Intern Colombia

Program Reviews

Dimitris
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Intern Colombia Medellin Experience

My time in Medellin was incredible from beginning to end. Before starting, I had signed up for the program hoping for a challenging experience that would allow me to achieve both personal and academic development. Looking back at my time in the country, I was able to achieve both. My internship (that focused on assessing the social impacts of green hydrogen projects) helped me narrow down a career path to pursue after I complete my studies, and the people I met and the experiences I have had while in the country will be among my most cherished memories.

Intern Colombia also provided continuous support from beginning to end. In my first few months, they made sure I was properly situated in the city and familiarised with the internship. They also continuously offered events, so I'd have opportunities to go out and explore not just Medellin, but other small towns throughout Antioquia as well. These trips and events were some of the most fun I had during my time here.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
A pate made of cow thigh bone and sugarcane in Parque Arvi. Would recommend.
Pros
  • Great support from Intern Colombia
  • Events organised weekly to explore the city
  • I genuinely enjoyed my internship work
Cons
  • I would have appreciated Intern Colombia checking in more frequently during the duration of my internship
Aminah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

8 weeks in Bogotá

I really enjoyed my experience in Bogotá. The city has so much to offer and I really enjoyed being able to explore different aspects of Colombia from its nature, food, music, and much more. Initially I did not know what to expect, but Colombia is much more modern and global than I expected. I felt safe getting around the city and it was a very valuable experience academically/professionally but also socially and personally. I got to experience discomfort and grow from challenges. I had to navigate and plan traveling by myself. It was a great opportunity to learn how to be independent and feel like an adult. I would highly recommend others to travel somewhere that makes them a little nervous and to be immersed in a culture very different than your own. I think that study abroad to Europe is very common and while it can also be a great experience, it is not uncomfortable enough. I think I will have many opportunities to visit Europe as an adult in personal travel, so I really wanted to make my study abroad experience something different and to a destination less explored.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Go out and explore Colombia. I think every city in Colombia is very unique and culturally different from each other. I visited Medellin, San Andres, Cartagena, and Santa Marta and it was so cool meeting different people and experiencing different aspects of Colombian culture.
Pros
  • Experiencing community engagement at my internship site
  • Practicing and developing my Spanish skills as a non-native speaker
  • Developing my social and personal skills through interacting with people and trying new things
Cons
  • The housing was overall really nice, I just had issues with some of the staff members as they were a bit negligent at times
  • I did not have any unsafe experiences, but you do have to be cautious of your surroundings as you go around the city
  • This is not really a con but be prepared for cultural differences such as food service being slower
Abigail
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medellín

I did 6 months of an internship program in Medellin this last year plus an extra 3 months in the city. intern Colombia provided me with countless internship opportunities within my field and set up all my interviews which made the process so much easier, as I struggled to find these opportunities by myself !! They also proved to be an excellent support system for me throughout my time there, which in the beginning was especially necessary whilst I was still finding my feet in the country. I had a nasty situation with immigration once due to me saying the wrong thing as passport control and they provided me with a session with an immigration lawyer free of charge even though it was completely my fault; without their help things could have really gone a lot worse! This is just one example of the support they gave me throughout my year abroad. I’d recommend this company to anyone considering working abroad in Colombia. Thank you so much Matt and Naty for everything, you made my experience what it was !

Emmah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Intern Experience in Bogota

I spent 7 weeks with Intern Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. I was able to explore my professional goals in a matched internship environment specially tailored to my interests while being exposed to Colombian culture though weekly programming hosted by Intern Colombia. Dance classes, language classes, language exchange nights, dinners, and day trips to nearby towns were offered to us and I had an amazing time with amazing people. 100% recommend this program if you are looking to enrich your life and create memories and experiences that you will be forever grateful for.

Pros
  • Tailored to your interests
  • Opportunity to meet people from around the world
  • Immersed in Colombian culture
Evelyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Memorable experience

I interned in Bogotá, Colombia, for 8 weeks, and it was an amazing experience. Alongside working we were also given the opportunity to venture out. This was a great balance that allowed me to truly take in the environment and appreciate it. Every week, we had events to explore locally and throughout the country. Being in Colombia exposed me to a different culture that I will miss, along with the friendships I made with other international interns. If given the opportunity, I would definitely go back to Colombia!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The hot chocolate and cheese… I was very skeptical of it but I’m glad I did! It was really good and I can see why it’s a Colombian favorite.
Pros
  • Exploring Colombia with new friends
  • Being able to try new flavors, for instance chicha!
  • Having the flexibility to grow and make an impact as an intern
Cons
  • Adjusting to Colombian slang took a while even as a native spanish speaker
Naj
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Landed my dream internship!

I originally planned to do one of their in-person internships, but due to some unexpected circumstances, I switched to the virtual option, and it turned out to be the best decision I could’ve made. From the beginning, Matthew was incredibly thoughtful and attentive. Every opportunity he shared with me aligned closely with my goals, and the one I ultimately accepted ended up being exactly the kind of role, company, and work environment I had envisioned. The Spanish classes included in the program were also a game changer. They introduced me to an amazing teacher who has helped me make more progress than I ever expected. I genuinely can’t recommend this program enough. Don’t think twice, it’s 100% worth it. Trusting them took so much pressure off my shoulders, and it’s honestly made life feel lighter. More than anything, see it as an investment in yourself. They don’t just place you anywhere, they carefully match you with respected companies and NGOs that fit your goals and values.

Natalia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience and opportunities!

I had the incredible opportunity to intern in Medellín, Colombia through Intern Colombia, and it was an experience I’ll always cherish! The city itself is lively and full of energy, with breathtaking views, warm people, and a culture that’s both exciting and welcoming. Intern Colombia made the entire process seamless, always checking in to ensure my internship was going well and providing support whenever needed. Whether it was answering questions, offering guidance, or simply making sure I was comfortable in my new environment, their team was an amazing resource and could be easily accessible through WhatsApp.

Beyond the professional aspect, the day trips organized by Intern Colombia allowed me to explore even more of the country, making every weekend an adventure. One of my favorite parts of the program was the bi-weekly salsa classes and watching the Copa America games while eating dinner—not only were they fun, but they also helped me immerse myself in the local culture in an interactive and engaging way!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open to trying new things! Medellín is full of opportunities to explore, whether it's dancing, hiking, or simply chatting with locals. Even if you’re not fluent in Spanish, don’t be afraid to practice—people appreciate the effort and will help you learn along the way.
Pros
  • Supportive program team
  • Fun day trips and cultural activities
  • Good balance of professional and personal growth
Cons
  • If you have a sensitive stomach and have never been exposed to the cuisine just be more prepared. That's more of a me thing but something to be conscious of if you have a sensitive stomach too (food is amazing though!!!)
Noel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience of a Life Time!

I traveled to Bogota Colombia to participate in the Intern Colombia program in 2024 and I had the absolute best time! The city was beautiful with rich culture, art, and food.

The team at Intern Colombia is extremely reliable, anything I needed, and I mean anything was provided for. Mathew (the director) was always available to help me adjust to life in Bogota, whether it be recommending exciting activities for me, offering life advice, or helping me communicate with the locals. Sometimes it can be scary to venture out to an unfamiliar place but Mathew and his team do everything in their power to make sure the experience is as smooth as possible so that the memories you make are nothing but enriching and fulfilling!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Don't be afraid to make friends with some of the locals. I am not the most proficient in the Spanish language but I went out of my way to make colombian friends, some of whom spoke no English and I can say that I am so glad that I did! It will help you so much in developing your foreign language skills.
Pros
  • Immersive language exchange experience
  • Feeling of freedom
  • Networking
Cons
  • Can feel a bit intimidating at first to venture out somewhere unfamiliar
NOA
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Six-week internship

I recently completed a six-week internship in Medellín, Colombia, and it was an incredibly enriching experience. The city's vibrant culture, combined with the warm and welcoming people I met through Intern Colombia, made every moment enjoyable and memorable. From exploring the colorful neighborhoods to participating in local festivals, the experience was both professionally and personally rewarding. The connections I made and the skills I gained have left a lasting impact, and I would do it again without hesitation!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Stay longer!
Pros
  • Meeting people
  • Exploring Colombia
  • Salsa classes
Cons
  • No small activities in the city
Veronica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Internship in Bogotá, Colombia

Intern Colombia with Matthew as our program coordinator in Bogotá was a great experience! Staying in Colombia for 2.5 months was a transformative experience as I immersed myself in a new culture, made lasting friendships, and even learned Spanish! While the housing situation differs for each student, my group from UCLA lived in CityU. I believe its central location and student life played a large part in feeling safe during my stay (so try to be placed there ;). My advice when matching with internships is to really know what you want and convey your wants clearly to Matthew. Learn as much as you can about the different companies and what your role will be to make an informed decision. Matthew is very generous, culturally knowledgeable, and gave us the best well-rounded experience. However, managing multiple students is a hefty responsibility. I will add that they could use some help or improvement in understanding student needs and treating student problems as their own. I definitely recommend the program!!

Response from Intern Colombia

Thank you for your feedback Veronica!

We're delighted that your experience was extremely positive in Bogotá, Colombia.

Since you completed our program, we've grown our team at Intern Colombia & have successfully managed the increased number of students we receive for our summer internship programs and will continue to do so in the future! This was largely in part due to your feedback, so we are very grateful to you for raising this with us & bringing it to our attention.