Visa Question

I am traveling to Colombia again in December and I have been working with a company called AIESEC- they have been helping me find employment. However, so far, we have not been able to find anything in Bucaramanga. So since I haven't found anything yet... and if I don't find anything until I get there, does anyone know how complex it is to get a visa while in the Colombia?

By scarby558 on Oct 25, 2007, 09:55 in Visa & paperwork.

peterNC says on Oct 25, 2007, 10:13:

AIESEC?
Who are they?
What kind of company are they?

scarby558 says on Oct 25, 2007, 10:37:

AIESEC is a worldwide group that helps people find employment, internships, or volunteer jobs throughout the world.
Check their website Peter! You can find them all over the place.

I recently met with a gentleman that coordinates outgoing trips for members. It is a little complex if you want a specific city (for example: I was requesting Bucaramanga, Colombia) and he kinda gave me a :S look. But if you are open to just about anywhere.. no problem in finding something.

My AIESEC coordinator is from Holland.. and he was telling me that AIESEC works much differently there... So I don't know where you are from (I can only assume from the NC.. though maybe not), but if you are from NC search on google for the local office and set up a meeting... take your resume. It does not cost anything.. all you would have to pay for is the visa... unless payment is a requirement of the program you choose to do. For some reason in the USA, you are accepted automatically.. but he was telling me that in Holland they have to sit in an hour long interview and they are accepted or denied... kinda weird.. so you might want to look into that too.

Here is the site for AIESEC in Colombia : http://www.aiesec.org/colombia/
The site does not look that fabulous... but trust me, talk with someone... it is really great.
I hope I helped you Peter :) Take care

msaucey says on Oct 25, 2007, 11:15:

Thanks for sharing your info and welcome to PBH.... Quite a few teachers on board that might be able to help... Not me... But others will...

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

scarby558 says on Oct 25, 2007, 11:55:

Thanks for your welcome :)

peterNC says on Oct 25, 2007, 12:00:

Thanks,
I'll check into it. BTW... I'm from NC but live just north of Miami... My wife is from Cali and we're toying with the idea of moving down there one day...
P.

Grateful Dead says on Oct 25, 2007, 12:01:

Why does it have to be Bucaramanga ?

I know that in Bogota and Medellin they would hire you on the spot.

scarby558 says on Oct 25, 2007, 12:58:

I really like Bucaramanga and I am familiar with the area and comfortable there... my fiance and his family are there and a lot of friends. We have lived 3000 miles away from each other for 2 years (I have been able to visit him only 3 times)... I just want to be near to him... could be realllly good to live with him. So if I could do something I love to do.. and be with Jairo.. that is definitely what I am going to try my best to do.

curramberochris says on Oct 25, 2007, 13:31:

I first came to Colombia with Aiesec. They bring quite a few foreigners to B´manga.Usually to work at the Colombo. Maybe you will find more jobs in other cities? always lots in cartagena,manizales, medellin.

Keep hunting and asking for contacts in other cities, best way to find a job

scarby558 says on Oct 25, 2007, 13:42:

Thanks a lot curramberochris :) I will definitely keep these cities in mind!

RonDubya says on Oct 25, 2007, 18:02:

It looks like the original question got lost - getting a visa. I recently renewed my spousal visa, and while waiting I saw several people who had many troubles because they either didn't know what was required, or hadn't followed the proper procedures. I actually know very little about the process, but my advice is to talk to someone at your closest Colombian embassy before coming to Colombia. I see from other posts here that coming with a tourist visa and trying to change it to another type can cause problems.

Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most.

scarby558 says on Oct 25, 2007, 18:16:

Thank you so much RobDubya! I will put your advice to good use... I will go to the embassy as soon as possible. :D

curramberochris says on Oct 26, 2007, 04:31:

If you get a traineeship then they will organise the visa for you....as a trainee......costs about $200 if i remember rightly

scarby558 says on Oct 26, 2007, 11:17:

Not too bad! Sounds good! Thanks curramberochris