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Colombia wants to position itself as an attractive destination for foreigners to learn the spanish language

In Colombia is speaking the best spanish in the world. Base don this belief, government built an ambitious strategy to make the country the best destination in the world for foreigners who want to learn the language. Conditions are created: Colombia has 22 of the 42 institutions that teach spanish in Latin America. Also, academic potential is huge: is estimated that by 2030 about 535 million people (85 million more tan today) speak spanish, ie 7,5 % of the world population.

But even though we have everything to be a spanish power we are not competitive yet. We Excel by far, Mexico, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Guatemala, who were able to capitalize on this market, estimated at about 18 million students annually.

There are several factors that have less attractive, including the cost. To study spanish in Colombia is almost 30% more expensive tan others countries. A course of four to six months costs between 4 and 7 million pesos (3000 USD). Factors like visa procedures sometimes are tedious, making it difficult to access.

These weaknesses are being reviewed by the government´s strategy, which is already underway at consulates and international educational fairs. One of first steps was the creation of portal www.spanishincolombia.gov.co, now registers over 70,000 visits. On this spot, universities provide information about costs, duration and structure of their courses. In addition, prospective students find information about the culture and tourism in the different cites. Finally, texts, photos and videos about how to live in Colombia.

The initial goal of the plan is to go from 1,500 foreigners coming to the country to learn spanish each year from Germany, France and the UK, among others, to 3,000.

5 things to know on your first time going to Colombia

People of hispanic countries have been characterized for provide the best care to tourists visiting their land. Since you arrive, you can feel the kindness and efforts of locals to make you feel at home. In Colombia, for example, it is not surprising when you visit cities like Cartagena, Santa Marta, and other coastal towns, someone take your bags without asking and walk to a nearby hotel, !Do not panic! these people carry your bags for you to where you need it, you may also be located in a hotel that suits your needs, as they are native people who know all the "metederos" of the city.

¿Do you find it funny? there are 5 interesting facts about how is and how it feels to get to Colombia for the firs time.

• When you go on the plane to Colombia, and you check the airline magazine, you can find additional information about the destination you are heading, also recommendations of amazing places for you to expand your trip.

• Depending on where you arrive, and where you came from, you´ll feel a complete weather change, which is something that characterized Colombia, to have diversity of climates throughout the country.

• Once off the plane, you probably will listen cheerful and lively music in some shop commercial establishment, yo have to know: you´re in Colombia.

• Are you lost? don´t know where to go? !Don´t worry! ask the firs person you see, this person will make all the effort to answer your questions. In Colombia the people are very friendly and always willing to help.

• It´s important to ask for tourist attractions recommended by local people, probably are not included in your travel guide and you can be losing the opportunity to learn more in depth about the Colombian culture. For example, if your interest is to try local food, you shouldn´t go to the finest restaurant, or the one which is expensive, you´ll find the real flavor asking to native people where to eat a delicious dish.

I think you´re ready to begin a hispanic country trip. The thing you cannot forget is that local people is too kind, don´t be afraid about that, enjoy it and let them make you feel like you´re at home, they will be pleased.