Colombia: The Only Risk Is Wanting to Stay

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Colombian culture is a fascinating tapestry of indigenous, African, and European influences, known globally for magical realism, vibrant art, the warmth of its people, and, of course, music (cumbia, salsa, vallenato). The official language is Spanish, although the country recognizes over 68 indigenous languages and dialects, reflecting its immense cultural biodiversity.

The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). The value is floating; as of the current time (October 2025), the U.S. dollar is roughly exchanged between $3,800 COP and $3,900 COP for 1 USD. This favorable exchange rate makes Colombia a very accessible and attractive destination for international visitors.

The arrival of international groups of students from various medical science careers is vital for Colombia for two main reasons:

1. Impact on Vulnerable Communities: Despite having an improved health system, many rural areas and indigenous communities still face significant challenges, including high rates of morbidity, malnutrition, and limited access to basic and preventative medical care. Health brigade programs facilitate access to essential services and medications in these hard-to-reach areas.
2. Educational and Professional Growth: For international medical students, Colombia offers an unparalleled learning experience. Participating in health service here allows you to:
   
   • Gain Real Clinical Experience: Work directly with global health challenges, such as malnutrition and tropical diseases, in a low-resource setting.
   • Foster Cultural Competence: Interact with diverse local cultures, including indigenous communities, and understand the socio-cultural barriers that impact health.
   • Global Networking: Collaborate with local healthcare professionals, enriching your knowledge of the Colombian health system's challenges and promoting academic exchange.

By serving in Colombia, volunteers not only improve the quality of life for communities but also return home with a transformed global perspective and strengthened clinical skills for their future careers.

Your destination airport in Colombia will depend on the city you want to visit. The largest and busiest international airports are:

• El Dorado International Airport (BOG): Located in Bogotá, this is the country's main international hub and the largest airport in Colombia.
• José María Córdova International Airport (MDE): Serves Medellín and the surrounding region.
• Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO): Serves Cali.
• Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG): Located in Cartagena, this is a popular gateway for the Caribbean coast.
• Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ): Serves Barranquilla.

Other international airports with flights from the USA include those in Bucaramanga, Pereira, and the island of San Andrés.

Many airlines offer direct flights, making it a quick and convenient journey. The most common airlines for direct routes include:

• American Airlines
• Avianca
• Delta Air Lines
• JetBlue
• LATAM
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

Direct flights are available from several major U.S. cities, with some of the most popular routes being:

• From Miami (MIA): You can fly directly to Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE), Cartagena (CTG), Cali (CLO), and Barranquilla (BAQ).
• From New York (JFK/EWR): Direct flights are available to Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE), Cartagena (CTG), and Cali (CLO).
• From Orlando (MCO): Direct flights go to Bogotá (BOG) and Medellín (MDE).
• From Fort Lauderdale (FLL): You can fly directly to Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE), and Cartagena (CTG).
• From Los Angeles (LAX): Direct flights are available to Bogotá (BOG) and Medellín (MDE).
• From Houston (IAH): You can fly directly to Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE), and Cali (CLO).
• From Dallas (DFW): Direct flights go to Bogotá (BOG) and Medellín (MDE).
• From Washington, D.C. (IAD): There are direct flights to Bogotá (BOG).

The average flight time from the United States to Colombia is around 4 to 5 hours, depending on your departure and arrival cities. For example, a direct flight from Miami to Bogotá is approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes.