Which town in Colombia is best to learn a language?

Question

I am returning to Colombia, which I visited on my gap year four years ago, in order to take a place up on a language course, hopefully live with a family, and finally learn Spanish, which I've always wanted to do. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on which town is best. I liked Cali, Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena, all for different reasons. I would love to go to a young, vibrant town, good for student life, where I can meet lots of fun people and have a lot to do, but also a place whose universities/colleges/language schools have an excellent reputation. Any advice would be most appreciated!

Answer 1

The best is Bogota

Answer 2

I think you can travel to Cali, which is towards the north of Colombia. It's remarkably beautiful and different from most other Colombian cities. Cali, surrounded by mountains, rainforests and of course the increasing rate in its infrastrctural developments.

You've got Salsa, friends and of course a remarkable mixture of both Spanish and Indian (Amerindian) descendants living together in one city. As for Bogota, which is the capital of Colombia, is a lively city but the crime rate is very high. Even though that recent reports say that crime may have reduced, viloent protests in the capital do occur occassionally. You can therefore, cosider Cali as a substitute option. Your studies on Colombia and its history would also be highlighted during you're visit in Colombia for Spanish language studies.

Answer 3

Well...Bogota, Medellin and Cali are consider the best...but, the best for what you are looking for is Cali. Salsa and everything is over there. Cali is also consider the youngest city, and it has many places to pass a good time, Universities are good in cali, specially UNIVALLE. it's one of the best in Latin america and you always find things to do in Cali. Medellin is kind of the same thing. Bogota too, the difference is that bogota is colder, but it's a big metropolis like new york city or LA...good luck

Answer 4

Go to Bogota, you will find all of that, plus the Spanish accent in Bogota is very neutral, easier to understand than the other cities you mentioned.  Bogota also has some of the best Universities.

Answer 5

Colombia has beautiful cities, but keep in mind that what you're looking for is a place to learn spanish. I'd suggest the capital ,of course, Bogota.

Answer 6

I would go to Cali. It is minutes away from cold weather, has an amazing weather all day and not to mention the 5pm breeze it is famous for! People in Cali are much nicer to strangers than people in Bogota, maybe it;s the cold... lol.

Besides, there are the same language schools basically, but less people will talk to you in english in Cali which helps you learn faster... and if you feel like going home you can always stop by Martyn's, a bar owned by an american (John Martyn) with american music and drinks which will make you feel at home!

Answer 7

I agree with nmaria, Bogota for having the best universities.

(People have nicknamed our capital the Athens of South America for that simple fact mentioned).

Answer 8

I would say bogota because it has the clearest spanish.  It also has the best culture and nightlife.