Andrew Fowler, a food and environmental charity worker from England, with a recent master's degree in environmentalism and environmental governance, undertook a transformative trip to Bogotá, Colombia, two months ago. His goal was to immerse himself in the vibrant culture and stunning natural landscapes of Colombia while he improved his Spanish skills to expand his professional opportunities.

Upon arriving in Bogotá, Andrew was captivated by the city's stunning surroundings, with the Andes Mountains providing a majestic backdrop to his daily life. Motivated by his passion for the environment and his desire to delve into the complexities of food production, Andrew saw Colombia as the perfect setting to pursue his professional aspirations.

Driven by his ambition to live and work in a different country and communicate fluently in a second language, Andrew enrolled in Nueva Lengua, a renowned Spanish school with locations throughout Colombia, including Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín, Ibagué and Guaduas.

Reflecting on his experience in Nueva Lengua, Andrew emphasized the welcoming atmosphere and camaraderie between students and teachers. The school's combination of professionalism and warmth provided an ideal environment for learning the language. Andrew praised the diverse range of students and teachers, highlighting the unique dynamic fostered by individuals of different ages and backgrounds coming together to pursue a common goal.

In addition to his classroom experience, Andrew embraced Bogotá's rich cultural offerings, immersing himself in local activities such as playing indoor soccer and attending dance classes. He found particular joy in the dance classes offered at Nueva Lengua, where she honed her skills under the guidance of our dance instructor, Isaac Montes. Andrew praised Isaac's teaching style, noting his ability to make learning enjoyable while providing thorough explanations and encouragement.

Andrew's time in Bogotá has been marked by personal growth and discovery. He has learned to embrace uncertainty and face new experiences with confidence, a valuable lesson he attributes to his immersion in a foreign language and culture. From navigating unfamiliar streets to trying traditional Colombian dishes like “changua,” Andrew has taken every opportunity to broaden his horizons.

As your trip in Colombia continues, Andrew enthusiastically recommends Nueva Lengua to other language students looking for an immersive and enriching experience. He credits the school for accelerating his language acquisition and providing him with the skills and confidence to navigate life in a Spanish-speaking country.

For Andrew Fowler, Colombia has become more than just a destination; It is a place of learning, adventure and infinite possibilities. As he looks to the future, Andrew is excited to continue his exploration of Colombian culture and contribute to the country's environmental and food sustainability efforts.

In Spanish school Nueva Lengua We are proud to host students like Andrew every week, committed to their individual learning process as well as the human and environmental challenges that we all face as a society in this 21st century. Below we present the talk we had with him about his experience in Colombia, learning Spanish abroad.

First, tell us a little about yourself: where you are from, what your job is, what your hobbies are... 

Hello, how are you doing? I'm Andrew and I'm English. Now I don't have a job, but I'm looking for an occupation in Bogotá, how exciting! In England I worked with environmental and food charities. In Colombia I want to work with similar projects, but the most important thing is to improve my Spanish! My hobbies are playing soccer and walking in nature, and I love the Bogotá Cinematheque, because they have many artistic and interesting films. 

You are studying Spanish because you want to work in Bogotá. But why here and not somewhere else? And what are your professional goals?

My first goal in Colombia is to learn a new system for food production and the difference between Colombia and England in environmentalism conversations. My motivations are a Colombian professor that I read a lot in England, Arturo Escobar, who wrote about mentalities and relationships with nature, and he needed to change. Other goals are to live in a new country because I have never lived outside England in my life, so everything here is new for me. 

Ok, and how has your experience been studying Spanish in Nueva Lengua?

My experience studying with Nueva Lengua It has been fantastic. I really like the atmosphere and the friendship between the students and the teachers. He is professional and relaxed at the same time. The classes are the right size and the teachers are friendly and attentive. I always have many questions and I always feel heard. 

What is your opinion of the experience of studying Spanish in Bogotá?

Bogotá is obviously a very big city, so there is everything you need: good restaurants, cool bars, sports, salsa classes, and much, much more. I love Bogotá for the diversity and opportunity. Yesterday I went to a farm an hour outside Bogotá and the mountains were beautiful so it is important to remember that nature is very close.

What new things have you learned during your time in Bogotá?

Obviously the sauce! In England I like to dance, but never formally, only with friends in clubs. But now I had classes with Isaac, Isaac Montes, and I have improved a lot in just two weeks. In cooking classes I also learned the history of 'salpicón' and the recipe, which I will definitely make in England again. I want to learn the method to prepare arepas too, very important! So in general I have learned to have more confidence in myself, in others, and to try new things.

How interesting! Please tell us a little more about your dance classes and what you liked the most. 

Dance classes in Nueva Lengua they are super! The best thing is Issac's energy. As I said, my dancing improved a lot in a short time. Issac starts with the basics and slowly builds the more difficult things. In my opinion, dance theory and cultural reason for everyone is very important, and we talked about this. Now for the disco! Ha ha ha…

So Andrew, would you invite other people to study Spanish in Bogotá with Nueva Lengua?

Yes, of course, I do get a discount. Lie! Ha ha ha… Yes, of course I would invite others to study Spanish in Bogotá. Definitely for friends looking for a school I recommend Nueva Lengua 100%. With my friends practicing Spanish with Duolingo and other apps, for me a school is the fastest and most effective method to learn.

For Andrew Fowler, Colombia has become more than just a destination; It is a place of learning, adventure and infinite possibilities. As he looks to the future, Andrew is excited to continue his exploration of Colombian culture and contribute to the country's environmental and food sustainability efforts. Thanks, Andrew! ¡Nueva Lengua It will always be your home!

Join us as we celebrate stories of inspiration and cultural exchange. Follow @nuevalengua on social media to stay connected with our community and discover more stories of empowerment and learning. Together, let's embark on a journey of human and ecological growth, hand in hand with solid linguistic training in the Spanish language. We have special programs focused on Spanish and specific purposes, as well as weekly ecotourism activities and tours in each of our five locations around the country: Bogotá, Cartagena, Medellín, Ibagué and Guaduas.

We are looking forward to seeing you in this Special Mini-webinar!