Only a handful of countries can boast the geographical & cultural diversity of Colombia. Combine this with its emerging economy & welcoming locals, and Colombia is the place to be for an internship abroad. Here we’ve highlighted 6 reasons to intern abroad in Colombia in 2022 and beyond.
Emerging Economy
In 2021, Colombia’s economy grew well-beyond its forecasts and enjoyed the largest growth since 1906 with an expansion by more than 10.2%. For 2022, the Colombian economy also has the best projection in Latin America according to the World Bank with an estimated growth of more than 4%, outpacing Brazil, Mexico, Peru and Chile.
Many analysts focus on rising prices for the nation’s oil, coal, coffee and increased consumer demand as contributing factors. However, it is also important to note the ever-growing fintech industry in Colombia and across Latin America. VC investment in fintech across South America grew from $68 million in 2020 to $653 million in 2021.
An international internship in an emerging economy can provide you with the cultural experience and adaptability can be a major benefit to any company looking to expand & operate globally.
Locals
When you ask anyone who has been to Colombia about what they liked most about this country, often they will answer – the Colombian people! Without a doubt, Colombians are some of the most positive, outgoing and friendliest people you are ever likely to meet. Colombia was named the ‘Happiest County in the World’ by the pollsters at Gallup International in their "End of the Year" survey. The decision was made based on a survey conducted among Colombians, in which 83% indicated that they feel very happy or happy. Colombia might not have a Golden Gate Bridge, Big Ben or even a Great Wall, but they do have the Colombian people – which is just as good, if not better!
Perfect Spanish
Colombian Spanish is generally one of the easiest accents to understand throughout the Spanish-speaking world - so your Spanish skills will really improve! In major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Cali the accent is quite similar. Colombia also has a population of over 50 million making it the second-highest country of native Spanish speakers following Mexico, so you won't be able to avoid daily conversations with the locals.
Easy and cheap to get around
When interning abroad in Colombia, budgeting for your expenses is easy as the cost of living is relatively low compared to the other countries around the world. Colombia now has various ‘budget’ airlines operating national flights - VivaAir Colombia, Ultra Air, Wingo, and also Avianca’s & LatAm’s promotions - making it easier than ever before to explore cities across Colombia, such as, Cartagena, Bogotá, Medellín, Santa Marta, Cali that you can visit during your internship program in Colombia.
Biodiversity
It is hard to think of a country more divers than Colombia – it literally has it all. A visit to Colombia inspires you to return time and time again. Snow-capped mountains, deserts, the amazon jungle, alluring Caribbean beaches, stunning wildlife, dazzling plants, exotic fruits, all-year-round perfect weather metropolis’ and 19 Natural National Parks, all sprawled across a land mass the size of Spain, Portugal and France combined.
No surprise then, Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world.
As a bonus, Colombia is less burdened by mass tourism than other countries in Latin America. Colombia is home to some spectacular untouched, authentic, raw, rustic, and beautiful small towns, villages, beaches, valleys, mountains and even cities, making it a thrilling experience to discover and explore this dazzling country.
Gastronomy & Fruit
Colombia is a mecca for food lovers given its rich culture and extraordinary geography – most notable are Colombia’s exotic fruits. On every street corner, you find stalls selling arepas, empanadas, fresh fruit juice and other food delights depending on whereabouts in the country you are located during your internship in Colombia. During your internship abroad you can head to a local market and sample the colourful exuberant fruits: from gorgeous guanabana, heavenly maracuya, tasty dragon fruit to the luxurious lulo fruit - getting your five-a-day has never been so easy!
With Colombia you get five countries for the price of one: the Andes, the Pacific coast, the eastern plains, the Amazon, and the Caribbean – each with its own culinary traditions and native ingredients.
If you would like to know more about life in Colombia or how to apply for summer internships in Colombia, please contact a member of our team.
This article was written & published by Intern Colombia on 02 March 2022
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