Interviewing an American-Colombian Attorney and a Colombian Law Student

Getting to know others can educate and expand one’s world view. This is especially true when getting to know others from foreign regions or countries, and therefore it is in one’s best interest to gather experiences from as many people as possible in order to learn about the world and its inhabitants. As such, I invited my Colombian-American brother John who is an attorney and his Colombian girlfriend Sofia who is a law student for an interview regarding Colombian culture. The interview will begin with Sofia and be split into five categories titled politics, history, culture, law, and amusement & fun.

Sofia’s Interview

Tell us about yourself. Please provide introductory information such as your name and where you come from.

My name is Sofia, I’m 23 years old, I live in Barranquilla Colombia, I was born here, I love my culture.

Politics

What are your thoughts on the current state of Colombian politics?

Politics in Colombia is a complex and dynamic issue. At this time, there are several hot topics that are generating debate and controversy. On the one hand, Álvaro Uribe trial is generating a lot of attention, since he is accused of bribery and witness manipulation. There are tensions within the government of Gustavo Petro, with chain resignations, including that of the Minister of Defense, Iván Velásquez. This has generated criticism and concerns about the stability of the government. As for the opposition, there is criticism of Petro government, with some political leaders, such as Álvaro Leyva, expressing their dissatisfaction with the president management. In summary, politics in Colombia is experiencing a moment of great agitation and change, with several hot issues that are generating debate and controversy.

What are your thoughts on the recent Colombian election?

As I thought from the beginning everything was manipulated, recently there has been news of the current president where he says that his campaign was covered with money from drug traffickers, military and so on, Petro arrived with political ideas that he never fulfilled and dreams for the young people who in the vast majority voted for him and today they regret that electoral vote.

How do you view Colombia’s relationship with Venezuela from a legal and political perspective?

The relationship between Colombia and Venezuela is complex, it has been the subject of tensions and conflicts in recent years, it is also influenced by a variety of legal and political factors. The human rights situation, the migration crisis and security in the region are some of the most urgent issues that must be addressed by both countries.

How do people in Colombia view their relationship with neighboring countries like Venezuela and Ecuador?

Colombia relationship with Venezuela and Ecuador is extensive, much to be done, there is trade and security cooperation with Ecuador, but challenges with Venezuela due to its political and migratory crisis. Most of us Colombians value regional integration and dialogue to resolve conflicts and promote development.

What do you think are the most important issues facing Colombia today?

Colombia faces several important challenges, including:

• Social and economic inequality               

• Corruption.                       

• Armed conflict and violence

• Poor education and health

• Environmental protection

• Drug addiction and crime

• Poverty and unemployment

These problems require attention and effective solutions to boost the development and well-being of the country.

How has Colombia’s position on international law influenced its diplomatic relations with other countries?

Colombia position on international law has influenced both positively and negatively its diplomatic relations with other countries. While it has strengthened regional cooperation and promoted human rights, it has also generated tensions with some countries and criticism of the human rights situation in the country.

History

How has Colombia’s history shaped its legal and political system today?

The history of Colombia has significantly influenced its legal and political system. The Spanish colonial heritage, the struggle for independence, political violence and peace processes have shaped the country institutions and political culture. Today, Colombia faces challenges such as corruption, impunity and organized crime, but it has also made important progress in the consolidation of democracy and justice.

How do Colombians view their country’s progress over the past few decades?

Progress in Colombia in recent years has been very low in the economy, unemployment, insecurity, we identify persistent challenges such as inequality, poverty, corruption and poor infrastructure. In general, we are cautiously optimistic about the future of my country, we have not had a good ruler in it either, that’s why the country is getting worse and worse.

Culture

What is your favorite part about living in Colombia?

The diverse landscapes, the places, cities with different cultures and history, the people are very friendly, their food is delicious, I love Colombia.

What is it like to live in Colombia? What is it like to live in Barranquilla?

For me it is the best, living in Barranquilla is something inexplicable, the people are kind, friendly, we help each other, the food is very tasty, it has incredible places and above all we have the carnival the best parties with an impressive mixture of culture, if you come to Barranquilla you will fall in love with it, although we also have low tax in jobs and there are quite a few populations with poverty levels.

What are some Colombian traditions that people in the United States might not know about?

Colombia has a rich cultural heritage, some traditions are these:

• Festividades 

• Dia de Velitas 

• Festival Vallenato 

• Carnaval de Barranquilla 

• Feria de las Flores 

• Dia de la Independencia 

• Miércoles de Ceniza 

• Food

• Sancocho 

• Pescado frito 

• Bandeja paisa

• Buñuelo

• Arepa dulce

• Tamales 

• Cholao 

• Chuzo desgranado

• Salchipapa

What piece of advice would you give someone visiting Colombia for the first time?

I would tell him that he is going to go more in love with Colombia, its culture and its people, try all their food, go to the festivities, people are very friendly and here we like to show our dances, people are always happy, Colombia is a brilliant country with a unique culture, things do not always go as planned, you make friends everywhere, people are very welcoming.

What is your favorite traditional Colombian dish?

Coconut rice, fried fish, patacones, salad avocado salad and fish soup.

Do you play any sports? If so, what are they?

I play padel, to skate, Sometimes I play basketball, gym.

What is a typical day for a Colombian law student like?

If you are starting your law degree, it is covered in history books, then 2 hours of the first introduction to law class, sometimes there are gaps of 1 or 2 hours until the other 3-hour class starts. Right now I am doing my judiciary (practice) and it is going to the office, attending 4 hearings at least and attending to the user with their problems to open a protection measure so that their rights are not violated. At the end of the day you feel overworked but happy knowing that you have helped many people.

Law

What is it like to be a law student in Colombia?

It feels good, I like it, I think we should all study law here in Colombia or have a class given in schools, that way we would have a better country and we would understand each of our rights.

How has international law influenced Colombian domestic law?

International law has significantly influenced Colombian law, especially in areas such as:

• Human rights: Incorporation of international standards into the Constitution and judicial decisions.

• International criminal law: Implementation of the Rome Statute and prosecution of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

• Environmental law: Ratification of international treaties and domestic legislation that reflects international environmental principles.

• Trade and investment: Free trade agreements and investment arbitration that have shaped domestic law.

What are your thoughts on the Colombian legal system? What differentiates it from other countries’ legal systems?

The Colombian legal system has unique characteristics:

• Political Constitution (1991)

• Civil law tradition with Spanish influence

• Codified legal codes (Civil, Commercial, Criminal)

• Powerful Constitutional Court

• Recognition of indigenous and Afro-Colombian rights

However, it faces challenges such as:

• Corruption and impunity

• Limited access to justice

• Need for reform and modernization

What motivated you to pursue a career in law?

Being able to help people with all their problems makes me feel very good. At the end of the day that is what matters to me and makes me happy.

Amusement & Fun

What is your favorite color?

Yellow and Red.

If you were to be born and raised anywhere besides your country of origin, where would you choose?

Europe, I like its culture, security and also the order in which they govern their countries.

What is your favorite dessert?

Chocolate cake and I would like to try the red velvet cake from carlos bakery.

What are your hobbies?

Read a book, watch series, try to learn another language, go to brunch with my friends.

Closing Questions

Would you like to add anything else?

I hope you enjoyed the interview, and that you fell in love with Colombia a little bit and that one day you can come to this beautiful country.

John’s Interview

Tell us about yourself. Please provide introductory information such as your name and where you come from.

My name is John. I am from Bergenfield, New Jersey, and of Colombian and Lebanese descent.

Politics

What are your thoughts on the current state of Colombian politics?

Disastrous. Gustavo Petro is failing. He is completely lost control of domestic affairs. Now, he is touting the benefits of cocaine and saying it is no worse than wine. Just a complete nutjob.

What are your thoughts on the recent Colombian election?

The Colombian electorate made a very poor choice. I pray they decide better in 2026.

How do you view Colombia’s relationship with Venezuela from a legal and political perspective?

Venezuela is a failed state. Hard to have constructive geopolitical relations with a failed state. They cannot provide anything. Ignore them and close the border.

How do people in Colombia view their relationship with neighboring countries like Venezuela and Ecuador?

Culturally, they are close. It used to all be Gran Colombia, after all. Ecuador is kind of irrelevant, in the grand scheme of things. They are in the middle of elections. Daniel Noboa is pretty cool.

What do you think are the most important issues facing Colombia today?

Internal security. Too much focus on social issues has let guerrilla organizations and cartels take back power. Look up what is happening in El Catatumbo. Meanwhile, the President is obsessing over how to piss off Donald Trump. He is an embarrassment.

How has Colombia’s position on international law influenced its diplomatic relations with other countries?

Colombia has taken a sharp turn to the left and strengthened international relations with Venezuela, Haiti, and Palestine. This isn’t really very helpful, politically, and is distancing the nation from Western powers. Pretty stupid decisions (common theme).

History

What is something about Colombian history that foreigners may not know?

Panama revolted and claimed independence due to US interference.

Culture

What is your favorite part of Colombia when you visit?

Santuario, Risaralda.

What is Colombia like when you visit? Which do you like more: the city or the country?

The countryside; the only nice city is Pereira.

What are some Colombian traditions that people in the United States might not know about?

Arriba, abajo, al centro, pa dentro. Tejo.

What piece of advice would you give someone visiting Colombia for the first time?

Work on your Spanish. Carry cash. Respect the culture.

What is your favorite traditional Colombian dish?

Bandeja Paisa.

Do you play any sports? If so, what are they?

Tejo, my favorite sport.

What is a typical day for a Colombian-American law student like?

I don’t know, I am not a student.

Law

What are your thoughts on the Colombian legal system? What differentiates it from other countries’ legal systems?

Civil law is lame and overly simplistic. I support common law.

Amusement & Fun

What is your favorite color?

Brown, green, earthy tones.

If you were to be born and raised anywhere besides your country of origin, where would you choose?

Tough question. After much deliberation, probably Australia. Runner-up: Chile, Argentina, Canada. This was the toughest question of the interview, because it presumably ruled out both my country of birth and my countries of ancestral origin. Hence, I selected a country with a similar culture to the United States, with nice weather, pleasant geography, and similar cultural and educational values.

What is your favorite dessert?

Definitely Dubai chocolate.

What are your hobbies?

Watching Silo on Apple TV. It is truly a terrific show. Highly recommend.

Closing Questions

What advice do you have to the audience of this interview article?
Follow your dreams, work hard, drink water, and eat less sugar.

Would you like to add anything else?

Thank you for your time. Invest in small businesses.