ISCAP-IPP Professors' Unforgettable Journey in Bolivia

Professors Anabela Mesquita, Sandrina Teixeira, Maria Castro, and Isabel Vieira from ISCAP-Instituto Politécnico do Porto (IPP) successfully completed their secondment at the Instituto de Investigaciones Socio-Económicas (IISEC-UCB) of Universidad Católica Boliviana, from January 11 to February 12, 2026.

Immersive Experience in Bolivia

During their stay, the ISCAP-IPP researchers immersed themselves in Bolivian reality, combining rigorous fieldwork with memorable human encounters. Hosted by Prof. Fernanda Wanderley, they conducted interviews revealing not only data on labor informality but also the warmth and openness of interviewees. Their chronicle "Our Story in Bolivia: A Country That Stayed Under Our Skin" captures stunning La Paz landscapes, altitude challenges, and everyday gestures—from the neighborhood empanada shop to the hairdresser sharing country legends—that humanized their research.

Impact for INSEAI

This secondment strengthens INSEAI's comparative axis by contrasting socioeconomic realities between Europe and Latin America. The professors participated in UCB seminars and webinars, consolidating networks for future collaborations. Their testimony highlights how Bolivia's structural diversity and community resilience enrich the multidimensional informality analysis that characterizes INSEAI.

Coming soon: Full chronicle in our April newsletter
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