Written by Magdalena Poling, (Carleton School), Scholar Correspondent for CET Colombia, Fall 2025
What I Discovered
Throughout my research overseas journey in Colombia, I’ve discovered lots about myself as I’ve traveled on the emotional rollercoaster of research overseas. Wanting again at my first weblog put up, I can see how a lot I’ve discovered academically and personally. Earlier than coming to Colombia, I used to be nervous in regards to the dynamic of coming in as a Colombian adoptee and about communication within the new language. I used to be scared about not making buddies, all of the issues I’d miss from residence, and most of all, not making essentially the most out of this chance.
Like I mentioned in my first weblog put up, I had by no means been this far-off from residence and my assist community. I had by no means felt like I used to be alone, as I all the time had my buddies or household by my facet. Wanting again, there was hardly ever something I did on my own constantly, as I contemplate myself to be an introvert. Rising up, this modified as I grew out of my shell, however at any time when I’m in new and totally different conditions, I all the time discover myself being extremely shy. Subsequently, deciding to go on this program was a giant step for me as I had no thought what I used to be about to come across.
However now I can confidently say that I’m 100% completely happy that I selected this program and that I received the chance to study extra about my tradition, Spanish, and myself. I really like Colombia deeply, and this time has been so transformative for me, as I do know I can be strolling away from this program with a unique perspective on the world.
I really like Colombia for a wide range of causes, however the greatest motive is that I really like myself right here. I’ve grown when it comes to studying tips on how to actually prepare dinner (lastly), studying tips on how to step out of my consolation zone, studying tips on how to be extra unbiased by occurring solo journeys, studying tips on how to look deeper and to see what is really in entrance of me and what’s additionally lacking, and studying what makes me actually completely happy.
My time in Colombia has made me proud to be from this nation of sort and hard-working folks, with a wealthy and complicated tradition, historical past, and exquisite variety in each sense. Being right here has challenged my thought of what it means to be Colombian and what Latin America is like based mostly on the American view. It has challenged my notion of what data is and what peacebuilding and justice seem like. It has proven me the impacts of colonialism and tourism. It has ignited a confidence in touring and studying from others in distinctive methods. It has proven me tips on how to be unbiased and mature. I do know that each one of that is extremely priceless as I look to make my very own influence on the world.
However now, in a bit greater than 3 weeks, I’ve to say goodbye to this place that can have been my residence for 4 months.
What I Cherished
Throughout this journey, I’ve cherished assembly new folks, particularly as they’ve pushed me out of my consolation zone. For instance, I’m so grateful to my buddies for pushing me to play soccer once more, despite the fact that I’m very rusty. Enjoying at Universidad Autonoma de Occidente (UAO) has been so enjoyable, because it gave me the boldness to play once more after not enjoying for a number of years after I tore my ACL. I remembered why I cherished it a lot and what it means to me to be a part of a crew. I additionally cherished watching Colombia play within the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and seeing the power with which everybody in Colombia watched the video games. I’m additionally very excited to look at the América de Cali vs Unión Magdalena, which one in all our Colombian roomies helped us get the tickets for subsequent weekend. I’ll have 3 jerseys by the tip of this journey, and I’m very completely happy!
I’ve cherished actions like going to the zoo with buddies and seeing a bit piece of Colombia’s biodiversity. We received to see so many beautiful animals and vegetation, however our toes did harm after strolling across the zoo as a result of it was huge. Fortunately, after that, we received to go to a stunning river close by to swim.
I additionally cherished going to La Topa, a salsa membership the place they train you tips on how to dance salsa with buddies, laughing at myself for my lack of coordination. I’ve positively improved my salsa expertise, however I’m nowhere close to the spectacular degree of Cali’s residents. Salsa is such a unbelievable a part of Colombia, as you may hear salsa being performed within the automobiles, eating places, and streets, and everybody is aware of the phrases. It’s positively one factor I’ll miss, particularly as I’ve been studying extra about salsa’s historical past in my lessons. I additionally cherished going to the festivals in Cali, just like the Pageant Internacional de Cine de Cali or the Petróleo Álvarez.
I particularly cherished the Touring Seminar to Cartagena and Palenque, which taught me lots via hands-on experiences. A few of my finest reminiscences have been in La Boquilla—studying crab fishing within the mangroves, swimming within the ocean, and consuming mangoes on the seashore. Visiting the Nelson Mandela neighborhood, the place folks have been displaced by battle and tourism, confirmed me the resilience of its kids and members. Assembly the scholars there, watching their performances, and dancing with them is unforgettable.
I’ll miss talking Spanish on daily basis and saying hello to everybody as I stroll down the streets. I’ll miss outdated ladies calling me, “Mi reina” or “Mi linda”, which makes me really feel so treasured. My Spanish has improved an important deal, however I believe it’s my confidence that I’m actually happy with, as a result of despite the fact that I do know it isn’t good, I really like how I’ve been in a position to join with folks and make new friendships via a complete different language. I believe that has been actually lovely. I’m really excited for the place this expertise will take me as I proceed to enhance my Spanish after I return to Carleton School.
Taking solo journeys has been so enjoyable, as a number of buddies from the CET program have inspired me to discover town by myself. Earlier than this, I by no means went to the eating corridor alone in school—I all the time introduced a pal. Now, I’ve visited Galeria Alameda, a market with recent produce and scrumptious meals, the place I purchased new fruits and tried a Colombian Tamale. The seller, whom I’ve now visited thrice, has launched me to a wide range of fruits. With Lesly, my Colombian roommate’s assist, I discovered to make recent lulo and maracuya juice. I’ve additionally explored museums, like
Museo de la Tertulia, a contemporary artwork museum, and lots of espresso retailers to work and revel in Colombian espresso. Shifting ahead, I’m excited to do that at residence and school, seizing alternatives my adventures present.
Last Notes
And with that, I hope that my weblog has been insightful into what my life in Colombia appears like and that it evokes you to journey overseas. If you’re fascinated by occurring this program, simply do it. I promise you’ll come residence with some fantastic reminiscences and a brand new perspective on life.
I need to give a bit shout out to all of the individuals who made this journey so particular from buddies, to the roomies (particularly Lesly and Keller who helped me a lot on this journey), to my professors, to Luisa (our resident director), all of the people who welcomed me—and most significantly my family members from residence for supporting me on this life altering journey.
Chao, Colombia. Te quiero mucho (I really like you very a lot). ❤
