Learning activity 4

Evidence: Forum “The cost of higher education in our country”

Studying in Colombia is expensive. The cost of higher education is among the

highest in the region. According to “El observatorio de la universidad
colombiana”, in 2013 the average semester of Colombian public universities
cost 1.295.528 million pesos. These numbers can be even more dramatic if we
take into account that more than 50% of the population earns minimum wage
which in 2013 was 589.500 pesos a month. Therefore, even if a person who
earns that salary works all semester and saves his salary, he would not have
enough money to pay the university fee.

On the other hand, the budget designated to public universities and institutions
is reduced every year and these universities have to cover some of their
expenses on their own. Besides, the number of students that public universities
can receive every year is not enough to cover the demand. Therefore, most
students who don’t have the means to afford a private university are left aside
by the system.

In conclusion the budget for public universities is constantly being reduced at

the expense of quality, while the cost of studying at private universities keeps
on increasing.

Answer the following questions in your participation in the forum:

 How can the system be changed so that people who don’t have the
economic means to pay tuition are not left aside?

 Why is education cheaper in other countries even when our economy is

among the best in the region?

 What is the role of SENA in higher education in Colombia?

For the second part of this activity you have to read your partners’ posts, select
one and through the button “Responder” write your opinion about your partner’s
post. Use the vocabulary and ideas about education (at least 6 words from the
vocabulary). Remember to use connectors and punctuation.

Steps to participate in the forum:

 Click on the Activity 4 button in the main menu. Then click on Evidence:
Forum “The cost of higher education in our country”.
 Enter to the sequence, click on Responder, then click on Enviar.
 Select one of the partner’s commentaries and then express your opinion
clicking on the button Responder.
 Type the subject and the content with your opinion, then click on Enviar.

Criterios de evaluación

Usa el vocabulario relacionado con áreas de estudio, teniendo en cuenta el

contexto requerido.

References

El observatorio de la universidad colombiana. (2015). Matrícula en las IES

colombianas, según nivel de formación. Consultado el 17 de diciembre de
2015, en
http://www.universidad.edu.co/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id
=281&Itemid=88