You’d think that after 11 trips to Medellin I’d get sick of it… NOT A CHANCE!
So why am I heading back there? Here’s my story…
I’ve been working as a Spanish teacher in Jersey since I graduated in January of 2009.
My job is a dream, my colleagues have slowly become good friends and my students are hysterical.
I pictured myself staying at H—— School until my retirement but then came the most painful school budget cuts that the state of New Jersey has ever seen.
Unfortunately for me (and for my students), the Spanish program was cut in half and being a non-tenured teacher put me on the chopping block.
I was devastated… but not for long. I had always dreamed of living in Medellin because I wanted to surround myself with its amazing landscapes, friendly people, delicious foods, and crazy nightlife.
In mid April, after weeks of uncertainty at work, I received the best advice from the wisest woman I know.
My mother, born and raised in Envigado, consoled me with these words, “Cuando una puerta se cierra, se abren muchas”. (Let me translate this for all of my Spanish challenged friends out there; When one door closes, many others open up!)
With that I took a quick trip over the Hudson River to visit the Colombian Embassy. In less than 2 hours I received my Colombian citizenship, passport, and “cedula”.
Ironically enough, it took my mother 15 years to get her American citizenship & passport. This was yet another clear sign for me pointing directly towards MEDELLIN!
So here I am today… I find myself with a one-way ticket to Jose Maria Córdoba airport in Medellin, Colombia.
I’m ecstatic to be sharing my journey with Medellin Living and everyone out there who’s interested in traveling to the undiscovered beauty that is Medellin.
I’ll be writing about my day-to-day life as I transition from an American citizen to a Colombian citizen.
I’ll also be writing about some volunteer work I plan on taking part in, finding a job as an English teacher, local rock bars and exciting opportunities in and around Medellin. Enjoy.
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You go girl! Te deseo mucha suerte!
Hey, cool! I am in Jersey right now, and I'm heading to Medellin in one month. Would be cool to meet up, shoot me an email if you like!
-Maneesh
Hi..Ana,
My husband and I are also planning to move to Medellin with our two boys next summer..would like to keep in touch and hear more of ur experience living in Medellin..I visit very summer for three months and I know is different between visiting and living in Medellin ...would love to hear of your adventure...
Hi Ana
Welcome to Medellin. Ive been here 6 months now and I just LOVE it!
Sar
Thanks for the support! I'm heading out to Medellin in a week so I'll keep everyone posted.
-Ana
Do share Sar...I'm pretty sure any information is good useful information...p.s information on biligual schools for a four yr old and a six yr old would be helpful. I'm currently searching for schools in Medellin but, it's difficult to choose with very limited information....thanks
Hi libby
What do you want to know? Cant help with the school thing Im afraid but I could ask some people and try and find out. You could always post on one of the Colombia forums, im sure someone would know.
Where are you moving from?
We're moving next summer 2011 to Medellin..and i have posted in one of the Colombia forums but no luck..I guess the only school everyone is familiar with is Columbus...and I'm pretty sure there's more than Columbus....but i would be grateful if you find any information...I will be traveling back to Medellin in August or Sept. of this yr to tour a few schools...p.s Columbus enrollment is closed til 2013 (per their website)...Thank you so much..libby
Ana, I would like to keep in touch..My husband is also a teacher (science, bio)..but he's working on his ESOL cert. at FIU before we move to Medellin...
Hola Ana -
My name is Lauren Echavarria and I am moving to Colombia in August to volunteer and spend time with family. My dad is from Medellin and I too spent many vacation in the beautiful city as well as on many fincas :) I am in the same boat as you in terms of a job and life situation and what better place to "escape" than Colombia!
When I read your post what interested me most was that you received your Colombian passport, cedula, and citizenship so quickly! I was hoping you could give me a bit more insight on what you had to go through to get them because I have been interested in becoming a citizen so I can more easily find a more permanent job down there.
I hope all is well and you are enjoying yourself :)