What inspired you to travel abroad?
I wanted to improve my Spanish along with fulfilling my dream of living aboard. I've always loved cultures and have dreamed of studying abroad. In 2018, I was traveling through Mexico and decided that I was no longer content with getting by with basic Spanish.
I decided to spend the next summer in Mexico City for 6 weeks and soak up as much of the language as I possibly could. I also wanted to do some volunteer work so I could be more involved in the community. With a little research, I found YMCA Colombia and wanted to check it out. What was supposed to be 6 months turned into 1.5 years.
Why did you choose YMCA COLOMBIA?
My initial draw to the program was the fact that it was a paid volunteer position and housing was available. However, as I learned more about the program, I became interested in the full immersion experience of volunteering in another country, while learning a new language, and meeting locals.
I did not have any teaching experience, experience with language learning, or camp, but I figured I would learn as I go. I also worked for YMCA in California and I really enjoyed the organization.
What was your favorite part about Colombia?
Colombia is a beautiful and diverse country with every type of landscape you can imagine. It's easy to travel around on a weekend trip by plane or by bus. Plus travel is affordable In Colombia. Some of my favorite places that I've visited were: Medellín, Salento, Valle de Cocora, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Cali, and Pereira.
Bogotá is a fun city to live in and travel around because there are lots of things to do, especially when you get out and explore. The coffee experience is the other thing I enjoyed about the country. The culture is lively and Colombians take pride in showcasing their skills and knowledge. You will have so many options of coffee to try.
Ciudad Perdida, Santa Marta Colombia
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
YMCA Colombia is passionate about assisting Colombians with quality programs and opportunities for language fluency and volunteerism. This was amazing to see and be a part of. The programs and activities they offered allowed volunteers to have interactions with locals that you wouldn't otherwise have.
At camps, you can have a mini immersive/homestay-like experience that leaves you feeling more connected to your community and the country. Also having the ability to visit other YMCAs around the country, enables you to learn more about the city you are visiting and what that specific office offers their community. The staff are always welcoming and go out of their way to take care of you.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The staff was always available and extremely helpful. They always check in on you, go above and beyond to find resources/support when needed, and are a shoulder to lean on when things become challenging. If you choose to visit other YMCAs in the country, the staff take you in like family.
They will find homestays for you. The volunteers will show you around the city you are visiting. You can also participate in daily activities and events. They really want you to have a positive experience while you are in their home city. Colombians have a lot of pride in their country and their hometowns.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had made more efforts to improve my speaking skills and spend less time with English speakers. The workday is conducted in English with a few opportunities to use your Spanish. So it's important to find ways to immerse yourself in the language if your goal is to learn Spanish.
Also, I would have traveled to more towns near Bogota along with visiting neighboring countries. We had days for downtime but it was a challenge between wanting to rest and wanting to spend your free time traveling outside of Bogotá/Cundinamarca.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
For school days, I would wake up at 5:15 am to start my morning routine then leave at 5:50 and walk to the bus station to go to my school. I would start my school day at 7:00 am and teach until 3:00 pm. If I had to participate in an activity, club, or attend a meeting I would go straight to that otherwise I would have the afternoon free to explore the city. On the days I would go to camp, I would spend a day debriefing with the camp leader and prep for camp.
On a day of camp, I had to be at the meeting spots usually by 5:30-6:00 am so I could travel to the meeting site to pick up the campers. Once I arrived at camp, it was nonstop until after I dropped off campers. Sometimes I had to unpack camp supplies and do some paperwork before I officially finished the camp excursion.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
Travel, coffee tasting, exploring Candelaria, Ciclovía, running, and museums. I tried to find new cafes around town so I could have my own Colombian coffee experience. I was able to meet a lot of baristas and coffee owners and became friends with a lot of them.
Every time I came to visit their shop it was always a warm experience. Also, I enjoyed getting lost in Candelaria; there are so many museums, cafes, restaurants, and shops to visit in this section of town. I always found something new to see with each visit. Also, enjoying the architecture, culture, and history of Candelaria is interesting.
CDMX running tour
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I lived in an apartment provided by the YMCA in Teusaquillo. I really liked the location because it was centrally located to everything; all of the schools are at least an hour away, downtown Bogotá is 20 minutes away by bus, and the airport is 25 minutes away.
Ciclovia was located around the corner from the apartment so it was great to walk out my door on Sunday mornings and easily get my run down. The neighborhood is quiet and safe to walk around. There is a small cafe nearby that I could get some lesson planning done. The apartment itself was large with four bedrooms, a new bathroom, and a covered terrace with a washing machine.
What is one thing every future participant should know about YMCA Colombia before their program begins?
Be flexible, patient, and calm. Things change often and it's easy to become frustrated, but with patience and openness to understanding the culture you can manage anything. Always do your laundry and have clothes ready to go to camp because work trips occur at any time and you may not have time to get your laundry done. Most importantly have fun, enjoy your time, get to know the locals and practice your Spanish. This is a beautiful country that deserves exploration as a way to understand what it is about.
Would you recommend YMCA COLOMBIA to others? Why?
Yes!! I enjoyed my time in Colombia and working with the YMCA. It was a valuable experience professionally and personally. I learned many new skills and a new profession (teaching). I've even considered getting a TEFL credential as I didn't have one going into the program.
The YMCA was open to me sharing my professional skills with the program as needed in the form of workshops and training for staff and camp participants. The program on a whole allowed me to immerse myself in the country and its culture more than I would have by going there on my own.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Getting outside of your bubble and comfort zone will allow you to see your world and the world in general differently. Seeing how people live, learning about a city, trying the foods, and interacting with the locals is so fulfilling. It builds empathy, openness, and curiosity as you learn how to navigate your way through a new location.
Taking the opportunity to learn a bit of the language for the region you're going to allows you to have more meaningful experiences because you'll be able to speak with the locals. This has left me with the feeling of having a new population of people to connect with.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I have more empathy and understanding for people who are learning English while living in another country. When I would have interactions with people who were learning English, it never crossed my mind about the challenges and experiences that come along with it.
After spending a year and a half in Colombia, where English isn't widely spoken, I have more empathy and understanding. I truly appreciate this experience for that reason. Also, I appreciate having the opportunity to live with less of the distractions that we have in the USA i.e. less time on social media while in the community and unlimited cell phone minutes and data.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
It means taking your time to learn about a country, even if it means seeing fewer cities and just getting to know one really well. After my time in Bogotá, I've learned there is a difference between visiting a city and living in a city. When you have the opportunity to live, work and socialize in a new city/country with the locals, you get to feel as though you are a part of the county and community. I felt deeply connected to my friends, coworkers, and acquaintances that I had met during my journey in Colombia.