Colombian Spanish is among the purest form spoken in the Americas, and Colombian culture is more advanced than that of the central Andean countries. I think that you will have a better overall experience if you come to Colombia, as you can many different aspects of life here. Bogota is very different than Medellin, the coast is very different than the mountains, etc.
You are wise to come for a visit before you make any long term commitment, but I think that after you arrive, you won't want to leave. You have to lower your expectations a bit, as the pace of life here is slower than what we're used to, and no one is in a hurry. Long waits in line at the bank and some supermarkets are common, but you learn how to time your errands to make them less inconvenient. If you have information you don't want to put in this forum, you can email me at: ronnelini@hotmail.com
It would help to know what kind of budget you're working with and how long you plan to stay. What usually happens with foriegners is that they stay longer than they had originally planned.
Take care,
Ron
Feb 10, 2012 Rating
CatherineNEW by: Ron
Hi Catherine,
Colombian Spanish is among the purest form spoken in the Americas, and Colombian culture is more advanced than that of the central Andean countries. I think that you will have a better overall experience if you come to Colombia, as you can many different aspects of life here. Bogota is very different than Medellin, the coast is very different than the mountains, etc.
You are wise to come for a visit before you make any long term commitment, but I think that after you arrive, you won't want to leave. You have to lower your expectations a bit, as the pace of life here is slower than what we're used to, and no one is in a hurry. Long waits in line at the bank and some supermarkets are common, but you learn how to time your errands to make them less inconvenient. If you have information you don't want to put in this forum, you can email me at: ronnelini@hotmail.com
It would help to know what kind of budget you're working with and how long you plan to stay. What usually happens with foriegners is that they stay longer than they had originally planned.
Take care,
Ron
Feb 03, 2012 Rating
THANKS... by: Catherine
Wow! I was very surprised to get such a prompt reply to my post--thank you so much it's very encouraging. I have travelled quite a lot in my time but never been to Central/South America and most of my friends think I'm nuts to be thinking about Colombia. I was looking for somewhere to become fluent in spanish where the quality of spanish is considered good and after some research it boiled down to either Bolivia or Colombia.
As I will be taking a hiatus from working I also need somewhere that is inexpensive to live and not too hot--Medellin seems to fit the bill.
I am considering a short trip there before I commit to an extended time(I am cautious by nature)and would be very grateful if I might perhaps talk to, or communicate otherwise, with you and your wife during that trip.
I am middle aged British chick but I have lived in the USA for the past 20 years. I embarked on a new career path that really needs me to become a spanish speaker in order to further my job prospects.
I offer this information not to bore you to death but just to let you know I am a sound respectable individual with no ulterior motives!
Thanks again for your most welcome note. Catherine.
Feb 02, 2012 Rating
Response to Catherine by: Ron Graham
Hi Catherine,
Yes, I'm still in Medellin, married to a wonderful Colombiana and enjoying the lifestyle here. It's easy to live here as the cost of living is about half the cost in the U.S., except for property. It's a good place to be to experience the best of Colombian culture and to plan trips to other parts of Colombia. There are some Spanish schools here and a lot of places to go out to have a good time. If you decide to come here, let me know and I'll help you with the important things you need to know, like security, where to live, local gyms, do's and don'ts, etc. Take care, Ron
Feb 02, 2012 Rating
Hey Ron by: Catherine
I cant see a date for this post so not sure how current it is. Are you still in Medellin as of February 2012?
I am considering spending at least 6 months there to become fluent in Spanish. As a mature student it is harder to get a feel from some of the postings about the area as most are from 20 somethings who are keen to have nightlife kind of fun.
I just want a quiet place to live in a good neighborhood, to study spanish and somewhere to exercise regularly. Any advice? Thanks.
