Half a year in Bali, Bangkok or Medellin?
Posted by TurkishSamurai@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 23 comments
In my case, it would be for an exchange year for my Bachelor's. Medellin would be a partner university, and I know people who did it already. I´m just concerned about the safety, and that Medellin isn't that pretty. Bali and Bangkok would be as freemover and a bit later.
I know this is an expats sub, but maybe some of you have experience with these destinations and can give me some advice.
I actually traveled Thailand already for a month, so I know its fun and safe. Just maybe "nothing new".
To me, I´m 26, male, speak b1 Spanish, study management.
Thanks in advance.
DumpsterSlunt@reddit
I've spent at least two months in each destination, and wouldn't recommend any for serious study.
If it's the typical study-abroad year for US university, it isn't serious study, so pick whichever tickles your fancy. Medellín to pick up a coke habit and maybe get scoped by a gringo hunter, Bali for casual sex with tourists and surfing, Bangkok the option with best diversity of activities (especially if you study Thai language).
TurkishSamurai@reddit (OP)
It's obligatory. Didn't really think abt the studying thing ahah. I'm from Germany btw and have been to Thailand for a month and Mexico.
Teach-Chemical@reddit
I’m Colombian from Medellin and honestly I wouldn’t recommend it for study abroad. I’m honestly confused as to why tourists come so much in general.
If I didn’t have family there I’d probably not go. There’s a ton of traffic and it’s only safe if you’re out during the day.
Other areas of Colombia totally but Medellin is really only fun if you’re truly a local imo.
Go to Bali or Bangkok for sure.
TurkishSamurai@reddit (OP)
Even if you speak Spanish and love the Culture, especially Music? I would be in Universidad de Medellin and probably stay in Laureles. Tbh I do not find Medellin pretty or anything, so I don't really get why so many ppl go there. I know 5 people who did it there and they said it was pretty cool. Only 1 of them got their phone stolen in a crack neighborhood.
DemonAzraeli@reddit
If you are going to spend time in Medellín, make sure you are realistic about your appetites and your self control. An alarming number of foreign visitors spin out in Medellín, laid low by eye-wateringly cheap cocaine and cleaned out by Paisa girls working with local criminal syndicates. Last few years, it has drawn some really seedy and naive gringos, and a similar number of local predators.
TurkishSamurai@reddit (OP)
Do you guys think the elections will make things worse? Heard abt the bombing
Teach-Chemical@reddit
If you’re largely going to be in the bubble of the college then I’m sure it can be very fun. It’s just difficult for me to imagine someone being able to move very freely or do all of the things that locals do safely but to each their own, of course. So if that’s what you’re looking for I’d avoid it but if you just want a fun study abroad experience at the college, go for it.
TurkishSamurai@reddit (OP)
It's a partner university of mine. I would probably stay in Laureles and then walk to uni. Just thinking abt safety about going outside in the evenings and stuff yk. For example I never had any issues in Mexico City. People told me you cannot walk with ur phone in ur hand, which seems crazy to me. But the friends who were there told me it was fine. What would u say?
JuanPGilE@reddit
You can't walk from laureles to Universidad de Medellin not under 30 minutes is not that close
TurkishSamurai@reddit (OP)
Why not if it's in the southwest? Or better Los alpes? Idk ahah
JuanPGilE@reddit
Yes Los Alpes it's the college neighborhood for UdeM that's where most students that are not from Medellín lives.
Laureles it's far because Medellín it's not that walkable and while Laureles it's on plain terrain Universidad de Medellin it's on a hill so you lose time
Also Laureles has 16 neighborhoods so depends what part of the Comuna are you choosing. If it's closer the 33 avenue then it's 30-40 minutes but if it's closer to the Stadium then it's 60-90 minutes walk
TurkishSamurai@reddit (OP)
Okay thanks a lot. What do you say abt safety atm? I'm seeing a lot of cops walking around rn. And where would u say it's okay to party? Laureles seems nice. Provenza still good?
JuanPGilE@reddit
Provenza is sht the worst I hate that place so much. Laureles is fine to party.
Safety? The same as always. No matter how precautions you take there is a small chance to something bad happen, you must accept that and go with your life
TurkishSamurai@reddit (OP)
*not fluent but like b1
khankipara99@reddit
depnds on you but cant go wrong with south america.
DumpsterSlunt@reddit
Buenaventura and Montevideo are both in South America. By being in one, you've already gone wrong. The other is a bit sleepier.
masegesege_@reddit
Bali is cool but getting around is a hassle because everything is super far and traffic is a nightmare. Never been to Medellin but Bangkok is awesome. Metro system is really convenient and it’s easy to get to other parts of the country by plane or train.
TurkishSamurai@reddit (OP)
Yup, I was in Bangkok too. Only downside would be the air quality. In Bali I would be east denpasar.
ShemikaMartin@reddit
Depends what you're into. I'd pick Bali.
binzoma@reddit
whats your purpose/what are you hoping to achieve?
they all have different pro's and con's, there isnt a 'right' answer, but there may be one that fits best based on what you want to get from the 6 months/what you enjoy etc.
in a vacuum, personally, I'd go Bali. my reasons: I'm not convinced on the general geopolitical stability of colombia with the current US govt in place, and I'm from a big city- I dont travel/move to go to other large cities (in general I find all big cities to be a bit same same. they're like the diet coke of cultural/different experiences. they're all kinda structured the same, have generally the same fun things to do, same downsides. I'd rather go right into a new culture/right into a new environment and nature)
but thats all based on me, the way I engage with the world/view the world, what I like to get out of travel/experiences, my own bias' etc.
TurkishSamurai@reddit (OP)
Yeah it's a bit complicated. Tbh just to enjoy life a little after a shitty time. Like the south American vibe, but don't wanna be alerted 24/7 there, even people told me they were safe there. I'm not sure about the weather from September to December in Bali. I'm waiting for the response of my boss for the delayed payment and then I could decide again. It was lowkey a dream but idk. I hope someone who lived in these places could say something
GZHotwater@reddit
Have you checked if you can get a visa for half a year in Bali or Thailand as a “free mover”?
TurkishSamurai@reddit (OP)
Surely from the Universities