The Greatest Challenge You Will Face Is Not Wanting To Leave

When I first came to Colombia with API's Teach Abroad program I had a few expectations, but I had no idea just how incredible and valuable my time here would be. I have been in Colombia for about 7 months now working with SENA, since arriving I have felt the ups and the downs, I have seen breath-taking landscapes, and walked through old colonial towns, I have hiked to find a lost Indigenous city, and I have connected on a deep level with a new culture. Among all of these wonderful things, I have also experienced extreme poverty, corruption and far too many stray animals, but the greatest challenge that I have had to face so far is making the decision to stay or to go. What did I do? I stayed. I couldn't get away from the warm people, the empanadas, and the way everyone seemed to be super relaxed despite the hardships they are facing. I have truly fallen in love with this country and the people who inhabit it. My students especially, they light up my day, every day. I didn't know what teaching would be like when I first arrived, I was an advertising major with a desire to travel the world. Little did I know that teachings would be such a rewarding and challenging experience! I feel that I have grown immensely since coming here 7 months ago, and I have so much more growing to do! Who knows if I will ever return to the US! I didn't believe everyone when they first told me, " The biggest challenge is not wanting to leave," but now it's true. I'm sold, thank you Colombia and API Abroad for this amazing life experience.