Fast Facts

Country Profile

• Population: 44.2 million
• Religion: 90% Roman Catholic, 10% Other
• Language: Spanish
• Poverty Line:  47% of people live below the poverty line
• Interesting Tidbit: Colombia is the oldest democracy in Latin America

Weather

Medellin has a cool tropical climate that seems spring-like year round.

Average high temperature: 27.8 degrees celsius or 82 degrees fahrenheit

Average low temperature: 16.1 degrees celsius or 61 degrees fahrenheit

Passport/Visa Requirements

• Is a visa required?: Yes
• Allocation of Tourist Visa: At destination airport
• Duration of Tourist visa: Two Months
• Cost of Tourist Visa: No Cost
• Tourist Visa Extension: Yes, extended for up to two months at a time for up to six months in-country
• Cost of Tourist Visa Extension: 40USD for two months
• Passport validation: 6 months required before expiry
• Return/onward flight ticket: May be required
• Confirmation of Funds: Not required
• For more information visit the websites of Colombia representation abroad:
  • Canada
  • USA
  • UK
  • Australia

Money/Currency

• Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
• Inform Banks: Give the dates of travel and destinations to prevent security blocks on your bank and credit cards.
• Cash: Always take enough cash to cover your expenses for the first week in case there is a problem with your bank cards or access to ATM’s is limited.
• Credit Options: Good idea to have at least two different credit/debit card options i.e. MasterCard, Visa, Maestro, or Cirrus.
• Travellers Cheques: Can be cashed in major centres.
• Western Union: If at any time you have any problems in accessing money you can use Western Union transfer. Money can be sent from your home country and received in Colombia the same day.

Healthcare

• Vaccinations: There are no required vaccinations. There are recommended vaccinations. You must contact your local health clinic or family doctor for any medical advice.
• Malaria medication: Recommended depending on location in Colombia.
• Other Medications: Before leaving you should visit your travel clinic or family doctor for information on other medications you may need while travelling.
• Click here for up to date travel health information.

History

In 1500, the first Europeans set foot on what is present day Colombia. Settlements grew, and in the later half of the sixteenth century, the inhabitants began to diversify; Indigenous communities and Spanish settlers were joined by African slaves in Cartagena. Today, telltale landmarks in Cartagena give testimony to this diverse cultural landscape. Colombia declared independence in 1819. Instability, lost territory, and civil wars riddled Colombia for much of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Present day Colombia is considerably safer than it was during its shaky past. Its cities are exceptionally vibrant, and Colombians are happy to be welcoming more foreigners than ever before.

Major Issues

In Colombia, we work in Medellin, a city of 2.5 million. Medellin, the City of Eternal Spring as it is affectionately known, rests in a narrow valley. With the railroad, the boom of the coffee industry, and profits made by mining investors, Medellin grew into a major metropolis over the twentieth century. Medellin has had a colourful history. Despite a past disrupted by violence, today it is one of the safest cities in all of South America.

Despite Colombia’s newfound levels of peace and prosperity, Colombia still bears many scars from the past. Nearly 10% of Colombia’s population has been displaced due to the many years of armed conflict, making it the country with the second highest level of internal displacement in the world. In addition to displacement, one in every three Colombians has in some way been negatively affected by the armed conflict. Colombia also suffers from great wealth disparity, leaving much of the country in poverty. In fact, one fifth of the population lives on less than two dollars per day, and nearly half of the Colombian work force derives income from the small scale informal economy, working as street vendors and garbage recyclers.

Life Here

See & Do

• Bogota – A vibrant and bustling capital city, the urban center of Colombia, home to over 8 million
• Medellin- “The City of Eternal Spring” that has a consistent spring-like climate year-round. It is Colombia’s second largest city and capital of the state of Antioquia, home to over 2 million Paisas. Situated in a picturesque valley hugged on all sides by beautiful green mountains, it has a booming nightlife and cultural scenes.
• Colonial Villages – The villages are home to warm friendly people, and are where you can experience traditional Colombian lifestyles
• Cartagena- Described as South America’s most beautiful colonial city
• Taganga and Santa Marta-Snorkel, tour islands, visit beaches, fish, and hike in the national park
• La Ciudad Perdida- A breathtaking five day jungle trek to the mystic ruins of a lost civilization
• The Coffee Zone – Trek through this amazing region and see where Colombia produces its world-renowned coffee
• The Amazon – Go on a rainforest excursion, do some river rafting, and visit indigenous communities

In-Country Support

Your Exchange Manager is the in-country representative who manages aspects of your placement overseas including lodging, language lessons, organization placement, and country specific advice.

Diego Armando Arias

Diego Armando Arias (B.A. International Business student)

Exchange Manager Colombia

Diego joined The Humanity Exchange in early January 2011. This followed a recent return from India, where he taught project management to undergraduate students. In addition to English and Spanish, Diego speaks Italian. Diego specializes in project management, and brings his experience living overseas into his work at The Humanity Exchange.

FAQ

Is Medellin safe?

Medellin has s turbulent history. It was infamous for being home to Pablo Escobar & Colombian drug cartels. While it has made an impressive comeback as a city, sadly, the media has yet to catch up on modern Medellin. In fact, Medellin is now considered one of the safest cities in Latin America. As a responsible organization, if we couldn’t ensure a reasonable level of safety, we wouldn’t be operating in Medellin.  Learn more about safety and volunteering abroad .

Where will I be living? Most likely in El Poblado. It is the safest area in town, yet not too expensive. It is very accessible with public transit, and amenities such as shopping and cybercafes are nearby.

What will the room be like that I am staying in? Your accommodations will be very clean, and your room will have basic furniture such as a closet, desk, and bed.

How will I manage if I don’t speak Spanish? You will learn. In a very short amount of time you will learn the basics for getting around the city, buying your own food and taking your transport. Your Exchange Manager will assist you with this, and you will find you will build your confidence in speaking the basics of Spanish that you need in a short amount of time.

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