Learning Spanish was the reason I decided to go to Colombia. So, I am often asked: why did you choose Colombia?

Before leaving, I asked for the advice of a lot of friends who had traveled around the South American continent. Without exception, they recommended this country. And they did so for many reasons: the kindness of Colombians, their very neutral accent when they speak Spanish, the rather low cost of living, the diversity of its countryside, the rich history…

So many reasons that have led to me already having spent almost 8 months in Colombia. And each one proves to be truer than the last:

The Kindness of Colombians

Not a day goes by that a Colombian doesn’t come talk to me, that I don’t receive a smile or a “hello” as I walk down the street.

Their Accent Is Very Neutral When They Speak Spanish

When I speak to a Colombia, I understand almost everything. I feel like I’m bilingual. Living in Medellin, I should specify that I speak with a paisa accent. Accents differ a little bit depending on the region. On the Caribbean Coast, for example, Colombians have a tendency to “swallow” the ends of words. This gives them a more pronounced accent, something that also occurs in the city of Pasto. Situated close to the Ecuadorian border, its inhabitants are the butt of many jokes because of their strong accents. I therefore recommend Medellin for learning Spanish.

There Are Many Language Schools

You have a choice between group and private classes, but can also choose a 3 or 5 day immersion experience like the ones offered by Hablea in Jardín. If you want to start learning Spanish or redefine basic concepts before leaving, Hablea also offers online courses. They also offer a test in order to introduce Colombian Spanish, which is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain.

This is actually a rather common topic of conversation for me when I speak to other French people. In general, the fact that Colombians don’t talk as fast and that their accent is more pleasant comes up, because it has a softer sound. The conjugation is also slightly simplified. For example, there are only five forms (the vosotros is replaced by ustedes), which makes learning it much easier. Having studied Spanish in Valencia and in Medellin, I much preferred my experience in Colombia.

The Cost of Living is Relatively Low

Just this morning, I came home with a basket of delicious fruit and vegetables for just 2.05 euros… Its equivalent would have easily cost 15 euros in France. Lulo, maracuyá, guanábana… enough to delight a fruit lover’s appetite. Or even a Lorena avocado, ready to eat. Colombia is a country in which avocado culture is important. Thanks to its favorable climate, avocados are incredibly delicious. A daily menu with soup, natural fruit juice, and an entrée costs around 2.50 euros. I might as well say that I’ve tried out a lot of little restaurants.

The Diversity of its Countryside

From jungle, to desert, to mangroves, to mountains and even beaches with turquoise water, Colombia is teeming with natural treasures. It is hard not to mention all of the places I have visited. But if I can only choose 3, I would recommend:

• San Andres and its paradisiac beaches that are preserved by mass tourism.
• Chicamocha Canyon where you can paraglide in an exceptional setting.
• Leticia in part of the Amazon Rainforest in the country’s southern region. You can go on treks that are several days long, which allow you to discover the jungle’s marvels in a complete change of scenery.

The Rich History

When we hear Colombia, we think of Pablo Escobar right away, but this country’s history is much richer than that. Cartagena de Indias is one of the must sees. It is very pleasant to walk around and to observe its colonial buildings. There’s also Jardin, a village dubbed the pearl of Antioquia where I spent three days. The charm of its colorful houses in a “natural” setting will tell you some of Colombia’s history. Located in the Coffee Region, Jardin holds an important place in the region as a coffee producer. You can visit “fincas” (agricultural properties) that grow coffee and learn a lot about production methods. If you are a coffee amateur or are just curious, Jardin will prove to be a key destination during your stay in Colombia.

Job Opportunities

As my adventure progresses, I keep meeting travelers who have visited different countries in South America, but have come back to live in Colombia after having really fallen in love with this country. Among them were a lot of people who had found a job or started a business. Indeed, job opportunities for us are abundant. Many cultural events have taken place. These have allowed us to strengthen relations and to give us a different perspective of Colombia.

Every day I tell myself that I made the right choice… so go ahead and take the leap!

Delphine DDP

Photo : Element5 Digital sur Unsplash