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?

It could be that the government grants part-time jobs to those who

want to do university studies this would be a condition for their
studies to be free and at the same time the students would earn not
only money but experience because the work would have to do with
what they are studying.
It could be that the government gave jobs for hours for people who
wish to do university studies. This would be a condition for the
studies will be free and at the same time the students would gain not
only money but experience because this work would have to do with
what they are studying.

Why is education cheaper in other countries, even when our

economy is among the best in the region?
Because Colombia operates an inadequate educational system
because in other countries the culture is different, the teachers are
very prepared, there are many public universities.

Because Colombia manages a bad education system that is not

adequate because in other countries the culture is different, the
teachers are very prepared, there are many public universities.
What is the role of SENA in higher education in Colombia?
Train Colombians with university studies with preparation and job
training.

Para la segunda parte de esta actividad, debe leer las

publicaciones de sus socios, seleccionar una y, a través del botón
"Responder", escribir su opinión sobre la publicación de su
compañero. Use el vocabulario y las ideas sobre educación (al
menos
at least 6 words from the vocabulary). Remember to use connectors and
punctuation.