Medellin

Colombia

The City of Eternal Spring's turbulent past as the stomping grounds of Pablo Escobar are now a distant memory. Medellin has flourished since then, and is the prominent hotspot for Digital Nomads in South America. It was actually recently voted the most innovative city in the world! Explore the surrounding hills, learn to Salsa, or simply immerse yourself in the vibrant Columbian culture through the city's many festivals, there seems to be one every week!

Key Location Info

Airport code:
MDE
Region:
Latin America
Features:
☕ ⛰️ 🇪🇸 🏙️ 🥾 🫔 🌲 🏟️

Study Abroad Fees:

$3,000

N/A

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-

We don't run Study Abroad Programs to this location currently.

This is where fees start for a 6 week Study Abroad Program to this location.

It's important to note that program fees increase as programs draw closer, so typically the sooner you secure your place on a program the lower fees you will pay.

Sometimes we run programs that are not 6 weeks. The fees for those programs will reflect the time frame.

To see what's included in your program fees, head to our dedicated Study Abroad page.

Gap Year Fees:

$3,200

N/A

+
-

We don't run Gap Year Programs to this location currently.

This is where fees start for a 6 week Gap Year Program to this location.

It's important to note that program fees increase as programs draw closer, so typically the sooner you secure your place on a program the lower fees you will pay.

Sometimes we run programs that are not 6 weeks. The fees for those programs will reflect the time frame.

To see what's included in your program fees, head to our dedicated Gap Year page.

Program Living Expenses:

$1,170

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-

This is what we suggest Edumads bring as spending money on a 6 week program to this location. This estimate includes allowance for all:

  • Food & drink
  • Activities
  • Entertainment
  • Excursions

This figure is our estimate for a typical experience on a program. It's possible to spend far more or far less depending on your choices and priorities during your time abroad.

Our estimate for Gap Year programs and Study Abroad programs is the same.

N.B. Living expenses for a one month program:
$798

Solo Edumad Budget:

$977

+
-

This is what we estimate it would cost per month to live in this location if you were to organize your own trip.

We teach students how to organize their own trips in the Edumadic Academy.

What to expect from life in Medellin

Guatape

A scenic 2 hour bus ride west from Medellin will bring you to the lake-side escape of Guatape, Colombias most colourful and photogenic town. It's a must visit on any Latin American itinerary that touches Medellin, and it's easy to see why!

The town boasts the "best view in the world" from a rocky outcrop that leers over the surrounding lakes. You can float around the lakes for a few hours on a kayak, or take it up a notch and jump on a jetski. Finish off the day by meandering through the houses smothered in bright paint and Zocalos and tasting the local street food.

Comuna 13

One of Medellin’s poorest neighborhoods is home to the best street art in the city. Created by local artists, they pride themselves on their art that brings flocks of tourists every day. Walking through the streets of Comuna 13, it is surprising to see so many people exploring, that said, the residents love it as it signals that their home has become an area worth visiting, something it certainly was not in the Escobar era.

Valle de Cocora

Take the weekend away in charming Salento, a tiny town nestled in rural Colombia. It's a hub for coffee production but is most famous for its proximity to Cocora Valley. Hikes through the valley will take you amongst the tallest palm trees in the world, as well as breathtaking views of rural Colombia.

Indulge in the Culture

Colombia has a rich culture that can be soaked up in Medellin with ease. Loosen up your hips with nights of Salsa. Experience the Colombian religion of soccer at one of the local teams stadiums. Improve your Spanish on the streets or in the classroom. And gorge on Colombian cuisine of arepas on the daily. Do it all fuelled by the country's delicious and home grown coffee.

Caribbean Coast

Is the beach calling you?

No worries, Colombia has a caribbean coastline only a few hours away by air. First, head to Cartagena to catch a climpse of Colombias colonial past, feel the Caribbean sand under your feet, and feel the heat in the city's legendary salsa clubs.

Then, head to the Rosario Islands for some castaway-style scenes, crystal clear water, and fresh seafood BBQs.

What to expect from life in Medellin

Guatape

A scenic 2 hour bus ride west from Medellin will bring you to the lake-side escape of Guatape, Colombias most colourful and photogenic town. It's a must visit on any Latin American itinerary that touches Medellin, and it's easy to see why!

The town boasts the "best view in the world" from a rocky outcrop that leers over the surrounding lakes. You can float around the lakes for a few hours on a kayak, or take it up a notch and jump on a jetski. Finish off the day by meandering through the houses smothered in bright paint and Zocalos and tasting the local street food.

Comuna 13

One of Medellin’s poorest neighborhoods is home to the best street art in the city. Created by local artists, they pride themselves on their art that brings flocks of tourists every day. Walking through the streets of Comuna 13, it is surprising to see so many people exploring, that said, the residents love it as it signals that their home has become an area worth visiting, something it certainly was not in the Escobar era.

Valle de Cocora

Take the weekend away in charming Salento, a tiny town nestled in rural Colombia. It's a hub for coffee production but is most famous for its proximity to Cocora Valley. Hikes through the valley will take you amongst the tallest palm trees in the world, as well as breathtaking views of rural Colombia.

Indulge in the Culture

Colombia has a rich culture that can be soaked up in Medellin with ease. Loosen up your hips with nights of Salsa. Experience the Colombian religion of soccer at one of the local teams stadiums. Improve your Spanish on the streets or in the classroom. And gorge on Colombian cuisine of arepas on the daily. Do it all fuelled by the country's delicious and home grown coffee.

Caribbean Coast

Is the beach calling you?

No worries, Colombia has a caribbean coastline only a few hours away by air. First, head to Cartagena to catch a climpse of Colombias colonial past, feel the Caribbean sand under your feet, and feel the heat in the city's legendary salsa clubs.

Then, head to the Rosario Islands for some castaway-style scenes, crystal clear water, and fresh seafood BBQs.