Tampa Sister Cities Welcomes Universidad del Norte Students to USF

On August 24, 2024, Tampa Sister Cities, through the leadership of the Tampa–Barranquilla Committee, proudly hosted a special day of welcome and celebration for visiting students from Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Colombia—a gesture that exemplifies the strong and growing bond between our two sister cities.

The students, who are participating in academic programs at the University of South Florida (USF), were honored with a welcome reception organized in partnership with USF World. The reception brought together university administrators, faculty, staff, and members of Tampa Sister Cities to officially welcome the students to campus and to Tampa. Following the reception, students took part in a tailored orientation session that introduced them to life at USF and helped prepare them for academic and cultural success in their new environment.

But the day didn’t end there.

In a heartfelt demonstration of Tampa’s hospitality, the students were then transported to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where they spent the afternoon experiencing one of the city’s most iconic attractions. The visit offered not only a fun and thrilling way to unwind but also a chance to build new friendships and create lasting memories that will define their time in Tampa.

This event showcased the mission of Tampa Sister Cities: to promote international goodwill, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections that transcend borders. The Tampa–Barranquilla Committee remains deeply committed to supporting students, fostering academic partnerships, and ensuring that Tampa is a welcoming, engaging, and inspiring place for international visitors.

We extend our sincere thanks to USF World, Universidad del Norte, and all volunteers who helped make this day such a success. Together, we’re building bridges that span continents—and friendships that last a lifetime.