Study abroad Colombia and discover a rich Spanish culture.
If you happen to be lucky enough to study abroad in South America you will get to experience a continent full of diversity in the arts, cuisine, religion, sports and education. And Colombia is one of the best countries to go.
Known for its mixing of Spanish and African cultures, Colombia is truly an amazing place to learn and grow as a student.
Study in Colombia for a summer study abroad program and visit the Parque de los Deseos, located in the city of Medillín. This beautiful park is known for its large planetarium and display of science experiments, and it even offers free movies on Saturdays!
If you get to study in Colombia for a semester abroad you should take advantage of the city of Santa Marta. Located in what is known as the Caribbean Lowlands, Santa Marta is a popular tourist destination full of beautiful beaches where you can jet ski or go diving, and where you can buy just about anything from outside vendors any day of the week.
Colombia is a country that is rich in culture and tradition, so if you’re interested in having fun and gaining a better understanding of the Colombian culture, then you should take a trip down to study abroad in South America.
Best Study Abroad Colombia Programs
Colombia has the second largest population in South America, and the city has the third largest Spanish-speaking population in the world. That accounts for a lot of native residents, in addition to the large number of study abroad students and visitors who travel there every year.
With such a large population there are also many colleges and universities to accommodate the students.
One of the best ways to learn the Spanish language in Colombia is to join a language program at the Instituto de Idiomas, Universidad del Norte. Located in Barranquilla, which is Colombia’s fourth-largest city, this school offers the perfect blend of language classes mixed with social and cultural activities in the surrounding community. Classes are small and inviting, and the difficulty of the classes range from elementary to advanced levels.
Another Spanish language school is Aula Magna Castellana, which is located in the beautiful city of Segovia. Besides having top-quality teachers and fun classes, the program offers up to 36 activities that include dancing, touring castles and visits to prehistoric caves.
Students interested in environmental studies can take classes for high tech water treatment and pollution at the Universidad de Boyaca.
FAQ
Scholarships
For ideas to help pay for your South American trip you can visit the Financial Aid for Study Abroad, Study Abroad Student Loans and Study Abroad Scholarships and Fellowships pages in our website.
Transport
Transportation in Colombia ranges from buses and trains to taxis and boats. Despite its mountainous terrain, the country has been able to produce well-developed highways.
Riding by bus is the best way to travel within Colombia. Some of the most well-known bus companies are Flota Magdalena, Expreso Boliviano and Expreso Palmira. You can choose between micro and modern buses, both of which offer reasonable bus fares.
Since trains are mainly used for the transportation of goods, if you’re looking to travel by train then Medillín and Bogota are the only cities with working metro systems.
You can also travel by taxi, but just make sure that the driver uses a meter. Colombian taxi drivers are notorious for charging extra if you go beyond a certain city or to an airport.
Car rental is available from major companies like Hertz, Avis and Budget.
Safety
Don’t forget to follow online guidance and advice. Colombia is a lot safer than it used to be, but there are still risks and places to avoid. When you arrive you should ask questions to staff and locals, and also have important numbers handy in case of an emergency.
Money and Budget
Colombian currency is known as the peso, whose symbol is the same as the dollar sign. Here’s how the currency works:
Coins = 50, 100, 200 and 500 pesos
Bills = 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 pesos
Colombia offers something for everyone, so take your time and enjoy your study abroad experience while also learning about the Colombian culture.