OUR TEAM
Hey! I’m Juan Camilo García Martínez but most people just call me Camilo. I was born in Puerto Nare, but when I was about three years old I moved to San Carlos and lived there until it was invaded by the FARC in the late-1990's. During this time, my family and I relocated to Medellin to seek safety, but when San Carlos became an example of peace and reconciliation in the mid-2000's, we returned to live there. San Carlos is home close to my heart. When you see it, you'll realize why.
Back in university, I studied Spanish Philology (not to be confused with Philosophy), it's about all things related to Spanish—Linguistics, Literature, History, and Philosophy of the Language and its relation to Latin and Ancient Greek languages. I then fell in love with languages and began to learn German and English. My favorite travel was when I went to Argentina, where I interacted with foreigners and realized the importance of being able to understand cultures. Since then I have been teaching Spanish to travelers and adventurers of all types who want to experience true Colombian culture. I have worked at two different Spanish schools in Poblado, Medellín prior to Spanish Adventure. Everyone learns Spanish differently, and I continually aim to improve and personalize my teaching methodologies—especially to make them more fun and enjoyable.
Daniel Felipe Vergara
Spanish Teacher | Founder
Daniels Facebook Page & Reviews
Hey guys! I'm Daniel, and for the past several years I have been working with foreigners to teach them Spanish and help them immerse themselves in Colombian culture. I love my job because it makes me feel like I’m traveling in my own home. I'm able to learn about the cultures of my students, understand a different way of thinking, all while sharing my Colombian culture with them. Before Spanish Adventure, I worked as Coordinator of Special Programs at Colombia Immersion in Envigado, Medellin.
I have traveled throughout Colombia, learning more about my culture, understanding more of my country, and seeing the amazing places it has to offer. San Carlos—one of my favorites in Colombia—is a special place where you will feel the true Colombian culture and experience its peacefulness and perfect weather. Nowadays I enjoy different activities like exercising, studying, hiking, meeting people, just having fun, and challenging myself through various adventures and new sensations.
I'm a firm believer that when you start to learn a language, it's not enough to just study the grammar. You need to feel the culture, experience how the people live and think, speak and apply your newly-learned skills. In this way—and only in this way—you will build your Spanish; that in itself will be an adventure.
Joan Ferley García Martínez
Spanish Teacher | Tutors coordinator
Hi guys I´m Joan. I was born in San Carlos but I was displaced to Medellin when I was a baby. In Medellin I lived the most of my life. I returned to San Carlos when I was 14 years old and I lived only for 3 years because I had to go back to Medellin to go to university. I studied food engineering (different from a chef ), I love to cook and I love experimentation with the food, I like sports in general but my favourite is football. Now I work with Spanish adventure coordinating the restaurant besides I do other activities like tutorials and adventures.
My favorite word in Spanish is “Alimentos” Because the food is my life and will continue to be.
Luza Quiceno Aristizabal
House manager
My name is Luza, I do the cleaning around the school. I am a friend of Berenice and I have been working with Spanish Adventure since the beginning. I was born and raised in San Carlos together with my mum and my three brothers. Now I live with my husband and my two daughters. In my spare time I like to go swimming in the river and play with my kids.
What is your favorite spanish word and why?
Oh, I dont really know. Maybe "te amo" because it is something that I say to my daughters a lot.
Sandra Lizeth Jaramillo
Teacher
¡Hi guys! I am Liz, I was born in Medellín, I am a Psychology Specialist in family, childhood and teenagers, I am passionate about learning about all the spheres that surround the human being, families, contexts, cultures, thoughts and how these influence personal decisions. I owe my profession to this restlessness.
I arrived in San Carlos 7 months ago. I was captivated by the landscape, nature, tranquillity and warm of the people who live here. Spanish Adventure totally changed my thinking. For me it has been a great experience of life, of cultural exchange, of having the opportunity to learn languages and to share with people who have a different perspective of the world.
At school I accompany you in the tutorial process of practical conversation as a complement to grammar classes to speed up your learning in the Spanish language. The idea is that we can work on everything learned from different methodologies and be more fluid when speaking.
My favourite word is learning, it is part of evolving as people, of growing in different aspects that interest us, it is developing skills to balance and adapt to changes in life, that is why, just as you learn on your travels, I learn with you while we talk about the world.
Santiago Perez Cifuentes
Teacher
Hi Bros! I’m Santiago Perez, I from Medellin, Antioquia, and a few years ago I graduate as a business administrator of Medellin university, but now I want to change a little my life, because a felt so tired to be a financial analyst, I prefer the tranquility of this town, nature and teach Spanish, I really like this! I think life is too short to spend all your time in an office, but now I’m Spanish teacher in the morning, tour guide in the afternoon and backend developer at night. I’ passionate to travel around the world, to get to know all cultures! And here in Spanish adventure you can always know something about each country, also I love ride bicycle and solve puzzles!
My favorite word in Spanish is "Efimero" because that is life, and we must enjoy it to the fullest.
Berenice del Socorro Martínez Marín:
Cooker and Camilo’s mum
My name is Berenice and I’m Camilo’s mum. I’m originally from Puerto Nare, Magdalena but I’ve lived in a lot of different places. I moved from Medellín to San Carlos about seven years ago. I used to work with cosmetics but now I work at the restaurant and cook for Spanish Adventure. I really like my job because I enjoy cooking. My favourite dish is probably rice with meat and avocado.
What do you think is the key to learn a new language? – Talk, talk, talk – and then a little extra bit of practice.
Which is your favourite Spanish word and why?
– Amor, because it’s pretty.
Griselda González
Cooker
Hello, my name is Griselda Gonzalez Daza. I have lived in San Carlos, Antioquia, all my life, and I love my town, its rivers, its park, and the people. I enjoy cooking, but I love eating even more. I'm passionate about sports, and cycling is my favorite. I love my family, my son, and the people around me. I have been working in the kitchen for several years, and I enjoy every minute of the experience. I put love into every recipe I make. As they say, a full belly is a happy heart.
My favorite quote is resilience, the ability that all people have to face the adversities we encounter as human beings.
Our Volunteers
At any given time, we have volunteers assisting us with various aspects of the school. If you're interested in volunteering with us, follow this link and apply with your interests and related skills. We often have a lot of interest in our volunteer positions, so unfortunately we cannot guarantee positions to all—though we would still love to hear from you. Send us a message, and we'll let you know!
We have had volunteers from around the world. We are always looking for passionate people.