Wonderful 5 month stay in Bogotá to study Spanish made possible by Red Tree Study

Dear reader:

If you are considering coming to Colombia to study Spanish, I highly recommend it! Let me describe my experience in the hopes that it may help you plan your own time here.

I contacted Red Tree several months prior to when I was planning to be in Colombia. Ginna went above and beyond, answering all of my questions, however small they were, and always making me feel welcome to ask more questions. This is was really important for me as I hadn't heard many things about Colombia other than the primarily negative image we have in Canada of this country.
Ginna was able to set up a Skype call with my host family's mother, Socorro, who is an absolute gem. I have been living with Socorro and her family in Bogotá for two months and couldn't ask for a better host family - inclusive, welcoming, and generous, the apartment is frequently visited by several of the many aunts and uncles of the family making for a relaxed yet full social life even before you step outside the door!
The language school Nueva Lengua is excellent. The professors are talented and work hard to be great teachers, there is a weekly smorgasbord of activities both in the school and around the city, and the school is well equipped and a comfortable environment to spend as many hours as you like. I highly recommend taking the Intensive Spanish course (an extra hour each morning) as well as the dance classes - if you are hesitant to dance, this recommendation goes double for you!

Whether or not you win the proverbial lottery of living with Socorro, attending classes at Nueva Lengua, or talking with Ginna, I believe Red Tree Study can be an essential part of planning of your trip. Best of luck on whichever path you choose!

Another thank you to Alex and Ginna of Red Tree Study.
Chris Madsen