Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Como te quiero Colombia! Past Review

By (Bournemouth University) - abroad from 06/18/2016 to 08/13/2016 with

The Intern Group: Colombia, Emerging Markets Internship Placement Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew alot in my time there. Colombia is a very special country for me. The culture is so rich and diverse that I feel I have only scratched the surface after 2 months. The most valuable thing I gained from this experience was confidence that I can go abroad and survive on my own and immerse myself into a new culture. The value of human connection here is what really warms my heart and people genuinely care. I grasped what is most important in life and you get to evaluate your own morals, values and beliefs through learning about another culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was placed into an Accounting Internship which was relevant to my degree. Gained great experience and exposure to the daily jobs of an accountant in Colombia. Had an invaluable experience with a public speaker who gave us two workshops that are worth hundreds of dollars for free! These were very useful for our own professional development and I must thank ILA team especially Johanna and Brian for that. Was a 10/10 experience and It was even more than I thought it would be in every way. I never thought I would have as learnt as much or experienced as much as I did. I improved my Spanish, made friends, worked in my chosen field. Enjoyed every minute of it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

You're pretty well and taken care of and made to feel very comfortable by the ILA Staff. Erika is amazing at managing everything and making us feel very welcomed. You'll have help every step of the way if you need it, its there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was sharing a very modern apartment in Poblado. Went a couple days without internet but Adri was really good and resolved the issue reasonably well. No major issues with Accomodation.

* Food:

Personally felt like food is everywhere in Colombia and was constantly being fed. I like the food and Colombian diet. Wide choice in Santa Fe Centro Comercial which was 5 minutes from my apto. However Street Vendors have the best food that you have to try!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very very welcomed by my team at work and we had some great times in and outside the office at work events. Got to know them on a personal level and it was sad to say goodbye. Also got to make some great friends from around the world. And the ILA team who I hope to see again one day in Medellín!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never had any Issues with my health but friends had doctors come to their accommodation which ILA facilitates. Also insurance is mandatory.

* Safety:

ILA give good guidelines on safety and I can't say I ever felt unsafe in Medellín. Aslong as you're not dando papaya and you're careful you'll be fine(google dar papaya!).

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

This program is AMAZING for someone who's going into a new country with a different language and culture. I would do this program again if it was a country, culture and language completely new again. After this program you should have the confidence to return to Colombia and make it on your own. They teach you how to survive and live in Colombia and you should take those lessons and grow.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Coming from the UK it is slightly cheaper here if you know where to go. The fact that I was located in the most expensive part of the city means that you could very easily spend as much as you do back home. If you shop at Tienda D1 and cook at home you can easily save money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-80 pounds a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook at Home. Go to the places where Locals go. Eat like the locals. Always barter with sellers.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Quite Luckily my office had no English speakers. I HAD TO USE MY SPANISH! I learnt a load of Spanish and can comfortably regard myself as an intermediate speaker when I knew very little before. My co-workers were very patient with me and remarked how much I had improved towards the end of the internship. My only gripe is that outside the workplace I was still using alot of english with fellow interns. I was lucky to have met a local girl who taught me even more spanish and I feel this helped me to improve my spanish in informal settings and using the reflexive.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Limit time with english speakers. Find a girl or a group of friends who are locals and don't know english. Thinking and self talk in the langage you wish to learn to help with reflexive. Ask alot of questions and talk to people to learn more about using the past tense.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Culture
  • People
  • Everything
* What could be improved?
  • Well nothing I would've suggested a chocie to live outside of Poblado but this makes it harder for them to take care of all the interns and its also way more dangerous for a newcomer to start out in a less touristy area without any knowledge of how things work.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. My expectations were completely blown away and It was more than I ever imagined it could be.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.