Australia: Colombia is a challenge that encourages you to taste difference, broaden skills and make friends

By Anna Kate Bernasconi - Australia
Public Relations

I would recommend Colombia as the country of choice to have an international experience, because it is a country with everything to offer and nothing to lose. It is a country of diversity and culture and the people here are wonderful, kind and accommodating. You experience difference in every city here in Colombia, as each are very distinct particularly in terms of landscape, food, music and the way Spanish is spoken.

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Colombia itself provides a number of work and exchange opportunities for foreigners and is central to other countries – however, there is no need to travel outside of Colombia, because it has EVERYTHING! From mountain ranges, to exotic flora and fauna, to produce that is different, fresh and authentic, to two types of coast (Caribe and Pacifico), to coffee regions, tropical zones, snowy fields, cold areas, countryside and farms.

Colombia is a rapidly developing country, which solidifies why I think more developed countries, especially English speaking ones, really need to establish good relations with them. Also in terms of trade, infrastructure improvement and cultural exchange. Colombia is a challenge that encourages you to taste difference, broaden skills and make great long life friends.

Shape Colombia - Aulas de Inmersión project has been a very positive and rewarding experience for me, and I would definitely take part in it again. I was very fortunate to have such a great school and support teacher, as well as staff and AIESEC team. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to challenge themselves, broaden their skills, develop professionally, have an experience abroad and make great friends and contacts.

The experience with the project was definitely an eye-opener in terms of observing how the public education system works in Colombia, but also experiencing the limitations in resource that the schools have and the way Colombians work in general (societal).

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The project invites you to take part in everything that the school provides for you. For me this included watching soccer games, performances, guest attractions, open days, parent teacher interviews etc. I even had to teach and then perform a song with some students in front of the school! On that note, you have the opportunity to be creative and provide, for some students and teachers, a once in a life time experience. This includes sharing with them skills that you excel in and planning interesting and interactive lessons (formal and informal, creative, sport and music orientated) to ensure student engagement and motivation.