On a budget? Want to travel a lot though? COLOMBIA. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On-site administration of your program

Universidad Autonoma de Occidente in Santiago de Cali, Colombia. The university is small and super easy to get around. There is a lot of administration and always helpful.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There is is over 10 gated apartment complex communities surrounding the university. They are very secure and clean. I personally rented out a furnished room for just a little over $100.00 USD a month with wifi, cable, private bathroom and room, access to everything in the kitchen and living room as well as the washing machine in the apartment. Depending whether one chooses to rent a furnished room or decide to room with other international friends, it's fairly cheap for U.S. students compared to prices in the U.S. Also, the study abroad office takes care of finding you a place to stay if you can't find one on your own or simply just want their list of trusted (mainly UAO professors) individuals who rent out a room of their home.

there's a vast variety of food. food in Cali is DELICIOUS. it's cheap. I would eat a full lunch (meat, rice, salad, soup, drink) for 6,000 COL Pesos which is approximately an equivalent to $2.15 USD.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

People from Cali (Caleños/Caleñas) and Medellín (Paisas) are the most social, loving people you will meet. You will feel taken care of. Taking public transportation and walking, it really helps you live interact with people. People there are very into social gatherings so you always have things to do from traveling to going out at night (use uber! it's cheaper than taxis)

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

i didn't get sick at all during my exchange. But i had to get my blood drawn to get my Colombian "Cedula" so I went to a hospital. very clean, professional.

You do need to take precaution in every country. No phones in the street. Watch your surroundings. Don't stop for suspicious people. i felt completely safe but i was also cautious.

The university (Universidad Autonoma De Occidente) provides international students, and first semester students that come from outside of Cali, a program called "Plan Padrinos" where they get to meet the rest of the internationals. each member is assign a Padrino (like a big brother or sister) by the end of the semester you form a bond with your padrino and the other members in your group. it's beautiful. Plan Padrinos hosts events and go on trips completely paid for by the university. the university is BIG on extracurricular activities. every semester they provide classes free of charge for everyone on campus. from Karate and Taekwondo, violin classes, chess, Salsa dancing, Tennis, Soccer, Guitar, Swimming, Nature walks on the weekends, Hip hop, Arab dancing, mural painting, yoga. and much more. They held events around campus a lot of times. there are no classes from 12-2 and they close the offices every day at that time so everyone has enough time to eat as a community.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

you don't need to buy clothing. it's always hot and casual clothes is mainly what you'll wear. if you do, clothes are cheap unless you go to the mall and expect to pay some known brand clothing like Nike, Colombia, Adidas, etc. food is cheap.

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• Apartment

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• Host Family
• Other

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• Local Students

• the importance of community
• Loving, helpful people
• Cheap everything (except brand products)

• I truly had no problems
• I truly had no problems
• I truly had no problems

The Outright Urbanite