Who Should Be Learning Spanish in Medellin?
1. The Paisas! The locals in Medellin (known as Paisas) are renowned for their friendliness. You will regularly be thanked for visiting their city. Where else does that happen? This will facilitate the process of learning, since everyone will be curious at to why you are in Medellin.
2. Known around Colombia for being one of the most beautiful cities in a beautiful country. When you’re not in the classroom studying you can be in las montañas hiking, climbing one of the beautiful roads atop a bike, or touring the beautiful towns around Medellin.
3. Extremely clean city. I challenge anyone to find a cleaner city in South America. Medellin’s streets are on par with clean cities in the USA, Canada, or Europe. It’s not Singapore, but hey I want to chew gum once in a while.
4. Smaller city, which means less traffic and smog than Bogota. Still big enough to have many amenities, but not so big to be uncomfortable.
5. Less expensive to live in Medellin than in Bogota or Cartagena.
6. Lively nightlife, with fun-loving people.
7. Great public amenities! Free swimming pool, velodrome, gym, and other world-class facilities.
8. Famous for it’s beautiful people, especially women. Everywhere you go in Colombia they will tell you that Medellin and Cali have the most beautiful people. Makes studying a lot more fun when you’re motivated by a beautiful Paisa!
9. Perfect weather. There’s a reason why it’s called “La Ciudad de Eterna Primavera” or “The City of Eternal Spring.”
The free velodrome.
Who Shouldn’t Be Learning Spanish in Medellin?
1. If you are looking for a true big city, go to Bogota. Although Medellin is Colombia’s second largest city, there are many things you won’t find here, including diversity in nationalities and all that is brought by diversity: food, music, clothes in large sizes (especially shoes,) among other things you may be accustomed to if you come from a big North American or European city.
2. Beach people. There are no beaches in Medellin. Go to Cartagena if that’s what you’re looking for.
3. Jerks. We don’t want you here.
Free swimming pool in Medellin.
So you’ve chosen to Study Spanish in Medellin. Now what?
I personally chose to take private lessons. If you go this way, write me and I can suggest two great options for instructors. I think it’s the best way to learn quickly. It’s also about the same price as studying at UPB, or EAFIT, the two major universities offering group courses. The one downside to learning privately is that you don’t get a student visa, which allows you to stay longer.
My professor, Miguel Yepes.
I’d love to go to Colombia, it’s well on the list
Everyone I’ve met from there has been so friendly and awesome, I can’t wait!
would like to learn spanish
Great blog with so much useful information! Can you suggest a good (and reasonably priced) private spanish teacher in the Envigado area of Medellin? I will be arriving in November for a 3 month stay.
Thanks Stewart. I’ll contact you by e-mail.
Also looking to learn Spanish and road cycling in Medellin round mar or apr for 3 months Would love to hear any recommendation in terms of tutors and what clubs I can join to get cycling fix.
What’s the cycling kit like in Columbia also, any chance of hiring bike or do I need to bring across my own
Keith
hello! I discovered your blog today and ive been really enjoying it. It’s bringing me great memories of my time in Medellin. I have lived in colombia before for 6 months as a traveler but i will be returning this time as a resident. It’s been since august i left and i cannot wait to be back next month. I really want to work on my spanish and be involved in the culture as much as i can. Do you have suggestions to great teachers, i do prefer private lessons. Thank you so much and keep on being your rad self!!