 1993, more than
400 UniNorte students had obtained a degree from USF. You can read more about the
historic partnership here.
At the welcome event held on 8/24, 39 UniNorte students gathered bright and early
in the Patel Center lobby eager to get to know their new home, meet new friends, and
spend a thrilling day at Busch Gardens. They were greeted by Colombian dignitaries,
USF World representatives, and members of the Tampa Sister Cities Committee.
Before the information session began, students grouped together and talked about their excitement for the day and the semester ahead. “The New Academic Transfer Agreement is a great opportunity,” UniNorte student Carolina Florez says. “This campus is very global, so it’s a great way to interact with other cultures.” Florez is eager to begin her studies in Industrial Engineering. Another student, Margarita Victoria Peña Ochoa, mentions how she is very excited to meet new people and start her Psychology classes here at USF.
During the information session, Tampa Sister Cities presented the history of the Tampa/Barranquilla relationship, which has grown stronger over the years. USF World discussed the productive partnership between USF and UniNorte and how it will continue to flourish in the coming years. Students learned that a great way for them to get involved is to join USF Network Colombia, where they can connect with the alumni, faculty and other students and can join its LinkedIn group.
Faculty-led study abroad programs are in development for Spring and Summer of 2025 for USF students attending UniNorte in Education, Health and Social Sciences. New Academic Transfer Agreements for Graduate programs in areas such as TESOL and Spanish Teaching are being created as well. The future of the partnership is bright and promising!
The welcome session wrapped up with the highlights from the International Student Success Orientation, reminding students of how to safely get the most out of their time at USF. The students then flooded out of the event, eager to spend the day getting to know one another and while contemplating which thrilling roller coasters they’ll ride at Busch Gardens, a perfect way to kick off their life-changing time in Tampa.