Global Insights presents Colombia

Global Insights presentation on Tuesday, November 14 at 11:30 a.m in Brennan Hall Room 509
Catherine “Cat” Bruno’18, international studies and French double major, and Maria “Paola” Mejia ’19, international studies exchange student
Catherine “Cat” Bruno’18, international studies and French double major, and Maria “Paola” Mejia ’19, international studies exchange student
In the smaller villages, their strong faith in God really helps them to move forward, survive and have faith in a better future.- Catherine “Cat” Bruno ’18

Lying on the northwest coast of South America, known for its production of rich coffee beans and oil, Colombia has been wrought with civil rebellion for decades. A November 2016 accord between the FARC rebel group and the Colombian government has finally brought peace to the nation. Catherine “Cat” Bruno ’18, international studies and French double major, and Maria “Paola” Mejia ’19, international studies exchange student, will give the last fall Global Insights presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m. in Brennan Hall Room 509. A light lunch featuring cuisine from the highlighted country will be served. Registration is required. Please click here to register.


According to the cia.gov World Fact Book, Colombia is home to 47.7 million people, 79 percent of them identify as Catholic. Sadly, income inequality ranks among the worst in the world with one-third of the population living below the poverty line. Having studied and conducted research into the peace initiatives, Cat Bruno has visited family in Colombia and recalls her experience: “In the smaller villages, their strong faith in God really helps them to move forward, survive and have faith in a better future.” Despite the years of strife, Bruno says “It’s a lovable culture, open and friendly. There’s always music playing, fun and dancing.”

Paola Mejia is currently studying abroad here at The University of Scranton. She comes to Scranton from Valledupar on the north coast of Colombia. She related how “People from there are warm, care about each other and know all of their neighbors. The culture is really centered around the music.” Mejia spoke about the Festival Vallenato, which consists of three days of concerts attended by people from all over the world and includes performances by famous international artists such as Latin American pop star Marc Anthony.

Bruno and Mejia look forward to sharing about Colombia and its culture on Tuesday.

This program is being offered by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. For more information, please contact Huey Shi Chew at hueyshi.chew@scranton.edu or 570-941-7575.

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