Expert: Juan Carlos Valencia - 11/9/2010

Question
Hello!

I am a 22 year-old Colombian citizen who has received a BA in Biology from an university in the U.S. Because of personal issues I
will be returning back to Colombia within the year. I have also not been back to Colombia since I cam to the U.S. when I was 10
years old. I wanted to ask if I will experience extreme culture shock and if I will be able to eventually accommodate into
Colombian life, which I assume is very different from life in the U.S. Also, how does having a college degree from the U.S.
open/close employment possibilities in Colombia?

In plain terms, will I survive if I return back? If I do return back, I will probably try to get a masters degree in the health field from
a Colombian university.

Thanks for any help!

Answer
Hey Jaime,

You're in for great life experience. I hope that everything goes well.

I can't predict if your return will be difficult or not. You do not mention where you live in the U.S nor what kind of life have you been living. I do not know your expectations, dreams or fears.

Life in Colombia is fairly different from life in the U.S. But city life could have many points in common.

On the (possibly) good side: people in Colombia are mostly friendlier, welcoming and more family oriented. People are more interested in having a good life, going out, dining, partying, meeting. The weather in Medellin is moderate, warm. Prices are relatively cheap, public transport efficient. Nature is wonderful and within a few hours from Medellin you can experience breath-taking views, forests, jungles, mountains, lakes. Universities in Medellin are good and the main public uni has a strong Biology department.People are very fashion-oriented and invest a lot on their appearance. Most foreigners think that people there are very attractive. Job opportunities for a U.S educated person would be higher than for locals, provided that you speak decent Spanish.

On the down side: Medellin is the Colombian city with the worst crime statistics, there are very dangerous suburbs and you have to be very careful everywhere. It's not as bad as in the movies, but things do happen. Do not wear jewelry, do not walk around with expensive gadgets. If you are going to be robbed, do not oppose any resistance, be predictable, let them take whatever they want and go away. Medellin is one of the most conservative cities in the country, people are a bit chauvinistic and opportunities are more available to locals. People are not very much into the arts, diversity of all kinds is not all that attractive, racism and gender discrimination are perhaps more evident than in other places. Alcohol consumption is high, pollution is a problem because of the many industries. Wages are low and people have to work longer hours than in other countries. Food is not very diverse, people from Medellin (called paisas) mostly stick to the same diet of beans, beef, rice, pork and arepas.

I would recommend you to apply for a masters as soon as possible. That will let you meet interesting, compatible people quickly, open job opportunities for you and let you practice your Spanish intensively.

I hope that this helps!

Saludos

JC