Colombia
Colombia is situated in the northwest of South America, Colombia shares a border to the northwest with Panama, to the east with Venezuelaand Brazil and to the south with Ecuador and Perú, and the capital is Bogotá. Colombia is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse countries in the world, with its rich cultural heritage reflecting influences by indigenous peoples, European settlement, forced African migration, immigration from Europe and the Middle East. Urban centres are mostly located in the highlands of the Andes mountains and the Caribbean coast. Colombia is among the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, and the most densely biodiverse per square kilometer, its territory encompasses Amazon rainforest, tropical grassland and coastlines along both the Caribbean and Pacific.
“Colombia has turned out to be even more beautiful and enchanting than I imagined! For starters, the people of Colombia are the most genuinely warm and welcoming people I have ever met, and the caleños in particular have been patient, full of advice and love for Cali, and last but not least, more than ready to let me practice my beginner Spanish. Cali is a vibrant city, full of life, festivities, music and personality! The restaurants, hiking opportunities, and salsa clubs can keep you very busy, and the low cost of these adventures means you can enjoy them all. But don’t worry, if you need a break from city living, you can visit the local water fall, or you can travel to Salento, a small town in Colombia’s coffee region, known for cooler air, gorgeous hiking, wax palm trees, and coffee farms. Come to think of it, perhaps the most underrated thing about Colombia is the biodiversity and the climate. Here in Cali, it’s warm and sunny most days, and the lush greenery at school, plus the mango tree right outside my apartment window, really make me feel like I’m teaching and living in paradise. (Taylor Sullivan 10th grade – English)
Whether you have ever visited Colombia or not, you probably have many questions about our lifestyle, about what to expect as a working resident in this country, and about what to bring with you. The following pages may respond to some of your concerns and, of course, there are many people here to help you once you do arrive in Cali.
