Medellín is a gorgeous, cosmopolitan city surrounded by lush greenery and nestled between mountains. This beautiful area has a booming tech scene, so it would be ideal for anyone looking to explore Latin America while completing an internship.
If you're interested in seeing what Medellín has to offer, then this guide will help you to know what to expect.
About Medellín
Nicknamed 'The City of Eternal Spring' Medellín has a pleasant year-round climate with temperatures being 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) all year round. It's 5,000 feet above sea level and is one of Colombia's largest cities. It's a hub for the steel industry and one of the largest centers for Colombia's coffee industry. Fun and vibrant, it's a wonderful place to live and work - in fact, Time named it one of the best places to visit in 2023.
The people of Medellín, and other parts of Colombia, are also known as Paisas. Paisa is a shortened Spanish term that means 'countryman.' This likely comes from Colombia's rich history of agriculture, and you'll find that most Paisas are proud of their background. They're extremely hospitable and welcoming, so it'll be easy for you to build a community in Medellín.
Best Industries to Work In
If you're looking for work experience in Colombia, then you can't get much better than these:
Fashion - Medellín has a huge textile industry and exports fabrics and clothing to the international market, making it the ideal location for those looking to work in fashion.
Entrepreneurship - Many entrepreneurs are choosing to build their start-ups in Medellín, so you'll find lots of exciting new enterprises here. This is because of the affordable cost of living and its strategic location near the U.S. and other major Latin American countries, so talent and capital flow easily through here.
Technology - Otherwise known as 'South America's Silicon Valley', Medellín is home to plenty of tech companies - ideal if you're looking for a career in IT and computer science. Tech companies in Medellín can get support from the government and there are innovation centers around the city to breed creation.
Leisure in Medellín
Once you've finished work for the day or week, you won't be short of things to do in Medellín.
You can view the fun and vibrant street art in Comuna 13 and do a graffiti walking tour to see the stunning neighborhood up close and hear about its rich history. If you love your coffee, you can't get much better than Colombian coffee! Go on a coffee tour in Medellín where you can taste the coffee and see the beautiful views Colombia has to offer.
If you love being active, you can go hiking and visit hidden waterfalls, take a city tour on electric bikes, or go white-water rafting. If you want to keep learning, then you'll love the Parque Explore, Medellín's interactive science museum, or the Museum of Antioquia - an art museum with a large collection of Colombian artist, Botero's works.
Prefer to relax during your downtime? Medellín has some amazingly tranquil parks full of lush greenery for you to chill out in, or take a day trip to the coast to unwind on a beautiful Colombian beach and make the most of the good weather.
If you're a big fan of trying local cuisine, there are plenty of delicious restaurants and street food spots for you to visit that will tantalize your tastebuds!