Choosing the destination is one of the first decisions in an academic mission, and one of the most influential for budget, participation and learning. These criteria will help you decide between a domestic and an international destination.
The criteria that matter most
1. The learning objective
Ask yourself which institutions, companies or experiences the group needs to see, and where they are. If the objective can be met well in Colombia, a domestic destination may offer more days of programming for the same budget.
2. The group's budget
An international destination usually means more expensive airfare, travel insurance or assistance, and expenses in another currency. A domestic destination makes it easier for more students to take part. What matters is comparing complete proposals, not just the price of the flight.
3. Available time
For short trips, nearby destinations make better use of the time. International trips better justify their cost when the agenda includes several days of activities.
4. Language and context
Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking destinations can make interaction easier during visits and lectures. If the objective includes practicing another language, that is a valid criterion as well.
5. Travel requirements
Passports, entry permits and other requirements vary by destination and by each participant's nationality.
6. The group's profile
Age, prior travel experience, group size and specific needs all affect how suitable a destination is.
Advantages of a domestic mission
- Lower transportation costs and simpler paperwork.
- Greater student participation.
- A direct connection with the country's economic, institutional and cultural reality.
Destinations such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cali or the Coffee Region are home to institutions, companies and cultural experiences that can enrich a range of academic programs.
Advantages of an international mission
- Contrast with other systems, cultures and management models.
- An internationalization experience for students.
- Access to institutions and industries not present in the home country.
Routes such as Argentina (Buenos Aires, La Plata, Córdoba), Brazil (São Paulo, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro), Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville) or Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice) are some of the possibilities that can be evaluated based on the objective, dates and availability.
The best destination is the one that connects the program's purpose with experiences that can't be had in the classroom.
How to make the decision
- Write the learning objective in one sentence.
- List two or three destinations that could meet it.
- Request proposals that detail services, agenda and terms.
- Compare total cost per student against days of academic programming.
- Validate with your program and present the chosen option to the group.
To dig deeper into the full process, see our step-by-step guide to organizing an academic mission.
Planning an academic mission?
Tell us about your program's objective and we'll work with you to design a clear proposal tailored to your group.