GLOCAL Cohort VIII (2024-2026) Applications Open October 1st
Applications to our eighth GLOCAL cohort (2024-2026), beginning in September 2024, open on Sunday, 1st October 2023.
The application deadlines are as follows:
- Track D: 12th January 2024
- All Other Tracks: TBC
Please note that there are no Erasmus Mundus Scholarships available this year, However, you can find additional funding opportunities here.
In addition, the Consortium may be able to provide some yet unconfirmed funding, further details to be provided in due course. To be eligible for consideration for these funding opportunities, applicants must have already submitted an application in a self-funded capacity and have been given offer to the programme.
To find out more about the application process you can read our step-by-step application guide below and visit our How to Apply page here
If you have any questions, please email socpol-glocal@glasgow.ac.uk.
A Warm Welcome to our 2023-2025 Cohort!
Last week we held welcome events for our new 2023-2025 cohort of GLOCAL students. It was great for everyone to get together – we wish you all the best for the two years ahead and look forward to working with you!
2023 Summer School - "Glocalising Kyoto"
From 21 – 25 August 2023 we had 21 GLOCALs attend the 2023 edition of the GLOCAL Summer School. This week-long school takes place at the end of students’ first year of GLOCAL. It is organised by a different partner university each year and includes visiting professors from associate partners from around the world. You can find out more about previous editions of the summer school here.
The topic is decided on an annual basis and relates to trends and issues of the moment. This year’s topic was ‘Transforming Kansai: Resilience, Revitalisation and Reimagining Growth in a Mature Economy’. Read on for more info on this summer school, and a special thanks to Laura Ortiz from our 2021-2023 cohort for the great photos!
As Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto is often (self-)promoted as a repository of Japanese traditional culture, or a ‘kimono-scape of wood, lacquer and manicured stone gardens’ in the words of the Financial Times. However, it’s also a strikingly modern city with a vibrant start-up ecosystem that’s home to many internationally competitive ‘hidden champions’ in the life sciences and creative industries. Together with the neighbouring Kansai cities of Osaka and Kobe, these three cities’ transformations into important hubs of economics, technology, and the arts afford us the opportunity to reimagine an alternative paradigm on growth.
Japan has been at the forefront of dealing with many challenges faced my mature economies, including population aging, social and environmental sustainability, and intense international industrial competition. Through all this, Japan has remained dynamic and resilient in renegotiating its cultural and economic relevance globally, amidst numerous risks and uncertainties, including natural disasters.
As for Kyoto itself, it is in many ways a ‘global city’. Since the late nineteenth century international visitors have flocked to Kyoto for trade and tourism and the city is now world-renowned as a repository of Japanese culture and craft, much of which is now recognized as “World Heritage”. Though Kyoto is better known as a centre of Japanese tradition, it is also a strikingly modern city boasting several leading universities and research institutes and has produced iconic companies such as Nintendo and leading international firms (among them “hidden champions”) such as Kyocera and Shimadzu.
Whilst all of this has emerged during a period of intense globalization, there is a sense that Kyoto has not fully taken advantage of the benefits of its status as a “global city” nor realized its vision in this regard. Kyoto, like much of Japan, has struggled to attract inward foreign direct investment (inward FDI to Japan was 5% of GDP in 2020 compared to an OECD average of 57.8%) and the city is on the verge of bankruptcy.
As a host to several protected heritage sites, including temples and shrines, the city is unable to effectively collect tax revenue from much of the urban landscape. Furthermore, whilst these heritage sites attract tens of millions of tourists to Kyoto each year, boosting the local economy, the city often struggles to cope with these numbers, a phenomenon described as “overtourism”. Residents (and some visitors) complain of problems such as the overcrowding of walkways, public transportation and facilities, as well as the sometimes-behaviour of visitors.
With all of this in mind, participants of this summer school were invited to observe and experience for themselves the current situation of Kyoto as a “global city”, offering their thoughts on the following question:
What can Kyoto (the city, its residents and businesses, etc.) do to better take advantage of the benefits of being a “global city” and alleviate the problems?
Participants were split into groups, with each group making a presentation on the summer school’s final day. They were free to select a format but encouraged to focus on the following:
- Observations/reflections based on company visits and speaker presentations. What do they identify as problems/solutions for issues that Kyoto, the Kansai region, and Japan face?
- Reflections from their own experiences living in other cities, including their hometown and other places they’ve lived (for example during their time with GLOCAL). They were asked to consider if there’s anything Kyoto is doing well or badly compared to those places, or if there were initiatives in those places that Kyoto can learn from
- Reflect on the problem of “overtourism” in Kyoto. Groups visited a specific site on the Thursday and spent time in the city throughout the week, and were asked to comment on their experience, what could have been improved, and what Kyoto was doing well.
- At the end of the week, students received a diploma upon completing the summer school which you can see in the photos below.
Finally, here are some more of our favourite photos of the week, thank you to Laura Ortiz for taking them.
Teo Does an Internship at Tante Nino in Rotterdam
GLOCAL student Teona Chakvetadze recently completed an internship at Tante Nino in Rotterdam in the Netherlands – she wrote about her experience below.
My internship experience at Tante Nino has been nothing short of transformative. From the moment I stepped into this dynamic cultural foundation, I was welcomed with open arms by the visionary founder, Nino Purtskhvanidze. Tante Nino’s mission to celebrate diversity and foster human connections resonated deeply with me, and throughout my internship, I had the privilege of contributing to its remarkable journey.
What sets Tante Nino apart are the events that I had the honour of organising and participating in. From the captivating ‘Voiceless’ performance to the sustainability-driven ‘The WERF,’ and the mesmerizing ‘South Explorer’ evenings, each event left an indelible mark on me. The pinnacle of my internship was the surreal opportunity to attend the Cannes International Film Festival, marrying my academic interests with real-world connections.
I deeply thank Nino and her husband, Peter Jan Smith, for their unwavering support and belief in my potential. Tante Nino is not just an institution; it’s a family that nurtures growth, celebrates uniqueness, and promotes unity through creative endeavours. My internship has been a life-changing chapter, enriching me both professionally and personally. I am honoured to have been part of Tante Nino’s legacy, and I am excited to see the foundation continue to bridge cultures and create lasting connections.
Collaborative Dissertations: Ken Explores Social & Environmental Impacts of a Sawmill in North Argentina
GLOCAL students have the option to do a collaborative dissertation – these are similar to a normal dissertation but also involve an institution or organisation where a student undertakes a placement. The dissertation then centres around a topic or a field of research that the organisation focuses on, with the materials, knowledge, resources, and expertise on the matter being accessible to the student as they work for the organisation. In short, collaborative dissertations are a unique opportunity to conduct research and learn from an organisation that specialises in that area in the process. You can find out more about GLOCAL dissertations here.
We recently caught up with GLOCAL Cohort V student Ken Goigner, who used his collaborative dissertation to investigate the social and environmental impacts of a softwood sawmill in the north of Argentina. We recently caught up with Ken to talk about his collaborative dissertation, how he found his placement, the skills he gained in the process, and his tips for students about to start their GLOCAL journey – read his thoughts below.
Tell us a bit about your collaborative dissertation subject and why you chose it?
My collaborative dissertation aims to investigate the social and environmental impacts of a softwood sawmill in the north of Argentina. I chose this dissertation subject since the timber industry has the potential to play a significant role in the green transition, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy. Timber is a renewable resource that can substitute for carbon-intensive materials and energy sources. For me personally, it is very rewarding to be part of a research project that takes environmental stewardship and emphasis sustainable practices. I am really honoured to be working with Acon Timber in Argentina as this allows me to combine my passions about sustainabilty and timber within a Latin American context.
Tell us a bit about the process of finding your placement?
I started to look for opportunities abroad by consulting the Austrian commerce chambers in Latin America. Through the office in Buenos Aires, I came into contact with Acon Timber, a subsidiary of the Austrian timber company HS Timber Group. After an initiative application, several interviews followed to stake out mutual interests and define the framework of collaboration.
What skills do you feel you have gained as a result of doing a collaborative dissertation?
Engaging in a collaborative dissertation provides an opportunity to develop a diverse set of skills that go beyond traditional academic research. I learnt to effectively communicate my research ideas, progress, and findings to diverse audiences with varying needs. I also gained practical research skills that are directly applicable to real-world situations by adapting research methods to address industry challenges and produce actionable outcomes. Another important skill is the ability to navigate the dynamic nature of industry partnerships, adjust research plans as per evolving priorities, and accommodate feedback from different stakeholders. Finally, collaborative dissertations require adhering to ethical considerations, confidentiality agreements, and professional standards through which I learnt to maintain research integrity and uphold professional conduct.
How do you balance your placement with other elements of GLOCAL and other commitments?
Collaborative dissertations often require coordinating multiple tasks, timelines, and resources. Through effective project management, including setting goals, planning research activities, allocating resources, and meeting deadlines I manage to balance the needs and expectations of both academic and industry partners, ensuring the smooth progress of the research project.
Why should people study GLOCAL in 2023?
GLOCAL allow students to explore and integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines ranging from business, history, and sustainability. It offers a holistic approach to understanding complex global topics, as it combines insights, theories, and methodologies from various fields. This integration can lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and the ability to see connections and patterns that might be missed when studying within a single discipline. Furthermore, GLOCAL offers their students the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultural and academic environments and gain a global perspective. Studying abroad can broaden one’s horizons, foster cross-cultural understanding, and enhance personal and professional development. If you want to become part of the international GLOCAL family, take the next step and apply for this unique opportunity!
And finally, what tips would you have for people about to start their GLOCAL journey in September? Why should they consider doing a collaborative dissertation?
I advise you to think about why you want to participate in the GLOCAL program and to check in with those reasons frequently, to make sure you stick to the goals you established for yourself at the beginning. GLOCAL give much freedom of scope, therefore it’s up to each of us to seize the chance and make the program our own program! I can heartily advise making the extra effort to contact organizations and businesses that express interest in collaborating with you on your dissertation. This will enhance your research, equip you with essential professional skills and provide the opportunity to take part in research that may directly impact industry practices.
Finding Housing in Glasgow – Tips from GLOCAL Cohort VI Students
This article was written by and originally appeared on the student-ran GLOCAL Experience blog. You can view the original article here, and make sure to keep up-to-date with the GLOCAL Experience for a greater insight into life as a GLOCAL student.
The GLOCAL Experience asked some of the current cohort VI students to share their experiences of finding housing in Glasgow with the hope their answers will help you navigate the housing market and find your home away from home for the semester in Glasgow!
You can use the following University of Glasgow links to find more information on University of Glasgow Postgraduate Accommodation, types of accommodation, and postgraduate advice. You can also find advice from the Student Representative Council (SRC), here
Note: The GLOCAL Consortium values our student and alumni communities enormously but it’s important to note that the content of the GLOCAL Experience website and social media accounts do not in any way represent the official view or position of the Consortium or any of the Consortium partner universities.
Clara
Where are you from: Germany
What websites/methods did you use to find accommodation: I mostly used SpareRoom.
When did you start looking for housing: April 2022
When did you secure housing: May 2022
What kind of housing did you have?: En-suite room with shared kitchen in private student dorm (UniteStudents Blackfriars)
Where in Glasgow were you located? How long did it take you to get to school?: My place was in the Merchant City and a 25 minute bike ride from campus
If you could change one thing about your search or give someone your biggest piece of advice, what would it be?: The dorm staff were very slow with finding a replacement tenant for my room and that was stressful. Don’t hesitate to keep annoying them to hurry up if you’re in that situation!
Yaquelín
Yaquelín
Where are you from: Cuba
What websites/methods did you use to find accommodation: I used SpareRoom, Facebook Groups without any luck. I found my place thanks to a Cuban Erasmus friend who stayed there the previous year, and talked with the owner on my behalf.
When did you start looking for housing: June 2022
When did you secure housing: August 2022
What kind of housing did you have?: One bedroom in a house share with two other UofG students
Where in Glasgow were you located? How long did it take you to get to school?: West End, 10 min walk from the University
How much did you pay for your housing per month?: 500£
If you could change one thing about your search or give someone your biggest piece of advice, what would it be?: Be careful with scams, they are very common while looking for accommodation. For me, the most helpful thing was the support of my friend, I reached her for advice and guidance. Use your friends, they are your best allies.
Era
Era
Where are you from: Kosova
What websites/methods did you use to find accommodation: SpareRoom/Word of mouth
When did you start looking for housing: August 2022
When did you secure housing: September 2022
What kind of housing did you have?: A two bedroom apartment, with one kitchen and a bathroom
Where in Glasgow were you located? How long did it take you to get to school?: I was located in the city center, a three minute subway to school
How much did you pay for your housing per month?: 1000£
If you could change one thing about your search or give someone your biggest piece of advice, what would it be?: Have an idea of what it is that you want, then ask as many people as you can. If you want a student accommodation, then start in early June (apply as soon as the application is open).
Kwamnandi
Kwamnandi
Where are you from: South Africa
What websites/methods did you use to find accommodation: Unite Students accommodation
When did you start looking for housing: July 2022
When did you secure housing: August 2022
What kind of housing did you have?: Bedroom in shared flat with other students
Where in Glasgow were you located? How long did it take you to get to school?: City Center near Buchanan bus station, it took me 45 mins (subway/bus) to get to university.
How much did you pay for your housing per month?: 600£
If you could change one thing about your search or give someone your biggest piece of advice, what would it be?: Search early so you have more options
McKim
McKim
Where are you from: Canada/United States
What websites/methods did you use to find accommodation: I used SpareRoom and Facebook Groups/Marketplace
When did you start looking for housing: June 2022
When did you secure housing: August 2022
What kind of housing did you have?: I was in Havannah House, a student accommodation where I had a room and a private bathroom, and a shared kitchen with eight other students.
Where in Glasgow were you located? How long did it take you to get to school?: I was in Merchant City, it took me about 45 minutes by Train + Subway to get to school.
How much did you pay for your housing per month?: 720£/month (But because I signed up last minute I had to pay the four months upfront…)
If you could change one thing about your search or give someone your biggest piece of advice, what would it be?: If you are looking on the private market, you should keep track of the market early on to get a general idea of the price ranges, but do not pay yet for the services until a month out from the start of the school year.(Like SpareRoom premium, which you need if you want to snag something on there). I wasted time + money paying early when there were no accommodations available for the fall yet.
If you want to do student accommodation from private companies there are a handful of companies in Glasgow that you can book through (Havannah House, Unite Students, Collegelands etc) but you have to book with them early (I think they open registration for the 2023/2024 academic year in May or June).
Also, if a student accommodation is offered by UoG/GLOCAL TAKE IT. The first email that was sent out I ignored and regretted; I had many more months of stress, fruitless searching, and lost money as a result! The second email sent out in late August I accepted in a second (and by that point everyone was desperate; I heard through the grapevine that only the people who answered within 4 minutes got rooms). I have 0 regrets for doing student accommodation, the market is tough.
Francisco
Francisco
Where are you from: Mexico
What websites/methods did you use to find accommodation: I went straight to the student accommodation they offered us from the Master’s, Unite Students
When did you start looking for housing: June 2022
When did you secure housing: July 2022
What kind of housing did you have?: One bedroom with private bathroom in a 5 bedroom floor with shared kitchen at a student accommodation
Where in Glasgow were you located? How long did it take you to get to school?: I was in the city center, it took me 30 minutes to get to school: 15 minutes walking to Buchanan Street and 15 minutes riding the subway to Hillhead
How much did you pay for your housing per month?: 621 £
If you could change one thing about your search or give someone your biggest piece of advice, what would it be?: If you need to secure practical and convenient housing, the student accommodation is limited and you have to hurry to secure one but it is a great option. If you are more flexible, however, I later found out people were paying similar to what I was paying in much, much nicer apartments near the university by looking at the private market (mostly negotiating with landlords they found via Airbnb).
Ping-Yi
Ping-Yi
Where are you from: Taiwan
What websites/methods did you use to find accommodation: I used Spareroom and Facebook groups like Taiwanese in Glasgow
When did you start looking for housing: May 2022
When did you secure housing: August 2022
What kind of housing did you have?: One bedroom with a live in landlord in an apartment
Where in Glasgow were you located? How long did it take you to get to school?: I was located in the East part of Glasgow, near Glasgow green and Barrais Market. It’s a 10 minutes walk to Bridgeton train station. So I usually take a train to Partick station then take the subway to the nearest stop next to school. In total about 45 minutes-1 hour to get to school
How much did you pay for your housing per month?: 425£ per month (including water and internet), 75£ for electricity per month
If you could change one thing about your search or give someone your biggest piece of advice, what would it be?: I would’ve started searching from April
Leilt
Leilt
Where are you from: Ethiopia
What websites/methods did you use to find accommodation: After exhausting all those apps/websites, I tried searching facebook groups for Ethiopians in Glasgow/ Ethiopians in Scotland and I found someone who knew someone that had a spare room to rent.
When did you start looking for housing: June/July 2022
When did you secure housing: Mid-August 2022
What kind of housing did you have?: One bedroom in a house with a family
Where in Glasgow were you located? How long did it take you to get to school?: I was in the south (Gorbals). It took about 45 min by bus to get to school
How much did you pay for your housing per month?: Around 300£ (I got so lucky)
If you could change one thing about your search or give someone your biggest piece of advice, what would it be?: I wish and really hope that Glasgow uni or GLOCAL would provide AFFORDABLE student housing. A piece of advice for you guys would be: 1. Try to look for an apartment with other GLOCAL students and 2. If money isn’t that of an issue for you, secure the student residence that GLOCAL suggests before it gets full. GOOD LUCK 🙂
Editor’s note: When Leilt says she got so lucky she got VERY VERY lucky. Unless you find a family arrangement such as this with someone from your culture/background who will give you such a discount, do not expect to find something around 300…Ping-Yi above and Ekaterina below had similar luck with their prices for the same reason.
Louna
Louna
Where are you from: France/Japan
What websites/methods did you use to find accommodation: SpareRoom
When did you start looking for housing: March 2022
When did you secure housing: May 2022
What kind of housing did you have?: A 3-bedroom apartment
Where in Glasgow were you located? How long did it take you to get to school?: Govan – 10 minutes to school (by subway)
How much did you pay for your housing per month?: Around 500£
If you could change one thing about your search or give someone your biggest piece of advice, what would it be?: In Europe, the housing market can be very competitive so if a landlord replies with a favorable response, it is required to secure the apartment as soon as possible.
Ana Francia
Ana Francia
Where are you from: Mexico
What websites/methods did you use to find accommodation: Spareroom and FB groups
When did you start looking for housing: Early July 2022
When did you secure housing: September 2022
What kind of housing did you have?: One bedroom in a shared flat w/other 7 students
Where in Glasgow were you located? How long did it take you to get to school?: West End and it took me less than a 10 min walk to get to school
How much did you pay for your housing per month?: Around 650£
If you could change one thing about your search or give someone your biggest piece of advice, what would it be?: Contact your classmates earlier so you can help each other.
Ekaterina
Ekaterina
Where are you from: Russia
What websites/methods did you use to find accommodation: SpareRoom, Russian community group in Facebook
When did you start looking for housing: June 2022
When did you secure housing: Late September 2022
What kind of housing did you have?: One bedroom in 2-bedrooms apartment (living with landlord)
Where in Glasgow were you located? How long did it take you to get to school?: Southside (close to Kinning Park metro station), it took me 45 min by walking or 30 min by subway to go to Uni
How much did you pay for your housing per month?: Around 460£
If you could change one thing about your search or give someone your biggest piece of advice, what would it be?: By September, a few options became available, so it may not be necessary to overly worry if you haven’t secured a room in advance. It’s also worth asking for help in your country’s Facebook groups to see if anyone is willing to host you. Typically, people from the same country are willing to lend a hand. Personally, I was able to find a place to stay for the first two weeks before my longer-term rental began through this approach.
Women's Literature As Recommended By Our Instagram Community
We are blessed to have a global community of followers on our Instagram account, and for Women’s History Month we decided to ask them for recommendations of books written by women, and we had such a great response we decided to create a reading list to share here! Click each book cover for more detail.
Why not take a look below and refresh your reading list – happy reading!
All About Love
1999, bell hooks
L’Élégance du hérisson
2006, Muriel Barbery
House of the Spirits
1982, Isabel Allende
Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
2017, Taylor Jenkins Reid
Gone With the Wind
1936, Margaret Mitchell
I Couldn’t Love You More
2012, Jillian Medoff
The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea
2022, Axie Oh
By Ash, Oak, and Thorn
2021, Melissa Harrison
Communion: The Female Search For Love
2002, bell hooks
Beloved
1987, Toni Morrison
Inkheart Trilogy
2008, Cornelia Funke
Secrets of Divine Love: A Spiritual Journey Into The Heart of Islam
2020, A. Helwa
Becoming
2018, Michelle Obama
Extracting the Stone of Madness: Poems 1962 – 1972
1968, Alejandra Pizarnik
The Promise of Happiness
2010, Sara Ahmed
Arráncame la vida
1985, Ángeles Mastretta
Women Who Run With the Wolves
1992, Clarissa Pinkola Estés
You Play the Girl: And Other Vexing Stories That Tell Women Who They Are
2017, Carina Chocano
Lost Children Archive
2019, Valeria Luiselli
To Kill A Mockingbird
1960, Harper Lee
The Unedited Diaries of Carolina Maria De Jesus
1998, Carolina Maria de Jesus
Ceniza en la boca
2022, Brenda Navarro
Almost Heaven
1989, Judith McNaught
Gone Girl
2012, Gillian Flynn
Tiempo Muerto
2017, Margarita García Robayo
Pride & Prejudice
1813, Jane Austen
The Midnight Library
2013, Kazuno Kohara
The Secret
2006, Rhonda Byrne
Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression
2005, Brooke Shields
International Women's Day - Inspiring Alumni From Each Of Our Partner Universities
Yesterday was International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on March 8 every year.
There is much to celebrate about women’s achievements, and yet there is still more we can all do, women and allies alike, to #EmbraceEquity and ensure that we build a world for those that come after us that is evermore diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
We’ve compiled a list of successful women in various fields who’ve graduated from each of our partner universities below.
But first of all, GLOCAL Cohort V student Melanie Thut paid this tribute to her fellow GLOCAL students:
International Women’s day is the perfect opportunity for me to say how much the women of GLOCAL Cohort V have inspired me, made me stronger as a feminist woman and made me understand the world from completely new perspectives. The past 1.5 years have shaped my personality, my beliefs and opinions immensely and this is thanks to all of you!! I was able to thrive as a character, find communion in our appreciative environment and a never-ending circle of love
Marion Gilchrist, University of Glasgow
Marion Gilchrist was the first woman to graduate from the University of Glasgow in 1894, and the first woman in Scotland to graduate with a medical degree, despite medicine being considered an ‘unfeminine’ subject at the time. She worked as a GP in Glasgow, specialising in eye diseases, and was also an early motoring enthusiast, having a garage on Ashton Lane. She was also a leading figure in the UK suffragette movement, but change took time: it would be 34 years after Marion graduate that women were finally granted full voting rights.
You can read more about her and other inspiring women who graduated from the University of Glasgow here
Lydia Wahlström, Uppsala Universitet
Lydia Wahlström was a Swedish historian, author and feminist, and one of the founders of the Sweden’s National Association for Women’s Suffrage. In 1892 she founded the first organisation for female students at Uppsala University, Uppsala Female Students. Among other innovations, the members became the first female students to wear their student caps in public, which was considered extremely inappropriate. A few years later, Lydia Wahlström was the second Swedish woman ever to defend a doctoral thesis in history.
María Elena Maseras, Universitat de Barcelona
This year’s IWD coincides with the 150th anniversary of the enrolment of Maria Elena Maseras in Medicine studies at the University of Barcelona: she was the first woman to ever enter higher education in Spain, paving the way for all who came after her.
The fact she was a woman caused great bureaucratic confusion, taking three years to grant her permission to sit exams. The Elena Maseras gardens at the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona are dedicated to her as a tribute to her pioneering status in the academic world.
Willemijn van der Goot, Erasmus University Rotterdam
All Rotterdam GLOCAL staff members have their office in the van der Goot Building on the Woudestein campus. Willemijn van der Goot was a pioneering figure in the field of economics, and was the first woman in the Netherlands to receive a PhD in economics.
She received her doctorate in 1927 for her dissertation on the expenditure of household income in the Netherlands. In 1935, she co-founded the International Archives for the Women’s Movement. Her achievements paved the way for other women to enter and succeed in the field of economics.
Chizuko Ueno, Kyoto University
An alumna of Kyoto University, Chizuko Ueno is a Japanese sociologist and known as ‘Japan’s best-known feminist’. Her work covers sociological issues including semiotics, capitalism, and feminism in Japan. Her research includes feminist theory, family sociology, and women’s history, and is best known for her contribution to gender studies in Japan.
She’s been a vocal critic of Japanese postwar revisionism, in particular defending the compensation of Korean comfort women forced into prostitution by the Empire of Japan. She also often discusses the semiotics and accessibility of feminism, arguing that Japanese feminist discussion often lacks the language needed to make concepts understandable and approachable.
María Ángela Holguín, Universidad de Los Andes
An alumna of the Universidad de Los Andes, María Ángela Holguín was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia from 2010 to 2018. She has also served as the 25th Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations, and as Ambassador of Colombia to Venezuela.
She graduated from the Universidad de Los Andes in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in political science, and she also completed a specialization there in public management and administrative institutions in 1992.
Chizuko Ueno, Kyoto University
An alumna of Kyoto University, Chizuko Ueno is a Japanese sociologist and known as ‘Japan’s best-known feminist’. Her work covers sociological issues including semiotics, capitalism, and feminism in Japan. Her research includes feminist theory, family sociology, and women’s history, and is best known for her contribution to gender studies in Japan.
She’s been a vocal critic of Japanese postwar revisionism, in particular defending the compensation of Korean comfort women forced into prostitution by the Empire of Japan. She also often discusses the semiotics and accessibility of feminism, arguing that Japanese feminist discussion often lacks the language needed to make concepts understandable and approachable.
Marlina Flassy, University of Göttingen
Marlina Flassy is an Indonesian anthropologist and the first woman to hold a deanship at Cenderawasih University in Jayapura, Papua province. She is also the first indigenous Papuan to be appointed Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences there.
She studied for her PhD at the University of Göttingen, graduating in 2015 after submitting her thesis, entitled “Local Knowledge, Disease and Healing in a Papua Community“. Her research interests include women in West Papua, the Mooi people, the Napan-Wainame people, the Maybrat community and gender and health equality in West Papua.
Göttingen Thesis Presentations
Last week the GLOCAL students currently writing their dissertations in Göttingen gave their first presentations to their supervisors and peers. It was an opportunity to seek guidance and feedback on research questions and strategy.
GLOCAL Programme Coordinator Professor Duncan Ross: “It was an interesting and fascinating two days which reminded me – again – of the enormous range of interests and intellectual ambition of our students.”
Well done to you all and keep up the good work!
Books About Latin America Recommended by Latin Americans
This article was written by and originally appeared on the student-ran GLOCAL Experience blog and was written by GLOCAL student SzuTung Chen. You can view the original article here, and make sure to keep up-to-date with the GLOCAL Experience for a greater insight into life as a GLOCAL student.
Note: The GLOCAL Consortium values our student and alumni communities enormously but it’s important to note that the content of the GLOCAL Experience website and social media accounts do not in any way represent the official view or position of the Consortium or any of the Consortium partner universities.
Latin America is often neglected by the global economy and in politics, but after studying for three months in Bogotá, learning so much about its history, entrepreneurship, capitalism, and sustainability issues, and having first-hand experiences working and interacting with local people, I have to say Latin America is a truly magical place. A land with a tragic history, but also full of hope, passion, and happiness!
I have been struggling to pen down this magical, bitter-sweet experience, so I turned to what we love most in GLOCAL — BOOKS! I will let these amazing Latin American authors tell you about their homes and stories!
Below, I have collected recommended books from my Latin American GLOCAL friends and Los Andes professors to help readers understand more about this amazing region. If you are traveling to Bogota for the third semester, it’s recommended to read some of these books to get yourself prepared. But even if you are not going to Colombia during your third semester, these books will certainly take you there!
Colombian History
Colombia: Fragmented Land, Divided Society
- Author: Frank Safford and Marco Palacios
- First Published Year: 2001
- Recommended by:
Professor Andrea Lluch (Argentina)
Between Legitimacy and Violence: A History of Colombia, 1875–2002
- Author: Marco Palacios
- First Published Year: 2006
- Recommended by:
Professor Andrea Lluch (Argentina)
Marijuana Boom: The Rise and Fall of Colombia’s First Drug Paradise
- Author: Lina Britto
- First Published Year: 2020
- Recommended by:
Professor Xavier Duran (Colombia)
Latin American History, Culture, and Politics
The Economic History of Latin America since Independence
- Author: Victor Bulmer-Thomas
- First Published Year: 1995
- Recommended by:
Professor Andrea Lluch (Argentina)
Professor Xavier Duran (Colombia)
Born in Blood and Fire: A Concise History of Latin America
- Author: John Charles Chasteen
- First Published Year: 2000
- Recommended by:
Professor Andrea Lluch (Argentina)
Latin America: The Allure and Power of an Idea
- Editor: Mauricio Tenorio-Trillo
- First Published Year: 2017
- Recommended by:
Professor Andrea Lluch (Argentina) - “For a discussion of the idea of Latin America (cultural studies)
Problems in Modern Latin American History: Sources and Interpretations
- Editor: James A. Wood and John Charles Chasteen
- First Published Year: 2009
- Recommended by:
Professor Andrea Lluch (Argentina)
From Silver to Cocaine: Latin American Commodity Chains and the Building of the World Economy, 1500-2000
- Editors: Steven Topik, Carlos Marichal, Zephyr L. Frank
- First Published Year: 2006
- Recommended by:
Professor Xavier Duran (Colombia)
Andean Cocaine: The Making of a Global Drug
- Author: Paul Gootenberg
- First Published Year: 2008
- Recommended by:
Professor Xavier Duran (Colombia)
Football in the Americas: FayTbol, Futebol, Soccer
- Editor: Rory M. Miller
- First Published Year: 2007
- Recommended by:
Professor Xavier Duran (Colombia)
Exile within Exiles: Herbert Daniel, Gay Brazilian Revolutionary
- Editor: James N. Green
- First Published Year: 2018
- Recommended by:
Professor Andrea Lluch (Argentina)
El hombre que amaba a los perros
- Author: Leonardo Padura
- First Published Year: 2009
- Recommended by:
GLOCAL V – José Castillo Bermúdez (Guatemala) - “It’s a great novel to understand Latin America in a global context in the 20th Century!”
Las venas abiertas de América Latina
- Author: Eduardo Galeano
- First Published Year: 1971
- Recommended by:
GLOCAL V – Johan Velasco (Colombia)
Novels
El amor en los tiempos del cólera
- Author: Gabriel García Márquez
- Country: Colombia
- First Published Year: 1985
- Recommended by:
GLOCAL V – Johan Velasco (Colombia)
Cien años de soledad
- Author: Gabriel García Márquez
- Country: Colombia
- First Published Year: 1967
- Recommended by:
GLOCAL V – María Luisa Mészáros Ortiz
(Costa Rica)
GLOCAL V – Nuria Peregrin (Cuba)
Memoria de mis putas tristes
- Author: Gabriel García Márquez
- Country: Colombia
- First Published Year: 2004
- Recommended by:
GLOCAL VI – Juliana Bastos de Mello (Brazil)
La fiesta del Chivo
- Author: Mario Vargas Llosa
- Country: Peru
- First Published Year: 2000
- Recommended by:
GLOCAL V – Johan Velasco (Colombia)
GLOCAL V – Nuria Peregrin (Cuba)
Como agua para chocolate
- Author: Laura Esquivel
- Country: Mexico
- First Published Year: 1989
- Recommended by:
GLOCAL V – Laura Ortiz (Mexico)
Capitães da Areia
- Author: Jorge Amado
- First Published Year: 1937
- Recommended by:
GLOCAL V – Natasha Briguet (Brazil)
Crecer a golpes
- Author: Diego Fonseca
- First Published Year: 2013
- Recommended by:
GLOCAL V – José Castillo Bermúdez (Guatemala) - “It’s a great compilation of articles.”
Pedro Paramo: A Novel of Mexico
- Author: Juan Rulfo
- Country: Mexico
- First Published Year: 1955
- Recommended by:
Professor Andrea Lluch (Argentina)
Rayuela (Hopscotch)
- Author: Julio Cortázar
- Country: Argentina
- First Published Year: 1963
- Recommended by:
Professor Andrea Lluch (Argentina) and
GLOCAL V – Nuria Peregrin (Cuba)
La casa de los espíritus
- Author: Isabel Allende
- Country: Chile
- First Published Year: 1982
- Recommended by:
Professor Andrea Lluch (Argentina)
Inés del alma mía
- Author: Isabel Allende
- Country: Chile
- First Published Year: 2006
- Recommended by:
GLOCAL V – Laura Ortiz (Mexico)
Ternura
- Author: Gabriela Mistral
- Country: Chile
- First Published Year: 1979
- Recommended by:
GLOCAL V – Laura Ortiz (Mexico)
The Kingdom of This World
- Author: Alejo Carpentier
- Country: Cuba
- First Published Year: 1949
- Recommended by:
Professor Andrea Lluch (Argentina) - “The book is about the Haitian Revolution and Henri Christophe, a former slave who became Haiti’s first king.”
Children's Literature
Memórias da Emília
- Author: Monteiro Lobato
- Country: Brazil
- First Published Year: 1936
- Recommended by:
GLOCAL V – Gabriela Varejão (Brazil)
