With Allison, my first visitor in Colombia!, as we overlook Cali. (December 2009)
In May 2009 I graduated from university with a degree in Math Education and Spanish. Two months later, I moved to Colombia. No, not Colombia, South Carolina. No, not Columbia University in New York. (And yes, that Columbia has a “u” in it!) Colombia, as in the country…you know, the one in South America? Yes, the one known for drug cartels in the 90′s…
After the natural barrage of questions from friends and family, I left Minneapolis, Minnesota on July 28th, 2009 with a final destination of Cali, Colombia in order to teach 8th grade math at an international school. In some ways I knew exactly what I was getting into, because I had previously traveled internationally, I talked with current teachers at my future school, and I researched a lot about Colombia before leaving. In other ways, I had no idea what this two-year job contract in a foreign (at the time) country was all about.
Here I am seven months into teaching, seven months into living abroad and seven months into discovering the wonders of Colombia, and I realize that at the very essence of this job/this move I had a dream to do something unique, something different, something challenging, and something just for me. I just could not envision myself living, working, studying in the same place for the rest of my life; I needed adventure; I needed passion; I needed Colombia.
![One of many favorite places in Colombia so far > Ciudad Perdida, near Santa Marta, Colombia. [January 2010]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5S_un6rOEPY/S01OFG2nAEI/AAAAAAAABHw/3WaxxSX_NOw/s320/IMG_1665.JPG "One of many favorite places in Colombia so far > Ciudad Perdida, near Santa Marta, Colombia. (January 2010)")
One of many favorite places in Colombia so far > Ciudad Perdida, near Santa Marta, Colombia. (January 2010)
In the days, weeks and months to come I hope to provide interesting, informative and useful content to Medellin Living through discussion about working/teaching/living abroad, the city of Cali, Colombian culture, and other travel opportunities within Colombia. Within seven months I have already built a large base of content to share, and new topics arise every day.
Of course, what is most important to me are your suggestions as readers, so please leave a comment or find me on Twitter (@k_rads) with any questions or suggestions for future posts.
Until next time, thanks for hosting me here at Medellin Living and a big thanks to Dave for allowing me to give this a shot!
Cheers!
Kristin
Hey Kristin,
Great reading the posts, very informative and entertaining. I’m wondering if you could point me in the right direction. I’m Colombian American and I’m planning on making a move to Medellin. I’m saving money, but I would also like to make some money while I’m down there, and I thought why not teach English. My only experience includes volunteering at an ESL center during college. Do you recommend that I get certified? If so what kind of certification is needed to teach english part time at an institution? or independently (if I choose to go this route and gather clientele, do I really need certification?). Also if I apply to any of the english institutions do you think it would be best to apply as a Colombian or American? I read somewhere that these institutions have to hire a certain percentage of Colombians per year.
Sorry to harass you with so many questions I’m just very inquisitive. Would like to continue this conversation via email if you have sometime.
Thank you!
Iza – I would love to continue chatting more about your questions! I think you can find opportunities with or without a certification, but if you want to work in an international school full time I would think more about a certification. As for Colombian or American, schools do have a quota of overseas hires so applying as a Colombian may up your chances, but at least at my school, Americans are paid in a different (higher) bracket, so that is something to consider as well! Thanks for your comments, and let me know what more I can help with! Cheers!
dance not only for pleasure but also for health…
interesting post.. thank you…
Thanks for your comments Sovi!
Buenos días,
El equipo de Comunicaciones del 4to Festival Internacional de Cine Sinfronteras, está interesado en enviarle información acerca del mismo y para ello nos gustaría obtener los siguientes datos:
Nombre y apellido
Cargo
Teléfono
Ciudad
Dirección física
Correo electrónico
Sus datos los puede envíar a través del correo: comunicaciones@festivalsinfronteras.com
Agradecemos su pronta respuesta.
4to Festival Internacional de Cine Sinfronteras del 22 de Julio al 2 de Agosto de 2010
can anyone tell me how is the wheelchair access in medellin, is my first choice then cali, bogota. i love to visit maybe move there…..plz help email me at travel24@charter.net mario jauregui ty
Mario – It’s been about a year since I was in Medellin, but I do recall the metro system has elevators, which would be a major plus for being able to get around the city. In Cali and Bogota, the only mass transit is the bus system.
Mario – Dave will have a much better idea about Medellin…however I can say that the MIO system in Cali is wheelchair accessible, as are most major shopping centers. I have been to Bogota a few times and would say its about the same for the TransMilenio. The problem is many sidewalks in Colombia are not that well kept up in general, so navigating the pot holes would be difficult in a wheelchair…
Hi, Kristin. I live near Milwaukee, WI, and stumbled upon your blog a couple of months ago when I was researching Colombia. I just wanted to tell you that I very much enjoy reading your entries here and on your own blog. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Jason! Milwaukee, WI huh? LOVE it.
I went to school in La Crosse. Thanks for reading!
Kristin,
I think I’ve found (in your blogs) my primary source of information on what I can expect should I make my way to Colombia. I have many questions and I’ve been having trouble finding the information I need. If I may ask one question: Where should I go to find job postings in Colombia…primarily Medellin? I appreciate any help you can offer. Best wishes.
Muy buen artículo. Nos vemos
No sé bien cómo llegué a tu blog. Muy bueno. Nos vemos!
Great blog Kristin..have fun this summer..