Sebastian Sele was one of our students at Nueva Lengua. Although enjoying a vacation in Colombia is tempting, many find something more in this country: a place worthy of being photographed. This is what Sebastián, who is a photographer and has traveled to various places in the world, such as the United States and Syria, considered it, portraying problems related to human rights, migration and the environment. 

On this occasion, his work was focused on La Guajira. You can discover more about him and see his photographs on his blog: www.sele.world. In Nueva Lengua, we want to highlight your work, so we asked you to answer a few questions: 

How did you discover Colombia and what was the reason for your trip? 

I came to Colombia for the first time in 2019 because a Venezuelan friend and photographer asked me if I wanted to work with him on the Venezuelan migration crisis in Cúcuta. In 2022 I returned with him to do a report on the migration from the Darién Gap. A few days after finishing this job, I met my now partner, Bárbara, in Bogotá. After that, I returned more often, combining my work trips with visits to my partner. 

What has been your experience on the trip? 

It is always interesting to change from Switzerland to Colombia. In Switzerland, everything is very well organized, calm and strict. Here in Colombia, it is more chaotic, more improvised, but also the people are more open and communicative. So it always takes a while to adapt to the speed and way of life here. And, of course, La Guajira is another story. There, time is a much more relative concept. The first day of working there I only dedicated myself to greeting people. 

How did you get to know La Guajira and why was it important in your visit to Colombia? 

In April 2023, I ended up in La Guajira because there is a direct connection between the German-speaking countries and Colombia, and therefore a possibility for me to write some reports: Cerrejón, the largest coal mine in Latin America. Due to their sanctions against Russia and despite allegations of human rights and environmental violations against the mine, European countries imported more coal from Colombia. Furthermore, the biggest beneficiary of this increase in demand and price level was a Swiss company, Glencore, which bought the entire Cerrejón mine a few months before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

How would you describe being in La Guajira? 

I stayed three days with a Wayuu leader, which was an interesting experience. I have slept in a hammock, I have showered with a bucket, I have eaten goat and I have learned the basics of the Wayuu way of life. 

What else did you notice on the trip? 

Violence and suffering are omnipresent themes there. The leader I stayed with says that he has already survived two attempts on his life this year, and many people, especially from the Wayuu communities, suffer from poverty and hunger. 

What did the school bring to you? Nueva Lengua? 

Learn in Nueva Lengua helped me improve my Spanish; My goal is that one day I can conduct my research and interviews in Latin American countries on my own. Currently, I always work in teams with local journalists, but it would be great to be able to move more on my own. I haven't gotten it yet, but I hope soon. 

As you can see, Colombia, Nueva Lengua and learning Spanish have made a big difference in Sebastián's life. Don't miss the opportunity to change your life like Sebastián did while he traveled and learned Spanish with us.  

Check the plans what we have for you, or write to us on any of our social networks (@nuevalengua) for more information about our Spanish courses and cultural immersion in Colombia.