Quick story for you.
If you know me, you know how much I love tennis.
One day at the courts I was practicing my serve, and happened to notice another player on the other court doing the same.
After a while, he asked me to play, so we started a match (he won BTW). Come to find out he just moved to Medellin and didn’t know many people here. We connected instantly and now we train together, play every Friday, and compete against one other.
Moral of the story: One of the easiest ways to get acclimated to the city is by connecting with like-minded people and cultivating meaningful friendships.
Today, I'm sharing the best ways to make friends and forge lasting connections here:
Join Interest Groups:
Connect with people who share your passions. Medellin has many clubs and communities focused on hiking, dancing, art, fitness, volunteering, and more.
Attend Cultural Events:
Medellin is deeply rooted in its cultural heritage, with festivals, exhibitions, and cultural events happening year-round. Local festivals like Feria de las Flores are great opportunities to strike up conversations with other locals or expats.
Make a Difference:
Join local foundations and connect with others while giving back to the community. Andrew and I actually met while volunteering at Help Colombia and since then we've become business partners and great friends.
Join Co-working Spaces:
Medellin is a great place for digital nomads and remote workers. You can work with other people, go to events and workshops, and meet professionals from different fields. It's an easy way to meet people while getting s*** done.
Join a Local Sports League:
Colombians love sports, especially Futbol. Playing pickup games or joining a local league is a great way to find people as passionate as you are about a particular sport, and you may find you have other common interests as well.
One of my favourite places in the whole city is Unidad Deportiva Andres Escobar. This is a sports complex where you can find almost any sport you're looking for and people to play with. The road adjacent is lined with vendors selling fruit and freshly squeezed juice.
Remember, building genuine connections takes time and effort. Be open, approachable, and genuinely interested in others.
The Medellin community is known for its warmth and hospitality, so don't hesitate to strike up conversations, ask for recommendations, and be a part of this amazing city.
I hope these tips help you navigate the social circles in Medellin, and hope you’re able to form a few of your own.

Volunteering with the kids on Saturdays

HEY, I’M AK…
I help people just like you ESCAPE the rat race & create their DREAM life in Colombia.
Back in 2019, fed up with the trajectory of my corporate life, I quit my 6 figure salary to travel the world in the search of something more.
35+ countries later I discovered Medellin, Colombia and immediately knew I had to stay...
Now I'm teaching you EVERYTHING you need to know about living in Medellin, so you can create an amazing life here like I've done for myself.
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