TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 EDITORIAL
INTERNACIONALIZATION AT JUAN DE CASTELLANOS UNIVERSITY Marcela Cubides
President Luis Enrique Pérez Ojeda, Fr. Academic Vice-president Oswaldo Martínez Mendoza, Ph. D Administrative Vice-president María del Carmen Rodríguez Mesa Editorial Director Sandra Liliana Acuña González EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Director Nidia Marcela Cubides Torres
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OUR ENGLISH ASSISTANT’S VIEW MY EXPERIENCE IN COLOMBIA Brittany Miller (Jamaica)
18 AGAINST THE MAINSTREAM
36 MY GRANDFATHER
José Evangelista Duitama
Mariana Ramírez
20 THE IMPORTANCE OF RISING AWARENESS ON ACCENTS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING
36 TRUE LOVE
Adriana Avella
María Fernanda León
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KNOWLEDGE RUMBLE
23 MY EXPERIENCE IN COLOMBIA Fernanda Carrasco Rivas (Chile)
25 CITY COUNTRY Paula Andrea de Antonio Carvajal
26 GLYPHOSATE: GOOD OR BAD Yeraldine Rojas Rivas
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FROM OUR PROFESSIONAL FIELD 9 VOM RHEIN NACH BOYACÁ
27 IMPORTANCE OF ADOPTING DOGS Cristian Enrique Ibarra
28 SOCIAL WORK AS AN ART Niny Yurley Ortíz
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Project Manager Gina Carolina Brijaldo Olarte
Martin Schatke (Germany)
Executive Coordinators Magda Paola Jiménez Vega Sergio Armando Olave Rodríguez
Luis Alfredo Cristancho
30 SUICIDE IN ADOLESCENTS
12MY EXPERIENCE IN PAVIA, ITALY
Adriana Lombana
Proof reader Rose Holland Photos Javier González González Magda Paola Jiménez Adriana Saith Melo Marelvi Mora López Sergio Armando Olave César Johanny Suárez Photos Editor Gina Carolina Brijaldo Olarte Printed in Colombia Jotamar-Tunja
11 JDC INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE
ON FREUD’S DIVAN
Ángela Landinez (Visit to Italy)
32 PROCASTINATING LIFE
14 RECHERCHE DE NOUVELLES EXPÉRIENCES
Lina Reina
Jefferson Abdelo Castro (Visit to France)
Iliana Gineth Villamil
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PERSPECTIVES ON TEFL
16 ENGAGING SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS IN A CRITICAL THINKING ENVIRONMENT
33 15 TIPS TO LEARN ENGLISH
BEYOND WORDS
17 VIDEOGAMES AND EDUCATION
35 OUR FRIENDSHIP WAS BORN FROM THE SILENCE IN OUR SOULS THE SILENCE IN OUR SOULS
Sergio Olave
Angy Viviana Alfonso and Diana Piracón
Paola Monroy
Paula Andrea de Antonio Carvajal
37 MY SON SAMUEL 37 YOU ARE MY DREAM Antonio José Malaver Ruíz
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THIS IS HOW WE DO 39 LANGUAGE DAY AT JDC39 Nelson Naranjo Mayorga
40 THE CRAZY CRUISE “A SOBER ADVENTURE” Michael Andrés Martínez
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PHOTOS GALLERY
St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City- Italy
EDITORIAL
Internacionalization at Juan de Castellanos University
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niversities everywhere must handle processes of internationalization. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has remarked that internationalization is a process of integrating an international dimension into teaching, research and service functions in order to address the issues of quality in education. In this train of thought, the Juan de Castellanos University has started opening international scenarios in order to improve the quality of its education.
By: Marcela Cubides
Language Department Director
Agora Bulletin in its third edition has compiled some interesting articles about the internationalization process at JDC. On the one hand, this edition highlights different activities regarding international mobility throughout exchanges among Colombia , Jaimaica and Chile, interships in France and scholarships in Italy. On the other hand, this edition also unveils how students and languages teachers were part of this process of internationalization at JDC, expressing their own experiences and showing different cultures. Being part of a globalized world demands to work on internacionalization of higher education making future professionals get intercultural and specialized competences. For this reason, Agora bulletin has been a place of reflection upon this process in our institution. Agora has taken teachers, students, and administrators’ experiences to analyze how everyone is working in this challenging task.
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Lake of Tota, Boyacá-Colombia
MY EXPERIENCE IN COLOMBIA By: Brittany Miller (Jamaica)
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me. With her, I ventured out into the city of Tunja, meeting new characters, trying new foods, going to cultural events and of course, clubbing.
To my pleasant surprise, Tunja is one of the afest, friendliest, most beautiful cities that I’ve ever encountered. Upon my arrival, I received the warmest welcome that I could ever imagine. Persons were always excited to speak to me, many times in English (whether they spoke it or not).
I can’t stress how different Tunja is from Jamaica, everything was so quaint and exciting; I especially loved that I could buy a tinto, aguita, empanada or arepa con queso doble crema anywhere I went (I was ADDICTED). I was often asked if Jamaica or Tunja was better than the other and my response was and is still the same; they are too beautiful and unalike to be compared.
rior to my arrival in Colombia, I had received many warnings of what to expect, “Be careful, it’s a dangerous place”, “The people there may not be as accepting of you”.
Arriving from a hot tropical country, I was not prepared for the blistering tundra, which is Tunja (I may be exaggerating), but now I miss the days where I could go outside and feel the sweet, crisp wind (finally getting to wear scarves and boots were also a treat!). At first the task of assisting with the vast number of students at my university was daunting, but soon enough I had nestled in quite nicely. My coworkers were a blast, always cheerful and inquisitive. Beforehand I knew very little about pedagogy and teaching English as a second language. My inspiring coworkers became my guide to being an educator and we taught each other many things. I was paired with another Jamaican, Anaké who famously became my main partner in cri-
OUR ENGLISH ASSISTANT’S VIEW
What will resonate with me for the rest of my life are the beautiful souls I came across, that left indelible marks on my heart. Boyacenses are kind, polite, sweet and love to insist that you try something Boyacense, more than often aguardiente (don’t you dare try to say no!). I have to dig deep to find negative things to say about my time at JDC and Tunja, mostly I had to overcome my antisocial tendencies, which I did successfully. I hardly ever felt homesick because my colleagues and friends always made me feel like I had a place in Tunja and a friend to depend on. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, Tunja has not seen the last of me!
www.cano-cristales.com
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Tower of Pisa, Pisa-Italy
VOM RHEIN NACH BOYACÁ By: Martin Schatke (Germany) Professor of Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences Proofreader: Sergio Olave, Language Department Professor
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uten Tag, mein Name ist Martin Schatke. Ich komme aus der Nähe von Bonn in Deutschland. Seit Januar 2015 arbeite ich in der universitären Stiftung Juan de Castellanos. Als Master in Soziale Arbeit forsche und doziere ich an der Fakultät für soziale Wissenschaften und Ökonomie. Nach dem Studium der Sozialen Arbeit in Deutschland kann ich an der Juan de Castellanos viele spannende und neue Perspektiven und Ansätze in Theorien und in der Praxis feststellen, welche zu Innovationen auf Meta-Ebene und in der Methodik der Profession führen können. Vor allem der Bereich der kommunalen Sozialen Arbeit ist in Europa weniger beachtet und Soziale Arbeit mit Umwelt ein marginales Phänomen. Gerade hier an der JDC und in Boyacá wird durch diese Sicht und in interprofessioneller Forschung noch viel Erkenntnis zu generieren sein.
FROM OUR PROFESSIONAL FIELD
Insgesamt kann ich feststellen, dass ich in der Juan de Castellanos in einem freundlichen Umfeld arbeite, in der eine Zusammenarbeit mit den Studenten und das Modell des Lernens als interaktivem Austausch ernst genommen und umgesetzt wird. Zu dem Modell der „Forschungssaatkästen“ zum Beispiel gibt es in Deutschland meines Wissens kein Adäquat. Dies ist nur ein Grund, warum ich mich weiter dafür einsetzen werde, dass akademische Austausche mit meiner Herkunftsregion, sei es nun Deutschland oder Europa, gefördert werden. Ich bin überzeugt, dass die Internationalisierung der Sozialen Arbeit durch den Austausch mit der Hochschule Juan de Castellanos einen wertvollen Partner gewinnen wird und freue mich auf eine längere Zusammenarbeit auf dem Weg zu einer exzellenten Universität.
www.elcocuy-boyaca.gov.co
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JDC INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE By: Luis Alfredo Cristancho Director of International Relations Office of Juan de Castellanos University Translated by: Luis Fernando Vega, Language Department Professor
DEL RHIN A BOYACÁ Saludo, mi nombre es Martin Schatke, vengo de Bonn, Alemania. Desde Enero 2015 estoy trabajando en la Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos. Estoy apoyando al programa de Trabajo Social, investigando y enseñando en la facultad de ciencias sociales y economía. Después de mis estudios en Alemania he logrado tener muchas experiencias y apreciar nuevas e interesantes perspectivas y corrientes teóricas, los cuales apoyan y lideran de manera innovadora en la metodología de la profesión. En Europa en el área de trabajo social no hay mucha atención frente al tema de las comunidades y el medio es un tema marginado. En la Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos se está generando conocimiento sobre estas problemáticas a través de investigaciones desde las diferentes disciplinas.
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Así mismo, trabajar en la JDC permite un ambiente amigable, donde hay cooperación por parte de los estudiantes y se percibe como el modelo de aprendizaje a través de los procesos de intercambio está logrando una gran transformación en la institución. Por otra parte los “semilleros” de investigación han sido algo interesante, puesto que yo sepa en Alemania no son adecuados. Esta es una razón por la cual estoy comprometido a seguir y apoyar los intercambios académicos con mi región, tanto en Alemania como en Europa. Finalmente, estoy convencido que la internacionalización en el programa de trabajo social ha logrado ganar impacto en la Juan de Castellanos y me alegra cooperar en dicha propuesta a largo plazo en aras de alcanzar la excelencia.
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he International Relations Office of Juan de Castellanos University is a unit that advises Rectory in implementing the Institutional Internationalization Policy formal opening of national and international cooperation scenarios. Among the functions assigned to the IRO, we can provide advice and guidance on planning agreements with other higher education institutions according to academic and research projects of JDC; aimed at facilitating and encouraging the internationalization of the institution. Similarly, the IRO is responsible for coordinating the programs of national and international academic mobility of students and teachers, we have 16 international and more than 160 national agreements. Currently, it is the Office which coordinates the Node Center affiliated to the Colombian Network for the Internationalization, and where we have planned in the
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city of Tunja the X Student Mobility Week to be held on September 28th to October 2nd this year, in cooperation with the University of Boyacá, UPTC and the Santo Tomas University. As Director of the International Relations Office I invite the academic community to be part of the internationalization processes of JDC, because in this way we can help to give greater visibility and positioning the institution in the international arena. On the website and on JDC billboards, we are constantly publishing announcements, scholarships and conferences for students, teachers and administrative staff to have the opportunity to advance studies abroad. At the time, the call is open for students to be part of academic exchanges for the period 2016-I at the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico and the Catholic University of Temuco, Chile.
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MY EXPERIENCE in Pavia, Italy
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journey is always cause for joy but also great expectations. In February 2015 I was able to start a new process in my academic training and a new experience for my personal life. My name is Angela Landinez biologist with specialization and a master in bioethics and with nearly 10 years of working in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences for Juan de Castellanos University. This institution through the Institute for Scientific Research - INICIEN, headed by its director, chose me to present myself as a candidate for PhD in Environment and Earth Sciences at the University of Pavia in Italy. After a rigorous selection process and after evaluating the resume, oral and research proficiency I was selected among a group of professionals not only Italians but of many nationalities. This first step appeared to be complex, but only after nearly 24 hours of travel I could understand the magnitude of the challenge and adventure I embarked. Getting to Pavia, a place that was new, strange and intimidating, with another language, another culture, extreme cold and hot climates, different means of transport, with a time difference of 7 hours and so far from everything familiar and usual, especially loved ones, was not easy at all.
By: Ă ngela Landinez (Visit to Italy) Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Professor Translated by: Luis Fernando Vega, Language Department Professor
On arrival however, I was surprised by the kindness and helpfulness of the Italians, who did not hesitate to leave their route to take me to where I was going, despite the harsh winter that existed. Always careful, the Italians were really generous and hospitable during my stay in Pavia. Pavia is an ancient city that lies north of Italy and 35 km south of Milan. One of the most representative is the Ticino river that crosses the city before converging with the river Po, the city has many monuments, the production of rice, cereals and dairy products stand out. Also, it is a city that welcomes many foreign students as it has the recognized University of Pavia and so the city lives a climate of constant study and meditation.
related to laboratory for the thoroughness of their monitoring was essential to the successful completion of the experimental part of the research proposal. Perhaps the greatest difficulty was able to communicate adequately, but after five months in Pavia this situation was resolved. Nevertheless, I never get to feel in disadvantage to my academic knowledge or training in relation with my colleagues, this was definitely an opportunity to reap the rewards of dedication throughout my student life. Teachers as well as being outstanding scholars were also wonderful human beings always simple, diligent and committed to the education of their students. This experience allowed me to also recognize that the problems that Colombia faces, are also lived in Italy, but perhaps in a different way and so also, we have the resources and potentials that exist in other countries to solve them and succeed, for it Perhaps the most important it is to con-
vince us that we are equal to excel and be recognized in all areas. This experience is a clear example that even the impossible dream can become true, since working with perseverance, effort and sacrifice any goal can be achieved, despite the difficulties, it is enough to have strength and passion for outstanding academic life, as finally perseverance will be rewarded with the start of this process that would not have been possible without the help of God, my family, friends, colleagues and my second home the University Juan de Castellanos, whom i will always be grateful.
To begin in Pavia academic work was really exciting, understanding the structure and organization of the university, as well as finding people who shared the same investigative preferences was extraordinary. The first challenge was then the language for the courses and seminars were conducted entirely in English, because foreign students handle it as their second language, then lessons in Italian. After the first weeks, courses were about ninety percent Italian, but it was not easy to understand the language, understand the instructions and memorize step by step the activities to develop, especially those www.thisisdavide.com
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FundaciĂłn Universitaria Juan de Castellanos
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Astronomical Clock, Prague-Czech Republic
By: Jefferson Abdelo Castro (Visit to France) Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Professor Proofreader : Magda Paola Jiménez, Language Department Professor
RECHERCHE DE
Nouvelles Expériences
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e cheval a accompagné l’homme depuis 5000 à 6000 ans et lui a offert le travail et l’amitié (Edwyn, 1999). L’implémentation des biotechnologies a contribué au développement de la génétique et de l’équitation. Avec l’aide de l’université j’ai assisté à un stage à haras National Du Pin, Franc, pour étudier la reproduction de l’étalon et le jument, spécifiquement l’étude de la gynécologie, l’insémination artificielle, transfert d’embryons, spermogramme, la collecte et la congélation de sperme.
les connaissances des étudiants d’Ingénierie Agricole et de Médecine Vétérinaire de l’Université.
Le stage m’a aidé à développer de nouvelles compétences avec l’aide de la technologie, cette me a également aidé à partager des nouvelles expériences avec des gens d’une autre culture qui je souhaite appliquer et partager pour enrichir
Il est vrai qu’il existe de grandes différences entre l’agriculture en Colombie et les pays développés, il est de notre devoir comme professionnels contribuer au connaissance pour la croissance de l’agriculture et l’amélioration de la qualité de vie.
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Dans la dernière partie de mon stage, Je l’ai visité une clinique vétérinaire qui avait un schéma de sélection des bovins de race normande, aussi avait de production de laitière et de viande. À cette lieu toute l’agriculture est très sophistiqué et compétitive grâce à l’utilisation de la technologie qui rend le travail plus facile et efficace pour les agriculteurs.
Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos
PERSPECTIVES ON TEFL
VIDEOGAMES AND EDUCATION
ENGAGING SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS In a Critical Thinking Environment
By: Sergio Olave Language Department Professor
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By: Paola Monroy Language Department Professor
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n educational contexts, critical thinking has been perceived as an essential facet because it entails features that, as teachers, we should incorporate into our daily practice. Following this idea, I would like to point out that one of the core aspects that I have implemented with sixth semester of Social Work, when using processes that enable one to analyze and find solutions to different issues (violence, conflicts, injustice) that they face every day, as well as those which they have not yet faced but still must employ. According to Wilson, 2007, critical thinking offers concept and principles that enable humans to analyze, assess, and improve thinking; they work diligently to develop the intellectual virtues of intellectual integrity, intellectual humility, intellectual civility, intellectual empathy, confidence in reason, and intellectual sense of justice. From my perspective, the word justice demands properties that require more than just knowledge among students. It stresses values, equity and equality, and allowing others to contribute toward the same goal without discriminating without an argument. Thus, it is worthy to highlight students’ commitment and willingness to express their ideas and thoughts in order to reach a common goal which is, in this case, learning for life—not just for
now. Lastly, according to Halvorsen, 2005, in most of the cases, teachers who discern as much information as they can get from students’ backgrounds and interests, are able to achieve more appropriate and engaging classes, which are two of the main facts that focus on critical thinking. In fact, the obstacles that arise in the classroom when there is not assertive communication between teacher and students could affect the development of critical thinking, inasmuch that it creates monotonous classes that do not require students’ positions to solve a real situation.
REFERENCES
ost people, especially parents, think that videogames are not helping their children because of their negative elements such as violence and isolation. However, different studies have analyzed personality traits in gamers that show totally the opposite. Videogames are related to a high level of extroversion, a better relationship among friends and a better socialization. (Estallo, 1994; Been, C y Haring, Th., 1991; Shimai, Masuda y Kishimoto, 1990; Colwel, 1995; Fileni, F. 1988). That is to say, gamers have a high level of social skills. Approximately 70% of gamers say that they play videogames with another person; so the idea that most play alone is not supported. Videogames can be used as training in eyehand coordination2, also in reflexive thinking development. On the other hand, they improve the skills of pilots, reduce the number
of reasoning mistakes, they are predictors of general tests, improve the efficacy of social workers, help to handle time reaction and confront vital situations that can be simulated. Other characteristics include instantaneous repetition because gamers try and try again until find their objective of overcoming a specific level; they also exercise fantasy, a feature that has disappeared nowadays, while increasing attention and self-control. However, there are disadvantages that come with the use of videogames; some of them promote violence and sexism, plus they can affect the children´s behavior. It is necessary to be a guide for our children and young people in order to show them how to handle videogames and their time. Videogames may be a tool for but also a knife in the development of our students. As teachers we have to take into account that it is a hobby that can entertain, educate and develop skills, in the same way they can affect behavior and conduct if they do not have a good guidance regarding how to enjoy them.
1. Mulnix, W. (2012) Thinking Critically about Critical Thinking. University of Massachusetts. p.266 2. Halvorsen A. Incorporating Critical Thinking Skills. Development into ESL/EFL Courses. The Internet TESL Journal
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a true intellectual and, more importantly, personal development.
AGAINST THE MAINSTREAM By: José Evangelista Duitama Language Department Professor
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eaching English involves more responsibilities and aspects than people think. Regular people tend to think that teaching a second language is a merely group of rules, words, and even translation tips which someone tells to some others, as if learning were a magic formula sold in pharmacies to grow something valuable in a desert of ideas. Teaching a second Language and even more, English, requires charisma, innovation, dynamism and patience not only from the students but the Teacher too. Learning English involves facing challenges, taking risks, having an open mind and, most importantly, daring to get out the comfort zone and adopt a new worldview. People who have to learn a new language must have a real motivation. In my experience as a University Teacher, I could realize that adults see obstacles and problems in their English class and they conceive it
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will be fine in the near future, which is, of course, a wrong conception about education, life and even society; a well-educated professional will be an important part of social development in the world but some people remain stuck in their immediate reality, doing nothing to improve it.
as something which is mandatory in order to get their degree titles. People don’t think about the coming future, they tend to think that if they are fine in the present they
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English must be taken as an opportunity and not as an obstacle. Knowing a second language offers a handful of opportunities that are waiting to be realized. English is the key to open new doors and chances to know the world and oneself as well. This process requires the reconstructing of knowledge and to overcome obstacles, it is here, that a person gets
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Unfortunately, our context doesn’t motivate people to take risks and look for a global view of the world. It is sad to point out this fact but our society doesn’t want us to see beyond. We have been besieged through years and years of advertisements, trends and shows that only want to have our attention in a closed framework of capital production. Our government has tried, in a demagogic and even circus-like act way, to promote bilingualism but it doesn’t take into account the most basic elements to make it possible: opportunities to teach and to study in decent contexts and, most importantly, infrastructure. If we don’t have this basic criteria clearly defined it’ is very difficult to raise people’s attention about being a global citizen. Finally, I have to say that English is not for everyone and not everyone is for English. Teachers know that every person in the world has their own way of acquiring knowledge. The point here, is that a teacher must propitiate the detonation of that learning and that learning is not to memorize or repeat what someone else says: teaching involves reconstruction, destruction, forgetting and discovering ourselves as human beings who belong to a global society, a society which doesn’t stop and doesn’t wait for nobody. The world needs people to face it; Teachers are trained and have the social abilities to allow that phenomenon to happen but if someone doesn’t conceive himself or herself as an active part of the global society they must step aside and let the process to continue.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF RISING AWARENESS
people to understand different speakers and diverse accents.
on accents in english language learning dents in everything, including the way he/ she talks acts as model that learners follow when speaking. Everyone has preferences about “Language is the road map of cultu- pronouncing English either in or British forms, sore. It tells you where is people come American metimes people get involved in English academies, a confrom and where they are going” text in which there is a mixtuRita Moe Brown. re of English from everywhere leading people to get confused about how English should be proanguage is the heart of communinounced. What people do not know is cation; it is an open door to get into that whenever English language is uncountable possibilities and visible used everyone has his/her own acworlds. It is an expression of life and peocent—just as everyone is different ple’s inner voice. As people know, learning in appearance, mood, behaa second language it is not easy but it is vior, religion, customs and not impossible either, it starts with a deep background— in landesire for learning and getting in contact guage pronunwith a new culture, for being immersed ciation diwithin different people’s backgrounds and of course, for becoming a competent person in today’s world. By: Adriana Avella Language Department Professor
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When somebody starts to learn a different language from his/her mother tongue, the teacher is a guide and model for stu-
ffers the same, everyone pronounces according to his/her preferences. Nobody can say which pronunciation is better understood within the English Language, whether American or British, as everybody knows English is everywhere and there is not one better form of English, there is just one single language that shapes itself according to people’s needs of communication and to achieve what society requires in any part of the world, and it is necessary for
However, as English has become a worldwide language, people around the world, native and non-native speaker, have to be aware that the ACCENT, the manner of speaking, speech, diction, delivery, elocution, intonation, articulation, sounding, and vocalization belong to the English learning process and everyone has his/her own form. Widdowson (1994), claims that “English no longer belongs to native-speakers, but to everyone who speaks it,” which means that there is one language in a multilingual world, which is shaped according to its speakers requests. Finally, the importance of raising awareness of accents in the process of learning English is because everyday people are getting interested in achieving accents alike to native speakers. Consequently, they often forget that the only aspect which helps them to be different from others English speakers is exactly that: their accent, and apart from being sensitive about accents, it is also about being authentic and conscious about culture, attitudes, behavior, what people are and the place they come from. Raising awareness of accents in learning English is going beyond a language and their pronunciation; it is recognizing that imitation is not producing a language, and native speakers are not the goal standard because even among them many different accents exist.
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Tower Bridge, London-England
MY EXPERIENCE In Colombia By: Fernanda Carrasco Rivas (Chile) Catholic University of Temuco
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n my experience, both academic and personal in Tunja, Colombia, from the moment I decided to study in the university I knew that in some of those five years, I had to do an academic exchange. For a lot of semesters I was scared and I felt I wasn’t going to be accepted in another academic institution or that the cultural change was going to be too big. Finally I decided to leave fear behind, and that’s why for my 9th semester I applied to the Juan de Castellanos University Foundation to do my professional practice of social work. During the first semester of the year 2015 I worked in the house of justice
KNOWLEDGE RUMBLE
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of Tunja, specifically in with first commissioner of family. The work done in this institution focused on two big areas; with families that went through a period of family violence and with the Colombian institute of wellness family educating community mothers and families, with the topic of first infancy and aspects concerning the demands of the modern families. Regarding the classes attended at the Foundation of Juan de Castellanos University I decided to take two courses: English and social work and environmental studies, both courses were interesting and beneficial since in my university in Temuco, Chile they didn’t exist and for this reason I felt the necessity to enroll myself in other extra curriculum activities. For example, I took part in a team of Latin Rhythms which allowed me to be more secure
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about myself to continue with my professional and personal life. In general terms this exchange has allowed me to question lots of other activities I had done and to encourage me to find new interests and goals to the point that I don’t only predict my future in Chile but anywhere in the world, and that’s how I started out with a little bit of fear (which I left behind). But I had the chance to enjoy Colombia, and right now I feel like the barrier I had to make my dream come true can be broken. But on the other hand, it’s really important that as bordering countries and Latin-Americans, we get to know our history of our regions because they bring us together and in lots of aspects they are similar. It’s important that we understand that the only barriers that exist are geographical. When you are far from home those little cultural differences can really affect your mood because you can feel lonely but in all these months there was always someone, that ma-
gically gives you a hand, for that I will be eternally thankful. Without a doubt the experience of being able to go to another country and know the people there is enriching from all perspectives that you can analyze but the fact is that being able to speak other languages like English (mainly mentioned because its known as a universal language) or other languages like Portuguese, French, Italian etc. opens new roads, since those countries are completely different worlds and cultures from what is known in Latin America. Going out of the country give you the opportunity to create your future and to understand there are no barriers that can keep you from making your dreams come true, to value what you have (friends, family, stories lived in your country), to make new friends and experience personal growth that is incomparable and indescribable. You come to simply understand that even if you have ups and downs, you are in love with life.
City Country By: Paula Andrea de Antonio Carvajal Veterinary Medicine Student
That and many skills, like getting up early to milk the cows or turn on the stove, I have now forgotten how to do; but they continue to enrich my life and my desire for a better future. Now my grandparents are alone on the farm, which for me is a little paradise; a paradise with vegetables and corn crops, fruits, grazing cows, chickens in their coop and a grassland restoration project. But this reality is neglected and my old folks did not fare well alone throughout the years, age stopped their ability to work the land that sustained them and not only them, our people, who are now accustomed to a very different lifestyle. The parents of the new generation focus on working hard and giving all the best for their children, as so that they don’t suffer the same difficult life. This has caused the desertion of the countryside to the city, abandoning our largest producer of raw materials, a place where the fresh air calls the attention of the ungrateful youth, in which no future can be found. My name is Angela Bibiana, V semester course of Agricultural Engineering and I love the countryside, not just for a weekend but as a way of escaping the stress of big cities. No, I love to live it, to use it and to care for it; many of the most vulnerable families, but unfortunately most neglected, are in the countryside. So, I am calling for reflection of young people who put their sights on other horizons, or simply do not know what to do in the future. The countryside offers a much smoother and satisfying lifestyle.
www.taringa.net
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Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos
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here is nothing more traditional than a working family farm. People who from childhood are welcomed in the heat of a peasant household, acquiring knowledge passed from generation to generation. I remember, as a child when lived in my grandparents’ house, when the sun went down, grandfather Paul would light an oil lamp next to the wood stove, where my very punctual grandmother began to cook dinner at six in the afternoon; there he recounted to me their stories and life experiences.
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GLYPHOSATE: Good Or Bad By: Yeraldine Rojas Rivas Agricultural Engineering Student
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ecently in Colombia, there has been talk of the possibility of abandoning the use of glyphosate, used to eradicate illicit crops. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many herbicides that have the role of eliminating undesirable plants amongst coca crops; this has been a problem for more than 50 years, affecting the country at an alarming rate, especially where the phenomena of crime and violence have been prevalent; a phenomena associated with the country’s
IMPORTANCE OF
Adopting Dogs
ills such as corruption, political violence, insurgency and terrorism. On the other hand, the spraying of this chemical is associated with a number of negative effects on fauna that enter the food chain, and thus eventually affect humans. Causing endocrine, reproductive, nervous and other problems that can become carcinogenic—besides causing imbalances in aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity. We should evaluate the price that Colombians are paying with the use and non-use of this chemical. To weigh wellbeing and Colombian biodiversity versus delinquency, criminality and terrorism.
By: Cristian Enrique Ibarra Veterinary Medicine Student
perrosdemalaga.com
INTRODUCTION The importance of adopting a dog lay in the fact that you can save a life and make it like family. This has a big impact on society, since it reduces the population of stray dogs on the streets, while also saving a life.
IMPORTANT ABOUT THE ADOPTING In Colombia, there have been more than 200,000 stray dogs on the streets. As stray dogs birth litters, adoption gives the puppies a second chance to a better life. We want to help abandoned dogs find a new home. Avoiding abandonment is vital, so it is essential to take into account the responsibilities of having a dog before purchasing one. We must also take into account one aspect that we sometimes forget: the compatibility of you and your dog’s personality. Good communication is essential to achieve a good life with your dog. To avoid abandonment, be wise when choosing your dog, and think long and hard about your future as you will be responsible for the animal and its health.
of parasites (fleas, ticks and mosquitoes) that in addition to discomfort, can cause various diseases, such as leishmaniasis. Do not forget to insert a microchip, which is mandatory nowadays. You must think very well if you plan on buying or adopting.
DISCUSSION According to studies, such as surveys and interviews, I took that people vote prefer to purchase domestic animals (dogs and cats) but they fail to understand how they can help society by helping those animals abandoned by irresponsible owners. Due to these results, we could state that people lack knowledge concerning the benefits that come with adoption.
CONCLUSIONS -In conclusion, we can say that most people lack awareness of how to adopt an animal.
BIBLIOGRAPHY -I-dogs.com; Adopts an abandoned dog
You will have to go to the vet and protect your dog from diseases with a full vaccination plan. Also, keep your dog clean www.derechoenzapatillas.org cynoclub/istock/thinkstock
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Franz Kafka Monument, Prague-Czech Republic
SOCIAL WORK AS AN ART www.tiverton.ri.gov
By: Niny Yurley Ortíz Social Work Student
T
he art of Social Work is one performed by different people, all of whom work to achieve both improvement and progress in society. Social work is a profession that seeks for social change to remove social inequality and contributes to problem solving in human relationships and social justice.
ding families, social workers aim to modify the problems that affect all members, but working with the whole familial group and its needs. Work with groups is a method that helps all individuals to increase their capacities for social functioning through group experiences. Finally, work with the community has as the principal purpose of confronting the challenges that stand in front of social inclusion.
The main functions of the social worker are: doing social investigations, administering, executing, supervising and evaluating programs and social projects, forming and organizing groups for the prevention of and raising awareness about social problems, as well as, designing and evaluating strategies of social intervention in communities. Bearing in mind that the society is the object of our work, we must look for the solution to everything that concerns to the integrity of a person and therefore we must look out for her/his well-being.
As all professions, social work must be bound to a code of professional ethics, “The code of professional ethics for social workers in Colombia”. According to the Colombian code of professional ethics, the social worker must be a professional that advices and promotes processes of development, carry out research, lead and promote social welfare programs, among many other responsibilities. The code of ethics defines social work as a “profession in the field of the social and human sciences, which intervenes in processes and projects related to social and human welfare and development policies.”
Social Work is a profession that works with individuals, families, groups and the community itself. Individually, social workers must perform different methods that can be used to develop the character of individuals within their social context. Regar-
In conclusion, social work is a profession that seeks social change and focuses on the well-being of people; it creates public and social policies to offer improvement to individuals, families, groups and communities.
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Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos
ON FREUD’S DIVAN
SUICIDE
In Adolescents By: Adriana Lombana Social Work Student
ly in urban contexts, since parents do not pay adequate attention to their children or simply they pay more attention to technology or work.
hecticparents.com
S
uicide is the act of killing yourself. This suicidal thoughts can leads adolescents to commit any action, such as having a drug overdose, crashing a car intentionally, or jumping from a high place, with the intention of causing their own death. This problem is now affecting young people from 15 to 24 years old. They experience stress, confusion, low self-esteem, fears or pressure to achieve success. There is also evidence that young people are being affected by the divorce of their parents, they cannot stand having a step-parent or step-brothers and the only solution they can find is suicide. This problem is evident main-
Adolescents who commit acts of suicide are trying to get away from a situation that is difficult or almost impossible for them to handle. These people feel guilt, are upset with others, or they are victims any situation that arises within the nuclear family, leaving them with feelings of rejection and loneliness. Young people who commit suicidal acts should not have access to firearms or any object they can use to hurt themselves, since they are a risk to their own lives. Likewise, a young girl or boy is more likely to commit suicide if a member of his/her family did the same or if the person has a history of abuse or mistreatment or if he/she suffered from a recent breakup.
tial to promote actions and public policies that teach adolescents the meaning of life and remove people from depressive contexts through involving them in programs where they are encouraged to achieve an optimistic, creative, flexible and constructive perspective on life. Suicide is a problem of today’s society and it is important to treat it promptly, because it is threatening the life of a human being. An endless number of people commit suicidal actions but some overcome this problem and move on with the help and support of their families and friends. That is why parents play a very important role in diminishing the rate of suicide amongst young people. In Tunja, I met a young boy of 18 years old , he tried to end his life because his girlfriend had left him; however, after being in a hospital because of an overdose of pills, he attempted to move on with his life. In regards to this, suicide is often used as a means of manipulation to avoid the breakdown of a relationship.
In this sense, the role of a social worker is important since suicide is a problem that affects people of any age, gender or social class. To carry out an intervention in this case, it is necessary to consider the reasons behind these thoughts of self-harm. The social worker should be connected to an interdisciplinary team to study the case and help the person to reconsider his/her decision. Human life is in danger, for this reason, people in this situation need support to overcome what they are experiencing. To sum up, social workers must bear in mind the value of life to motivate and encourage their patients so that they don’t end their own lives and find a new reason to get ahead. We must really empower ourselves to provide the correct guidance and achieve positive results that make our patients lose such negative feelings and see each day as a new opportunity to change and be better.
Suicide is a problem that is destroying the lives of young people, who do not feel part of their families, friends, school community, or even the state. Therefore, it is essen-
drmarissascorner.com
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PROCASTINATING By: Lina Reina
Life
Tips to learn
English
By: Iliana Gineth Villamil Social Work Student
English Professor at Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia
H
ave you ever heard of the term “Procrastination”? Procrastination means carrying out less urgent tasks in preference to more urgent ones, leaving tasks until the “last minute” before a deadline.
The alarm? Meal time? Chores? Tasks? Projects? LIFE? It is known that in Colombia, people tend to delay their assignments, even if we have time for them. We live our lives pretending that we have control over them. But one of the most critical problems that Colombian people have is related to laziness and procrastination. It may be related to culture, or bad habits, or any other undecided cause; nevertheless, it is an unconscious and repetitive happening. Unfortunately, this kind of behaviors could bring stress to our lives and it might even produce psychological problems. A smart solution to this conduct would be to organize our schedules: daily, weekly or monthly; it would be great to start giving priorities to what you might consider important for you and set rules on your own. Then, it is time to stop reading and start doing!
1 You must have ng ani me st, tere f-in sel that it is necessary to feel autonomous interest and desire to learn the language.
Read your favorite books and topics that you love but in
2
Read magazines and newspaper at your convenience in English.
4
Listen to the music of 5 your choice in English; listening to songs and artists of your choice will help you to
Play in English, you will learn in a fun way.
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Set your social networks (Facebook, Twitter etc.) to English.
Look up and learn 10 your own words, creating a daily vocabulary.
Write your diary and your most significant things
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Study English in pla11 ces where you feel quiet and comfortable, that will help a lot.
Make fun plans in the afternoon with your friends that contribute to learning the language.
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If you like the theater, practice or watch it but in English.
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Talk and interact with people who practice, know and speak English.
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Practice internet 9 grammar skill and other subjects that will help you improve your level.
Decorate your room 12 with words and phrases in English that you like and motivate yourself to continue reviewing and learning
Choose your favorite movies and search for them in English.
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http://s3.hipertextual.com/
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Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos
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BEYOND WORDS
OUR FRIENDSHIP WAS BORN FROM
the silence in our souls
By: Angy Viviana Alfonso and Diana Piracón Social Work Students
L
ike two different worlds completely alone we met in the same universe. That is the way we are, you and I. From the corner of our hearts, in the silence of our peacefulness, our friendship makes us stronger. The trees shout to us in silence that our friendship will remain till the end of our lives. I just want you to know that from the moment you came into my life you have been the shelter that my soul needed; in the good moments and bad ones of my everyday life or even, in my saddest days. You always have filled my eyes with love, becoming my constant support. In this sense, I have also been there for you in your days of renewed sweetness and happiness. More than a friend, you are like my sister, my confidant. Even when you look like an imminent inanimate being, you make me strong, filling my life with your lovely gestures. You know how to be a beautiful melody to my ears. Y o u are like a flower that renews itself every day.
Sailor Kissing Nurse Statue, Civitavecchia-Italy
For the world, friendship is not something real. For us, friendship represents existence itself,
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in which our souls can find comfort and peace. Our steps look for one another strongly to find themselves in a universe with no end. You are my beautiful friend, trust me, you always will be my best friend. Years and days will pass and nobody would be able to change our friendship. It will be our constant spiritual fuel. It will help us to maintain strong boundaries and love. Do not forget how much I appreciate you. This is the way our souls will continue for eternity. God will be also by our side, his love is the best consolation in the days full of happiness and the ones immersed in solitude. Remember he is also our confident and part of our journey. Just let me follow you, I definitely will follow you. D o not be afraid, I won´t disappoint you. You can count on me in the best moments and even the bad ones. I just hope the sky lets us live more new and beautiful awakenings.
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My Grandfather My grand father means the world to me If I am a flower, he is my fragrance If I am a bird, he is my flight If I am a poet, he is my imagination If I am a singer, he is my voice If I am a rainbow, he is my colours If I am a body, he is my spine If I am an emotion, he is my feeling If I am a face, he is my expression If I am food, he is my hunger If I am water, he is my thirst If I am a mind, he is my thought
If I am a person, he is my personality If I am an artist, he is my art If I am a designer, he is my design If I am a granddaughter, he is my lovely grandfather I love him very much, he is my life
By: Mariana Ramírez Veterinary Medicine Student
TRUE
LOVE By: Paula Andrea de Antonio Carvajal Veterinary Medicine Student
This compelling true love that is amazing when we are together every day grows until the unthinkable. Sometimes I feel That I have dreamed, it’s reality and you are my life the light that shines, the flame running water and quench my thirst. That love you so much I caught your network to infinity I’ll go after you kidnaps your kisses I’ll miss your skin and we will be one; your my man and I
MY SON Samuel By: María Fernanda León
my dream YOU ARE
By: Antonio José Malaver Ruíz Veterinary Medicine Student
Law Student
T
his is the story of the person I love the most. I study law in the JDC University and Samuel, my son, he studies in a kinder garden, my mom’s names is Luz Marina and she is my support, she gives me everything I need, that’s why I love my mom. When Samuel was born we were in a lot of hospitals, and this was horrible: Samuel is a child with cerebral palsybut he is the happiest child and I am happy too. He is the most beautiful son and I am the proudest mom in the word. Thank God Samuel is healthy now! Due to his illness I took Samuel to therapies every day: he is well-behaved there, he plays with his doctors, and he learns a lot of things to help his body and mind. Besides his therapies he has a special diet of fruits, vegetables, milk and proteins because he has epilepsy and to control it he also must take some drugs. He loves eating pears, coconut, banana and grapes but he hates strawberries and green apples. He eats eggs every day for breakfast and he drinks a glass of milk every night before going to sleep. I hate it when he eats because he is sick on weekends. Samuel loves leaving home, sometimes we travel on his scooter and we go to eat sugar-free ice cream because his diet restricts it.
I dreamed, I looked, I found you and when you talked fearled you to think badly of me. I give my heart and I am now afraid lost in this vast world. I have you next to me although I never believed and it’s true, you look so cute which fills me with magic, when I walk away I miss you so much and just I want to get back to you. I would give anything to be with you, the stars of the sky would fall into your hands. my life flies because times are seconds and do not want to be without you. Because without you life pauses, because my soul is with you. My life would leave in exchange for your love, I care only because of you. You have me in your power if you ask me to be with you and when the time comes to close my eyes with you I want to be. This life would be empty without you, without your gentle touch and your sweet romance, without your sweet kisses and your rich voice, I feel that in my life I only care about you
Some doctors tell me that Samuel needs a pet, preferably a dog. He doesn’t have a dog, because in this moment it’s very difficult for me. I will have a dog when I have more time and space for it. Taking care of my son and studying Law simultaneous is not easy; this is the life I have! I am grateful that God has given me a son like Samuel.
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/
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Gondolas, Venice-Italy
LANGUAGE DAY
at JDC
By: Nelson Naranjo Mayorga Language Department Professor
O
n April 23 we celebrated the Day of Languages in our institution, and with great success, as the students and teachers both actively participated in this important day. The illustrious Doctor Gilberto Avila Monguí, President of Languages, attended one of these events. With great charisma he enchanted us with an extensive historical overview of our mother tongue, Spanish. Starting with the literature of the classicists, up to that of the postmodernists like Gabo, he presented us with a vast literary overview. Dr. Avi-
la Monguí made us yet again awaken our thirst to know more of our rich language in all linguistic and literary forms. With Greek Literature, he reminded us of the great Plato and his disciple Aristotle, with their many philosophical theses. Subsequently, he moved on to the great Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, who remains immortalized through his masterpiece Don Quixote de la Mancha. We are very grateful for the visit of Dr. Avila Mongui and we hope he can join us next time, so that we may recapitulate the origin of our Spanish language.
THIS IS HOW WE DO ÁGORA
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THE CRAZY CRUISE
“a sober adventure”
BY: Michael Andrés Martínez Languages Department Professor
L
istening to radio lets the mind flow; hearing unexpected words that emerge from non-prototyped people provides a powerful source to the imagination. As you listen, music undoes the screen limitations, spoken words release your perspectives giving to your mind multiplicity of colors, happenings, sounds by unlocking your attention to different and unique experiences that only you can understand; I wish these bare words had soundtrack and, these written expressions are spoken, so you can listen sensations that emerge from attending not only with your hearing but with your five sense perceptions. In the radio program “THE CRAZY CRUISE” music sets the mood to those adventures that the characters live along the transmission itself; mind’s eye is increased by characterizing in your head locations, landscapes and personality factors that the narrators details through description thus, your 5 senses are fed as you listen and connect your-
self with such intimacy that only occurs when you listen, taste, touch, smell, and see with your ears what is happening to Alvaro Castillo, a young Colombian who lives lots of experiences abroad and specifically with English. The writing experience regarding to Alvaro’s moments have given me the chance to connect with him and laugh together when the narrations of his own experiences that are presented in three moments: first, we understand the previous and new context he is exposed to. Second, we live his expectations and particular details of his well-being and third, we expect that those coming troubles are solved thanks to his apprehension of the language. What has been challenging is to describe Alvaro, see how he sees, perceive the world as he does and face the problems and fears as they were my own. Alvaro, that imaginary character who is expecting a better life, starts a new path working on a cruise and facing along his journey the communication issues he confronts on board: speech patterns, basic directions, slang understanding and personal information. In this part, music descends and voices become faint. It is almost time to finish, Alvaro and I expect you to join us and know how the crazy cruise he is on has been a great opportunity to reject the communication fears; live with us, listen all together and feel with your five senses how spoken words lead you through this amazing adventure.
Palace of Versailles, Paris-France
www.abuseandassault.com
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PHOTOS GALLERY
Our Language Department Team Professor
ent Director
nguage Departm
s Torres, La Marcela Cubide
Professors Bibiana Orbegozo, Marcela Cubides and Nelson Naranjo in a Language Departm ent Academic Workshop
Professors M ichael Martínez and Ángela Jim Station Juan énez at the Ra de Castellano s FM Estéreo dio Professor Luis Vega
Professor Bibiana Orbegozo and Julius Sieber School Students as a part of Social Impact Project
Professors Michael Martínez, Dayra Ochoa and Milena Acevedo in a Language Department Academic Workshop
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Professors Bibiana Orb egozo, Derli Cachope and Magda Jiménez (Agora Bulletin Executive Coord inator) in a Language Dep artment Academic Workshop
Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos
and Public Accounting
Students
Professor Gina Carolina Brijaldo Olarte (Agora Bulletin Manager) and Physical Education Students
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y and Social
ola Monro Professor Pa
ts
Work Studen
tin Executive Coordinator) in a Professor Sergio Olave (Agora Bulle shop Work emic Acad Language Department
pe, Paola Monroy, Professors: Adriana Avella, Víctor Prada, Derli Cacho ozo, Ángela Jiménez and Orbeg a Bibian ez, Jimén a Magd ez, Martín el Micha Sergio Olave at JDC Talent Show
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