Wow, what an incredible time it’s been. I can’t believe it’s already over. On my first day, I stepped into the apartment and saw the view outside and immediately said to myself, “I’m going to miss this place.” I hadn’t even been there a full day yet!
Being able to study at one of the top universities in Colombia and have an authentic Colombian experience was such a blessing, and I couldn’t be more thankful. The city and the people welcomed me with open arms and really made me feel at home. Not once did I feel out of place or uncomfortable. I could have easily stayed another month. The food was incredible, the people were so sweet, the weather… left something to be desired. If I have one complaint, it would be the heat and humidity, but I quickly got over it because of how great Barranquilla treated me otherwise.
I had so many unforgettable experiences and met so many amazing people. I created friendships that will hopefully be long-lasting. If I ever come back, I know I’ll have a community that will welcome me. I feel like I really took advantage of the experience, making sure to not spend too much time in my room but rather, outside exploring the city and interacting with the local people. I spent most of my time hanging out with my new friends I made, not only from Alabama, but also from Barranquilla. There was never a dull moment, and I can confidently say, not one second was wasted.
On the trip, we had the opportunity to visit 3 other cities: Santa Marta, Cartagena, and Medellín! Each city had its own quirks and charm, but my absolute favorite has to be Medellín hands down. The vibes were immaculate, the views were incredible, and the weather was beautiful. From the crazy nightlife to the calm, laid-back local eateries and beautiful historic sites, Medellín has something for everyone.
Uninorte, where do I begin? I have nothing but the utmost gratitude for how you welcomed my friends and me to your wonderful campus. Each morning, we were greeted by the campus iguanas and cats, as well as random mangoes falling from the sky. The staff and students were always super helpful in guiding us foreigners whenever we were lost. I want to give an extra special thanks to my favorite spot at the university, the food court. There was always a wide selection of things to eat, and I never left unsatisfied! Thank you to the awesome professors who led our classes; you can tell they love what they do, and it’s so inspiring to see.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Colombia. Your surreal views, vibrancy, warmth, and cultural richness made this an unforgettable experience, and I will be making a trip back very soon (if my bank account allows me). Thank you for your warm hospitality. Goodbye, Colombia, hasta pronto.
