When we make the decision to venture to visit another country, we are filled with curiosity and great expectations for wanting to explore and know everything that our new destination can offer us.

In recent years, Colombia has become a very visited country for its great diversity of landscapes, its mountains that adorn the beauty of its valleys, its beautiful seas that border its coasts, its immense jungle abundant in flora and fauna, its rich variety of foods, but there is something that also attracts visitors a lot, the warmth and kindness of its people.

This is the case of Dominic, a Swiss boy who came to our country with the intention of learning Spanish in a place near the sea. For this reason he chose the school Nueva Lengua in the city of Cartagena to realize your dream. However, what he never imagined was that "La Fantástica" (as many call this beautiful city), would make it become a "coastal", as they call the people who live on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

Since his arrival in Cartagena, Dominic realized the caribbean culture typical of the city and was always interested in being part of it: he met "Las palenqueras", women of African descent who walk with their fresh fruits through the historic center of the city, the colorful houses that give life to its streets, the sea-scented breeze and the typical food of the city: coconut rice with Patacón and fried fish.

All of this encouraged Dominic to integrate into the local culture, which was able to help him become familiar with local expressions. So much so, that when he arrived at school he greeted his classmates and teachers with phrases such as: "My voucher, how's the pod?", "Compa what?", "I'm wearing" and a "coastal" accent that every day he improved thanks to his interaction with locals and his host family who helped him to continue practicing all the time.

Every time he walked along the city's beaches, he saw how "The palenqueras" They made a very particular hairstyle for tourists with their skillful hands: The Braids. This made her very curious and she resolved to do it too.

Dominic did not know that Cynthia, one of the teachers at the school, had the ability to do the Braids very well, so once he expressed his desire to change his look, she offered to do this job.

When we learn a language, we also get closer to a new culture, and this was something that this boy, born in Bern, did very well. The Champeta, typical music from Cartagena with African origins, was another of the aspects with which he most identified and learned to dance during the dance classes offered at the school.

After having spent 5 months in school and in the city of Cartagena, there is no doubt that this experience changed the life of Dominic, who is now one more “coastal” in our city.

And you, what are you waiting for to live an experience like this?

If you want to receive information, write to us at contactenos@nuevalengua.com and you will get a reply soon.

Alberto Morillo - Spanish Teacher