6 Reasons You Need to Intern Abroad in Colombia (The Country of Beauty)

Colombia is a country of extreme natural wealth and beauty, with a dynamic economy and a resilient, diverse and friendly population. The beauty of Colombia and its growing economic potential make it a unique destination to intern abroad. Welcoming and opening its doors to visitors from all over the world, Colombia is positioning itself as one of the most important emerging economies in Latin America. If you want to stand out and jumpstart your career while immersing yourself in a vibrant culture, here are 6 reasons why you need to intern abroad in Colombia.

The people

People are what make Colombia truly special – a hidden beauty which makes this country unique. They are some of the friendliest, positively outgoing, and happiest people you are ever likely to come across. Combine this with the historical Indigenous, African, and Spanish cultural influences, and the diversity and variability you’ll find in everyday life across Colombia is unmatched - a nation inhabited by people that infuse their talent, diversity, and history into everything they do.

Interacting with this kind of talent is a unique opportunity for anyone wishing to boost their personal, cultural and professional skills through an internship abroad in Colombia. You can be confident that you’ll be working alongside committed, qualified professionals who pour their hearts and best efforts into their work, fostering progress for all.

Ask anyone who has been to Colombia what they enjoyed most about their experience and they almost always say – the people!

The beauty

Colombia is the second most biodiverse country on the planet and there is so much to see and experience in this magical country. From Caribbean beaches to coffee regions, mountains, cities, hidden colonial and indigenous gems, tropical landscapes to the 19 Natural National Parks, Colombia really does have it all. Located close to the equator, Colombia also tends to have a relatively warm and tropical climate throughout the year.

With a landmass the size of Spain, Portugal and France combined, in your free time you’ll want to discover what makes this country unique – a visit to Colombia will inspire you to want to return time and time again. Colombia is less burdened by mass tourism than other countries in Latin America, with spectacular untouched, authentic, raw, rustic, and beautiful places to explore, making it a thrilling experience to discover this dazzling country when you intern abroad in Colombia.

The economy

Colombia has the fourth-largest economy in Latin America and is one of the most stable, having achieved more than half a century of continuous growth and standing firm in the face of global challenges. Colombia’s economy is boosted by the government’s trade agreements with more than 60 countries around the world, which allow it to reach approximately 1.5 billion consumers worldwide, and has the third-largest start-up ecosystem in Latin America.

As of 2025, the Colombian economy exceeds US$450 billion and consistently ranks just outside of the world’s 30 largest economies. In 2025, Colombia’s economic growth of 2.6% outperformed the overall Latin American average (which sat at 2.4%) outperforming both Mexico and Brazil (according to the World Bank).

Cities like Medellín and Bogotá have become major hubs for tech start-ups, fintech, and digital media. The country continues to attract significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with global tech giants such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Revolut expanding their operations here.

The food

Although Colombia is famous for its high-quality coffee, once you are here it will stand out more so for its exotic fruits, street food and local gastronomy, with flavors, colors and textures, that beautifully embody Colombian biodiversity.

Food in Colombia is a perfect fusion of indigenous and contemporary cuisine, where on every corner you can find delicious must-try Colombian street food from arepas and empanadas to fresh fruit juices, buñuelos and hot dogs (unlike you’ve ever seen before, trust us). All of the different regions of Colombia (the Andes, the Pacific coast, the eastern plains, the Amazon, and the Caribbean) combine their culinary traditions, native ingredients, extraordinary geography and rich culture to offer a variety of delicious delights.

A highlight of any visit are Colombia’s colourful, exuberant exotic fruits - getting your five-a-day will never be so easy! From gorgeous guanabana, heavenly maracuya, dangerously delicious dragon fruit to the luxurious lulo fruit, you're guaranteed to discover fruits and flavors you’ve never experienced before. Heading to one of the traditional local markets or supermarkets when interning abroad in Colombia is an experience you won’t want to miss!

The language

Colombia is the world's second-largest Spanish-speaking country after Mexico, with a population of nearly 53 million people (2025). As a bonus, Colombian Spanish is generally one of the easiest accents to understand. Combine this with Colombians being very talkative, your Spanish skills will really be put to the test!

Most Colombians do not speak English, so you will be able to learn and improve your Spanish by living it. You will be able to practice daily with locals - at your internship, during your breaks, in the streets and everywhere in between.

The music

Dancing to music is in the blood of every Colombian and is taught at schools across the country from a very young age, representing the very essence of Colombian culture – vibrant, energetic, passionate, diverse, and outgoing.

It is highly recommended to take salsa classes and dance classes to get familiar with basic steps, as it is almost impossible to get through a visit to Colombia without being asked to dance some salsa or be put in a situation where you’ll need to! Other opular music genres in Colombia include Vallenato, Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata, and Reggeaton, among many, many others.

Colombians are very warm and open, and most will be happy to show you some introductory moves on the spot! The key is to not be shy, go with the flow, and embrace this aspect of Colombian culture – you won’t regret it.

Ready to start your journey?

Listen to our Intern Colombia Playlist on Spotify to immerse yourself in the rhythm of the country before you arrive.

Experience first-hand a country at the forefront of regional innovation. An international internship in Colombia will build your resume, expand your global network, and change your perspective forever. Apply now and contact our team or complete our online application form.

This blog post was written & published by Intern Colombia