CET Colombia: A Hidden Gem

Previous to studying abroad in Colombia, I had no history of learning Spanish, no Latin family background, let alone any real idea of what I was getting into. Still, what attracted me to this program was its extremely unique and interdisciplinary curriculum developed around race, ethnicity, and identity from the Afro-Colombian context. I doubt I will find another study abroad program that truly aims to center blackness and create a positive, communal space for black minds to flourish. As a black female international affairs major attending an HBCU, I just knew that this was an experience to jump into with open arms that would open my eyes to introspection and the expanding international conversations around race, sociopolitics, culture, and language.

Upon arrival to Colombia, I was a bundle of anxious excitement, but for a semester that was set to be 5+ months long, I was intent on making it an experience that I could survive and thrive in. I figured that there would be many seemingly insurmountable challenges to overcome, considering the language and culture barrier as well as balancing academic and personal life while abroad, of course. Yet for each new obstacle I faced, I would verbally and mentally reframe them as "humbling moments". In this way, I was able to manage the scale of the issues to mere moments that would be just a few of many good moments and great memories that were on the horizon. Studying abroad is a mental exercise of endurance, accepting your vulnerability, and finding a way through it all. You have to put the mental work in, and you need a community to support you.

Finding a community is vital and 100% essential to a student's transitions and overall experience while abroad. You're in a new country, with a new language, and you have to adapt to a new culture. It's abrupt, and even in terms of language, some describe the change as suddenly living as though you are deaf and mute. But you're not alone. For me, I was in a cohort of 16, each of whom I respect and had space to open up and connect with. And with CET Colombia's race-related academics, there were several Black Americans who were attracted to this program in the same way I was. We were all there for similar reasons, similar ambitions, going through similar emotions. Soon enough after going to classes together, grocery shopping together, living together, even clubbing together, it was crazy how quickly we paralleled a family dynamic. The friends I was able to make within CET attributed to what I would credit as my core community in Colombia. The CET staff were an extension of this, without a doubt. Being at the CET office house so often definitely helps, but they are truly a text or phone call away and are there to support you if you let them. On top of this, at the Colombian university, UAO, where we had a central class to the program, I would highly recommend joining clubs or getting involved on campus. I joined the university volleyball team, a sport I was already familiar with, and practices acted as a grounding point for me to learn Spanish. My teammates were also some of the most patient and kind people that I had ever met. They were extremely welcoming of an American learning Spanish, a stark contrast to the existing xenophobia within the US. Whether it was on or off the court, they were teaching me Spanish and instilling me with confidence to keep practicing little by little. Even beyond volleyball, they would take me to lunch, make plans to travel and recommendations for places to go in Cali, and take me to meet their friends and family back home, too. Quickly and surely, my team cemented their place as part of my community. With a community, those seemingly insurmountable challenges that come with the idea of studying abroad, have barriers that continuously lower with glass gates you can see the other side to.

Mental adaptability and community. Those were the categories of my major takeaways, outside of academics. (I could write whole think-pieces on what we learned in class, but I highly suggest taking electives taught by Professor Diego and Spanish class with Professor Andrés.) I know there is so much more, so please reach out and chat about any questions, comments, or concerns you may have about studying abroad with CET alumni and staff who are truly just 1 phone call away. Regardless, before CET in Cali, Colombia, I only spoke English, struggled with anxiety, and had a desire to learn more about international affairs and the opportunities that may yield. And studying abroad is what you make of it, so because of my efforts in CET Colombia, I came out of the whole experience with conversational proficiency in Spanish, the confidence to do anything I put my mind to, platforms to share my experiences, opportunities to facilitate dialogues with Black Expats, and the space to spread the word about the good of studying abroad. Overall, as cliche as it sounds, studying abroad is a rollercoaster. You jump into it excited and anxious, and once the ride starts it may throw you for a loop, dip you low only to bring you up high, but you get off the ride smiling and laughing asking when you can do it all over again.