City of Bogota - Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

There are many differences between American and Colombian cultures. Americans have been taught to consider themselves independent and responsible for their own actions and destinies. For Colombians, family is way more important than personal matters.

Colombian children are taught to be interdependent, and team work is often encouraged by teachers and parents. Moreover, families share their emotions, feelings and spend a considerable amount of time together. In addition, they are raised in an environment where relatives are always put first. Colombians tend to worry more for the welfare of their family than their own personal matters.

For instance, students’ college and university studies are paid for by their parents and they are also supported until they get their first job.

Family reunions are frequent and very important for all the family members in Colombia, especially during holidays and significant events. There is noticeable respect for parents and elders, and often kids support their own parents when they become older and in many cases they even live under the same roof.

Colombians are, in general, taught to look out for their family, to support each other and to stay united forever. They all share strong bonds of affection, which last forever.

Regarding, directness and assertiveness, American culture and Colombian culture are quite similar. Both tend to express their opinions openly and are used to maintaining open discussions with people in a frank and direct way. They do not like being mediators. Instead, they prefer to fix and approach problems with the people involved.

However there are several exceptions when they are not entirely open in discussion. For example, passive discussions include personal information, declining requests and offensive topics.

Colombians are naturally outgoing, so they have no fear in expressing their own points of view and opinions toward certain topics. All thoughts are respected and accepted as well. They are encouraged to express their feelings and to be sensitive. Therefore, they do not mask their emotions or limit their expressions. On the other hand, sometimes they tend to be too talkative, so foreigners can see them as impolite and loud in some cases.

Lastly, Colombians tend to show their affection widely and even hug others they do not know well. Colombians display their happiness, anger and sadness, not to receive attention, but because they grow in an environment where being open is positive not a defect.

Interdependence: Adjective, mutually dependent

Assertiveness: Adjective, confidently aggressive or self-assured