Frequently Asked Questions:

What is The Tertulia Project?
The Tertulia Project is a community-centered learning and travel in Colombia’s Coffee Region. It brings people together for cultural exchange, meaningful volunteering, reflection, and relationship-building with local communities and organizations.

What makes The Tertulia Project different from a typical trip?
This is not just a vacation or a sightseeing package. The Tertulia Project is designed for people who want to travel with intention, learn from local communities, support small businesses, and engage in service and dialogue in a more thoughtful way.

Where does the program take place?
The program takes place in Colombia’s Coffee Region, also known as the Eje Cafetero. Participants stay in locally rooted spaces and experience the region through community partnership, culture, conversation, and service. Because of our partnership with nonprofits in the region, lodging and volunteering may take place in either Viterbo, Caldas, Pereira, Risaralda or Armenia, Quindio. 

Who can participate?
Programs are designed for groups seeking a deeper form of global engagement — one that prioritizes relationship, reflection, and community partnership. Universities and Colleges, Faculty-Led Academic Programs, Church and Faith-Based Groups, Youth Service Organizations, Student Leadership Programs, Gap Year and Service-Learning Programs, Community-Based Organizations, Cultural Exchange Programs, Mission and Outreach Teams, Young Adult Leadership Cohorts

Do I need to speak Spanish?
No. Spanish is helpful, but it is not required. Participants are welcome at different language levels. Part of the experience is learning how to communicate across difference with humility, curiosity, and care.

What will we actually do during the trip?
Activities may include volunteering with local community partners, participating in guided cultural experiences, sharing meals with local businesses, attending workshops or reflection spaces, and joining daily tertulia-style conversations about culture, service, identity, and reciprocity. Each week, we partner with a different organization in the community, which determines the scope of the work. Some weeks, you'll wash produce and help prepare meals for people who are unhoused. Other weeks, you'll spend the morning with senior citizens or disabled children, sharing conversation, playing dominoes, painting, or dancing. In other weeks, you'll support classroom staff as children practice and build their English skills with you. We follow the lead of community leaders and lend a hand where directed. 

What does “tertulia” mean?
A tertulia is a gathering centered on conversation, reflection, and exchange of ideas. In this project, it represents the heart of the experience: slowing down, building relationships, and making meaning together through dialogue.

What kinds of service activities are included?
Service opportunities vary by cohort and community partner needs, but may include supporting disability inclusion efforts, food access initiatives, language learning support, youth or elder-centered community activities, and other forms of locally guided volunteer engagement.

Who are your community partners?
We collaborate with locally rooted organizations and community leaders in Colombia. Our approach is partnership-based, which means we work to support existing efforts rather than impose outside agendas. To learn more, check out our Partners page. 

How do you make sure this is ethical and not extractive?
The project is built around reciprocity, local partnership, and cultural humility. We prioritize local leadership, compensate local operators and small businesses, contribute financially to community partners, and encourage participants to engage respectfully rather than seeing communities as projects to “fix.”

Does part of my payment support the local community?
Yes. A large portion of participant fees goes directly toward local partners and community-based efforts in Colombia. We also prioritize lodging, meals, transportation, and activities through local providers whenever possible.

What is included in the program cost?
Program cost typically includes lodging, in-country transportation, meals, activities, workshops, and service coordination. Exact inclusions may vary by cohort, so participants will receive a detailed breakdown before confirming their spot.

Is airfare included?
No. International airfare is usually not included unless otherwise stated.

How much does the program cost?
Pricing varies by cohort and promotional period. We aim to keep the experience accessible while ensuring local partners and operators are compensated fairly. Current pricing will always be listed clearly in program materials.

How long is the program?
Most cohorts are structured as a 7-day experience. Specific dates and itinerary details will be shared for each cohort.

How many people are in each cohort?
Cohorts are intentionally kept small to support relationship-building, reflection, and a more meaningful experience. Group size is typically limited.

Where will we stay?
Participants stay in locally rooted lodging, such as fincas or other community-based accommodations, depending on the cohort. We prioritize comfort, safety, and connection to the region.

Is this trip safe?
Participant safety is taken seriously. We partner closely with the Tourism department of the National Police of Colombia. We also work with trusted local partners and operators, provide guidance before travel, and structure the experience carefully. As with any international travel, participants should come prepared, stay aware, and follow program guidance.

Will there be free time?
Yes. While the itinerary is intentional and structured, there is also space to rest, reflect, explore, and enjoy the environment.

Is this a religious program?
No. The Tertulia Project is not a religious program. It is rooted in values of reciprocity, dignity, learning, and community connection. Though we do partner with religious entities who collaborate with us to do the work on the ground. 

Is this only for students?
No. While it can be a strong fit for students and university groups, the project is also open to other adults, professionals, and community members depending on the cohort.

Can universities or organizations partner with The Tertulia Project?
Yes. We welcome conversations with universities, faculty leaders, nonprofits, faith communities, and other organizations interested in building custom group experiences, service-learning opportunities, or partnership-based travel programs.

What should I expect emotionally from this experience?
Participants should expect a meaningful experience that may be joyful, reflective, challenging, and transformative. This is not passive travel. It invites engagement, self-awareness, and openness to learning.

How do I apply or reserve a spot?
Interested participants can apply, inquire, or reserve a spot through our website or by contacting us directly. Because cohorts are small, early interest is encouraged. info@thetertuliaproject.com 

What if I want to come but cannot afford it?
We believe experiences like this should be more accessible. Depending on the cohort, we may offer guidance on fundraising, institutional sponsorship, or other ways to make participation more possible.

What should I do next if I’m interested?
Visit our website and fill out the Contact form. You may also reach out with questions. We’re happy to talk through whether The Tertulia Project is the right fit for you.