Rewarding Experience! Study Abroad with CET March 30, 2026

By A student (Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Carleton College) - abroad from 07/20/2025 to 11/28/2025 with

CET Colombia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My confidence in speaking Spanish improved so much as I connected with my peers and locals. I learned a lot about Latin American, especially about Colombia's diverse history and culture. I had the opportunity to travel and see many beautiful places that I will never forget. It was 100% a worthwhile experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The classes were well paced and interesting. There was a good level of rigor for a study abroad program that allowed us the time to learn in the classroom and through experiencing Colombia. CET provides a lot of resources and all the professors are happy to give you recommendations of places to go or food to try while also giving you important resources to navigate life abroad.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Each apartment had a Colombian roommate who was our age which I loved. They helped us navigate life, introduced us to their friends, and were incredibly helpful overall. You live within the community so there are parks and shops nearby. Sometimes there wasn't hot water though.
* Food:	Colombian food is delicious. CET provides meal during traveling seminars which is where I had some of the best fish and plantains. You do have to cook but groceries are cheap and they place you in an area with lots of affordable restaurants.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	With Colombian roommates and classes at a local university, I felt incredibly incorporated as we were able to go to events and join clubs.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I had no big health issues but the hospital, which is one of the best in Colombia, is right next to CET house. You need a yellow fever vaccine before coming to Colombia.
* Safety:	There were no issues. I felt as safe as I feel in the United States. CET gives you a lot of information and resources during the first week so I felt prepared. Also the Colombian roommates really look out for you to make sure you are safe.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget? (1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)	Colombia is a very affordable place. There are fruit markets where you can buy fresh fruit and panaderias were you can buy empanadas and bread at all hours of the day. As a group we did go out to eat often but groceries are very cheap.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Make a budget sheet before you arrive and try to stick to it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language	They encouraged us to use Spanish all the time which I am really grateful for because my Spanish improved so much! By the end of the program I had several Colombian friends who only spoke Spanish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Connecting with Locals and making new friends The Food My Classes
* What could be improved?	More available courses More cooking classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I had traveled more and made more intentional plans each week because the time flies.