Santoto Challenge is an experiential learning initiative in the beautiful and dynamic city of Bucaramanga, Colombia aimed at business school students, who will have the opportunity to carry out a real business practice consisting of a consulting and improvement project in a relevant company associated with the network of the University of Santo Tomás.
The Universidad Santo Tomás Sectional Bucaramanga as a country institution responds to the process of global insertion through its cooperation initiatives with international allies, contributing from a global environment with significant actions to the notable changes in society and individuals in the participating countries.
As a result of this academic and business relationship, the USTA has developed a strategic alliance that brings together the academy and the business sector for the development of intervention and improvement projects such as the one currently signed between the USTA y KEDGE BUSINESS SCHOOL.
This continuous interaction of the USTA in its academic environment will contribute to the development of the region and the country to facilitate strategic decision-making within a complex process by the companies linked to this project that allows them to integrate into global societies and markets in a creative, critical and diverse way through our Business Consulting Center attached to the Division of Economic and Administrative Sciences of the USTA Bucaramanga Section.
The Universidad Santo Tomás Sectional Bucaramanga as part of a country institution responds to the process of global insertion through its cooperation processes with allies in a global environment to contribute to the notable changes of countries, societies, companies and individuals. As a result of this academic and business relationship, the USTA has developed a strategic alliance that brings together the academy and the business sector for the development of intervention and improvement projects such as the one currently signed between the USTA and KEDGE BUSINESS SCHOOL.
This continuous interaction of the USTA in its academic environment will contribute to the development of the region and the country to facilitate strategic decision-making within a complex process by the companies linked to this project that allows them to integrate into global societies and markets in a creative, critical and diverse way through our Business Consulting Center attached to the Division of Economic and Administrative Sciences of the USTA Bucaramanga Section.
SANTOTO CHALLENGE
PROFILE
Business school students who have the option of international internships with the ability to adapt in intercultural and international environments and the capacity for teamwork, commitment and a high degree of productivity, commitment and flexibility.
REQUIREMENTS
- Have English as a native language or certify a minimum level of Spanish B1
- Take the diploma in Colombian Business Structure offered and certified by the USTA.
- Be nominated to the Directorate of International Relations of the Universidad Santo Tomás Sectional Bucaramanga, Colombia
REALIZATION DATES
The internship spaces will take place at two times during each academic year:
* COLOMBIA GROUP CHALLENGE 1: February – August 2024.
* COLOMBIA GROUP CHALLENGE 2: August 2024 – February 2025.
*COLOMBIA GROUP CHALLENGE 3: February 2025 – August 2025.
* COLOMBIA GROUP CHALLENGE 4: June 2025 – December 2025.
* COLOMBIA GROUP CHALLENGE 5: January 2026 – July 2026.
*GRUPO COLOMBIA CHALLENGE 6: June 2026 – December 2026
*GRUPO COLOMBIA CHALLENGE 7: January 2027 – July 2027
*GRUPO COLOMBIA CHALLENGE 8: Mid August 2027 – Mid December 2027
Open registrationsOpen EnrollmentOpen Registration
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
0
Minimum of Students
0
Maximum Students
WORKING GROUPS
Work groups are formed made up of foreign students from various business schools and international cultures, accompanied by a USTA teaching tutor and a liaison tutor designated by the assigned company.
INTERNSHIP MODALITIES
SEMESTER I
DURATION: 6 MONTHS
Consulting in Spanish
Arrival: Mid-January
Induction week: 1st week
Spanish Course: First calendar month
Business Structure Diploma
Colombian: Second calendar month
Consulting Project: Four calendar months
Termination: Mid-July
Arrival: Mid-January
Induction week: 1st week
Spanish Course: First calendar month
Business Structure Diploma
Colombian: Second calendar month
Consulting Project: Four calendar months
Termination: Mid-July
SEMESTER II
DURATION: 4 MONTHS
Bilingual Consulting 2027
Arrival: Mid-August
Induction week: 1st week
Spanish Course and Diploma Structure
Colombian Business: Two days on campus
Consulting Project: Four calendar months
Arrival: Mid-August
Induction week: 1st week
Spanish Course and Diploma Structure
Colombian Business: Two days on campus
Consulting Project: Four calendar months
with concentration for 3 days
Termination: Mid-December
INTERNSHIP CONTENT
Intensive ELE-Spanish as a Foreign Language Course
AIM: Develop communicative and intercultural competencies in participating students for their interaction and comprehensive development with the human team participating in the project.
MODE: 6 hours of presence and 2 hours of independent work from Monday to Friday.
DATE:
MODE: 6 hours of presence and 2 hours of independent work from Monday to Friday.
DATE:
- Colombia Challenge 1 Group: February 2024.
- Colombia Challenge 2 Group: August 2024.
- Colombia Challenge 3 Group: February 2025.
- Colombia Challenge 4 Group: June-July 2025.
- Colombia Challenge 5 Group: January-February 2026.
Diploma Colombian Business Structure (120 hours)
AIM: Recognize the Colombian context based on its social, cultural, historical and business identification in order to guide learning in the construction of regional bets in international markets.
MODE: 4 hours of presence and 2 hours of independent work from Monday to Friday.
DATE:
- Colombia Challenge 1 Group: March 2024.
- Colombia Challenge 2 Group: September 2024
- Colombia Challenge 3 Group: March 2025.
- Colombia Challenge 4 Group: July-August 2025.
- Colombia Challenge 5 Group: February-March 2026.
Development of the International Internship at the CCE
AIM: Develop the diagnosis phase and propose an improvement plan for the participating companies for their opening to the European Union markets or markets of interest.
MODE: Full time presence – Monday to Friday at the CCE/Company to intervene
DATE:
- Colombia Challenge 1 Group: April-August 2024.
- Colombia Challenge 2 Group: October 2024 - February 2025.
- Colombia Challenge 3 Group: April-August 2025.
- Colombia Challenge 4 Group: August-December 2025.
- Colombia Challenge 5 Group: March – July 2026.
Prepare your Challenge with Us
Aim: provide the necessary support and information that allows optimal planning of the international stay in the USTA and in the country in general during the development of the SANTOTO CHALLENGE.
PLACE OF INTERNSHIP
The students will have their main center of operation in the CCE Business Consulting Center from the Faculty of International Business located in the Santander Free Trade Zone and campus of the Universidad Santo Tomás Sectional Bucaramanga; However, they must make weekly on-site visits to the assigned company in person or remotely to establish progress with the liaison tutor of the assigned company.
The CCE, as the main person in charge, will place the students in companies linked to the project to carry out the internship process, which will be announced during the month of May 2024.
STRATEGIC ALLIES
Through the articulation and relationship of the Business Consulting Center Located in the Santander Free Trade Zone, students from KEDGE Business School They will carry out an international practice in which they will implement a diagnosis of the current state of the business model of companies belonging to local strategic allies located in the Free Trade Zone, Fenalco Santander, Global Plan Santander, Procolombia and ProBarrancabermeja, whose international projection requires analysis in logistics, commercial and financial aspects to then generate an improvement plan that involves the possibility of entering the market of the European Union or anywhere in the world.
It brings together the union that works for the development of commerce, promoting union solidarity, efficiency and modernization of related Colombian businessmen.
It is a business ecosystem that drives competitiveness and internationalization, offering infrastructure, benefits and services specialized that facilitate the investment and development of companies in global markets.
It is the plan promoted by the Bucaramanga Chamber of Commerce to enhance the internationalization of the business fabric of Santander in order to increase the rates of employability, profitability, improvement of competitiveness, productivity, local positioning and sophistication of the productive apparatus.
Entity in charge of promoting tourism, foreign investment in Colombia, non-mining energy exports and the image of the country. Through its offices, support and advice is provided to clients, through services or instruments aimed at facilitating the design and execution of their internationalization strategy in favor of the generation, development and closing of business opportunities.
It is an ally of ProColombia to provide advice and programs through which it practically trains entrepreneurs, providing the necessary tools to start the internationalization process, minimizing risks and optimizing the capabilities and skills of entrepreneurs in the region.
PARTICIPATING COMPANIES
The company specializes in professional hair cosmetics with organic components and high quality standards to guarantee the health and beauty of the hair. Their market is in Latin America and they are expanding to Mexico and the United States.
Gironés S.A. is a chocolate producing company and marketer of products based on Santander cocoa with fine flavor and aroma. This company has a wide line of products that has allowed it to address the market in Japan, the United States, Chile, Panama, Ecuador and Guatemala.
The company Grupo Aldhe S.A.S., based in Bucaramanga, specializes in the production of products derived from cocoa and functional foods with high nutritional value. Its main activity includes the production of cocoa, chocolate and confectionery products.
The Lejayim Beverages Company is dedicated to the production and manufacturing of beverages made from fruit and aromatic herb mixtures.
KONEKS Technology company dedicated to the development of software and digital transformation solutions, focused on supporting innovation and business modernization processes.
SIMACOTA MAYOR - SANTANDER Participate with a project to position Simacota as a tourist destination in Santander, strengthening the promotion of the municipality and its territorial identity.
Company dedicated to the development, design and production of footwear for men and children. It focuses its quality on the selection of the best leathers, hardware, manufacturing processes, selection of lasts and handcrafted accessories, among others. They develop projects with their own brand and under the maquila scheme.
Orange Export S.A.S S.A.S. associates more than 60 organic Tahiti Lemon producing families in a cooperative model in the department of Santander, Colombia; which makes them the largest exporter of this product in the country.
The company Camila Oviedo Footwear, specializes in the manufacturing and marketing of women's footwear and leather goods, with a broad portfolio of 100% leather products, in materials that meet export standards.
Delfín Therapies is an innovative Colombian company, creator of the most revolutionary massage system to shape the body, achieved through patented technology that combines science, functionality, art, ergonomics and environmental responsibility.
ALTAMIRA - CONNECTCompany dedicated to facilitating the export of French wines to Colombia, offering regulatory support, access to importers, and commercial assistance to strengthen their positioning in the premium market.
ASOHOFRUCOL Guild that represents and strengthens the horticultural sector in Colombia, accompanying fruit and vegetable producers in development and competitiveness processes.
The Colombian Cardiovascular Foundation (FCV) is a private non-profit institution located in Bucaramanga, Colombia, which, since its inception, has been committed to improving the health and well-being of the community.
Soliplast is a company that has been in the market for 29 years. It focuses on the manufacture of plastic pallets (stowage). Soliplast uses a high percentage of approximately 70% recycled material for its production.
MADAN F, located in Bucaramanga, specializes in the manufacturing and marketing of clothing and accessories that combine contemporary style with values of modesty and elegance.
PRIMOCOL, a participating company that contributes to the strengthening of the business and commercial fabric from its productive sector, contributing to the generation of new business opportunities.
INNOVA HEALTH CENTER - HIC It is part of the FCV ecosystem of services, focused on providing health solutions and care with quality, innovation and human sense.
Fruexcol Ltda. is dedicated to the marketing of fresh and exotic fruit pulp such as naranjilla, soursop, pineapple, cape gooseberry and passion fruit, among others, with more than 28 years in the market, Exports to the United States, Mexico and El Salvador.
The company La Naranjarosa S.A.S is dedicated to the manufacturing and marketing of clothing items, excluding leather items.
Dulces La Huerta S.A.S. is a 100% Colombian company dedicated to the production and marketing of sweets and cookies of the highest quality.
TICA FRUIT Agroindustrial company dedicated to the production and export of fresh tropical fruits, aimed at bringing quality products to national and international markets.
SANTANDER FASHION WEEK Fashion platform that promotes talent, entrepreneurship and the creative sector in Santander, promoting the visibility of regional brands and designers.
ORGANIZED BY
Faculty of International Business, Center for International Consulting and International Relations Management – DRI Universidad Santo Tomás Sectional Bucaramanga.
INVESTMENT
Interns must be prepared to cover travel and subsistence expenses at their destination.
WHY DO THE INTERNSHIP INBUCARAMANGA?
University of Recognition and Career
Santoto is a country university with high-quality multi-campus accreditation with extensive experience and recognition in Santander and presence in two major centers of international development in the region: the International Specialist Center and the Free Trade Zone, which houses Santander's offshoring and outsourcing park.
Why do the internship?
University of Recognition and Career:
Santoto is a country university with high-quality multi-campus accreditation with extensive experience and recognition in Santander and presence in two major centers of international development in the region: the International Specialist Center and the Free Trade Zone, which houses Santander's offshoring and outsourcing park.
One of the most stable economies in Latin America:
Bucaramanga is distinguished by potential sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, life sciences, footwear, clothing, among others.
One of the most stable economies in Latin America:
Bucaramanga is distinguished by potential sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, life sciences, footwear, clothing, among others.
Bucaramanga, Strategic Center for Industrial Development:
Bucaramanga, due to its privileged location, is the country's strategic industrial center, with access to the Atlantic Coast, the main oil center in Barrancabermeja and the border with Venezuela.
Bucaramanga, Strategic Center for Industrial Development:
Bucaramanga, due to its privileged location, is the country's strategic industrial center, with access to the Atlantic Coast, the main oil center in Barrancabermeja and the border with Venezuela.
City with the lowest unemployment and safest in the country
Bucaramanga stands out as an important development pole in Colombia, consistently maintaining one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. In addition, it is recognized as one of the safest cities, which makes it an ideal environment to live, invest and develop academic and business projects.
City with the lowest unemployment and safest in the country:
Bucaramanga stands out as an important development pole in Colombia, consistently maintaining one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. In addition, it is recognized as one of the safest cities, which makes it an ideal environment to live, invest and develop academic and business projects.
Linguistic skills:
Live the experience of immersion in a foreign language such as Spanish, in the country that speaks it best in Latin America and has the greatest number of accents.
Linguistic skills:
Live the experience of immersion in a foreign language such as Spanish, in the country that speaks it best in Latin America and has the greatest number of accents.
Cultural exchange:
Live a unique experience by getting to know the culture, gastronomy and imposing landscapes of the land of Santander, exploring adventure tourism and local traditions. All of this in an environment of enriching cultural exchange between students of different nationalities, who share and learn together from the diversity of their cultures.
Cultural exchange:
Live a unique experience by getting to know the culture, gastronomy and imposing landscapes of the land of Santander, exploring adventure tourism and local traditions. All of this in an environment of enriching cultural exchange between students of different nationalities, who share and learn together from the diversity of their cultures.
Global Learning with Local Impact
Students not only gain theoretical knowledge, but also develop a deep understanding of how international business works by collaborating with local companies. Through solving real challenges, they strengthen their professional skills while living an enriching intercultural experience and expanding their vision of market expansion.
Global Learning with Local Impact
Students not only gain theoretical knowledge, but also develop a deep understanding of how international business works by collaborating with local companies. Through solving real challenges, they strengthen their professional skills while living an enriching intercultural experience and expanding their vision of market expansion.
External relationship
Expand the network of international contacts by accessing our renowned faculty of professors, leaders and managers from various professional sectors.
External relationship
Expand the network of international contacts by accessing our renowned faculty of professors, leaders and managers from various professional sectors.
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