Colombia

Where you can drink the world's best coffee and dance vallenato

See Programs

A land of diversity, Colombia has a unique mix of cultures, languages, dialects, landscapes, culinary and an almost infinite amount of natural resources. Cheerful and friendly people will be there to turn your study abroad experience into a unique adventure. Explore the Caribbean and Pacific Coast, the amazing Amazonas rain forest or snow topped mountains at Ecuadorian latitudes—and experience a lifestyle influenced by indigenous, African, and European heritage. Colombians love their variety of greetings, which are important in everyday encounters.

Teenagers in Colombia spend a lot of their free time with their families, or socializing with friends. They enjoy dancing and music from all over Latin America, the Caribbean and North American. They will be happy to show you their moves and teach you how to dance!

People & Community

Your extended host family will play a major role in your spare time activities and intercultural experience in Colombia. Colombian families can be very conservative and protective of their children, no matter how old they are. You should always tell your parents what you are going to do and ask permission.

https://afsglobal.s3.amazonaws.com/production/marketplace-hfs/2023/01/tvo_apteWUOC7EpjZeSxNw-Copy-of-300817085-433216832205952-625968907530669322-n.jpg?versionId=MHbYNJU1z9Y1BdymO.7.S_uiYDRx86a7&AWSAccessKeyId=AKIA6J5UX6FTAJKDZHMY&Expires=1731233933&response-content-type=image%2Fjpeg&Signature=cIRukbuSzkEiI6GyIlGi9lTOJiU%3D

School

You can attend either a public or private school in Colombia. Depending on the school, the academic year may follow Calendar A (from February until November, which is more frequent) or Calendar B (from August until June). Classes run from Monday to Friday and the hours differ depending on the school. All high school students wear uniforms. Extracurricular activities are offered in some schools and most schools provide bus service in the morning and afternoon.

https://afsglobal.s3.amazonaws.com/production/marketplace-hfs/2023/10/AK1ZcCt4wEKokEoRXpuZpg-Ciudad-grafitti.JPG?versionId=IiRTKJNmpRJaFe_oTUed5bsPcTLlGXT_&AWSAccessKeyId=AKIA6J5UX6FTAJKDZHMY&Expires=1734450475&response-content-type=image%2Fjpeg&Signature=IVNZvbCugdv58xBJW1M6Nd5tpHE%3D

Language

Spanish is the main language spoken in Colombia. You should have a basic knowledge of Spanish before the program, and AFS will provide you with links and materials to help you improve your Spanish.

Food

Food in Colombia is rich in carbohydrates, and meals usually consist of meat, potato, rice, beans and patacon (fried banana). Fruit juices are very popular and you are likely to be surprised by the diversity of fruit available.

A photo posted by AFS Colombia (@afscolombia) on

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

With over 75 years of experience in student exchanges, we know what we’re doing when it comes to support and education! AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers and staff will be there to support and guide you the whole way through. In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact. This journey will help you maximise your experience, cope with the challenges of navigating a new culture and community, and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding throughout your time abroad and as you return to your home country. Find out more about our educational expertise here!

Explore the Programmes Available in Colombia