Ibagué is a city located in central Colombia, serving as the capital of the Tolima Department. While considered a small city by Colombian standards, it would be pretty large from a Czech perspective. The city has a population of approximately 500,000 inhabitants. However, from a Colombian point of view, it's often seen as a less significant urban centre.

Ibagué has a relatively calm atmosphere compared to larger Colombian cities. It has its own airport, but due to limited competition, flight prices can be expensive even by European standards (500k COP). Transportation within the city is quite affordable, with Uber being widely available and very cheap (most rides cost less than 2€). Buses cost about 1€ per ride (per person), so there's not much point in using public transport given the minimal price difference.

The city also features a bus terminal, which serves as a hub for transportation to various destinations across Colombia, making it easy to travel to other parts of the country. The rides are very cheap from 10€ for 6h ride.

Regarding safety, Ibagué is considered one of the safest cities in Colombia. However, as with many places in Colombia, there are some precautions to keep in mind. Generally, it's not advisable to venture alone into areas where poorer communities reside, especially if you're unfamiliar with the city. Traveling in larger groups during daylight hours is usually fine, but extra caution is recommended if you have a distinctly European appearance (fair skin, blonde or red hair), as this may attract unwanted attention.

At night, it's strongly recommended to use Uber or taxis for transportation, regardless of the area. The small cost of a ride is well worth the added security, considering potential risks. While I personally didn't experience any issues, some of my work colleagues did encounter problems.

These safety measures are not meant to discourage exploration but rather to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Ibagué and Colombia in general. By staying aware and taking reasonable precautions, you can fully appreciate the city's charm and the warmth of its people.

The Tolima region is particularly fascinating, especially for visitors from Europe. Due to its higher elevation, you can find numerous coffee farms scattered throughout the area. If you're a mountain enthusiast, you'll find plenty to explore here. In fact, throughout Colombia, you're surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes.
If I were to recommend some attractions in the Tolima region, I'd start with the town of Salento. While it's quite touristy, it offers a charming glimpse into local culture. You can explore the town and take an English-guided tour of a coffee plantation to learn about the region's famous export. Another must-see is the hiking trail that leads to an altitude of over 4,000 meters through the mountain range, offering breathtaking views and a unique high-altitude experience.
You don't even need to travel far from Ibagué to find natural wonders. Using public transportation, you can easily reach a beautiful canyon nearby. This area boasts numerous waterfalls, caves, and even cable cars, providing a diverse range of natural attractions and activities.
Unfortunately, due to the recent boom in tourism, some popular sites in Colombia have become overcrowded, leading to the closure of certain attractions. For instance, the hot springs in the mountains are currently inaccessible. To make the most of your trips and avoid crowds, try to plan your visits on weekdays and avoid national holidays, especially when visiting well-known tourist spots.
Remember, the region offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure opportunities. Whether you're interested in coffee culture, mountain trekking, or simply enjoying the local scenery, the area surrounding Ibagué has something to offer for every type of traveler.
Of course you can take bus or plane and travel around whole Columbia (Medellin, Bogota, Santa Marta, Buenaventura Cali etc...)

My employer during the internship was Universidad de Ibagué, a small university in Colombia. The university has a modest student body, with fewer than 10,000 students across all faculties.
I was fortunate to be placed in a research group primarily focused on computer vision. This placement allowed me to work alongside highly educated supervisor. The office facilities were adequate for the work required, and I had access to shared servers for model training.
One of the most appealing aspects of working at Universidad de Ibagué was the flexibility they offered. The university had no objections to my attending classes outside of my specific research area, allowing me to broaden my knowledge and engage with different subjects. This open approach to learning and development was greatly appreciated.
Additionally, as an employee, I was granted access to the university's sports facilities.

My work at Universidad de Ibagué was diverse and challenging, encompassing several different areas:

1) Java Plugin Development:
Upon arrival, my first task was to rewrite and expand a Java plugin. This project, including documentation, took about a week to complete. While not overly complex, it served as a good introduction to the work environment.
2) KAN Networks Research:
Having completed the initial task faster than expected, my supervisor suggested I delve into Kolmogorov-Arnold networks (KAN), a relatively new concept in AI. This became a significant part of my work, essentially conducting research on this novel network architecture. My responsibilities included:

Creating a presentation to explain KAN to local students
Implementing KAN layers in practical applications
Replacing traditional MLP layers with KAN in an existing model, which yielded interesting results


3) Technical Support:
I also provided support to students associated with the research group. This involved assisting with various technical aspects such as:

Linux-related issues
Computer networking
Advanced programming concepts
Driver installations
SSH setup and usage

My background in software engineering and programming allowed me to offer valuable assistance in these areas, complementing the AI-focused work of the research group.
Throughout my internship, I was given considerable autonomy in my research activities. This freedom allowed me to explore and contribute to cutting-edge AI concepts while also applying my broader technical knowledge to support the academic community.
This mix of focused research, practical implementation, and technical support provided a well-rounded experience that enhanced both my AI expertise and general IT skills.

During my internship, I received a salary of 1.2 million Colombian Pesos (COP) per month, which is close to the minimum wage in Colombia. This amount can be sufficient for basic living expenses in Ibagué, which is generally a very affordable city. However, the budget can become tight if you wish to enjoy additional activities or dine out frequently.
The salary was adequate for covering essential expenses if staying exclusively in Ibagué and maintaining a modest lifestyle. Eating at restaurants or visiting bars is impossible with this budget. However, there are budget-friendly options available. Very cheap restaurants offer a meal with a drink for around 15,000 COP (approximately 3€ for the menu). For drinking, as an alternative to bars, there are shop-like establishments with seating areas (Tienda) where you can enjoy drinks at lower prices (just beers).

In chat, if you want to travel, you need more money. Btravellingibyibusses is cheap. And usually, everything is about 40% cheaper than in Czechia. Food is even more affordable.

English proficiency in Ibagué is limited, which can be challenging for international visitors. Finding English speakers is rare in most everyday situations, including restaurants and shops. About 30% of students at the university have basic English skills (A2 to weak B1 level), but fluent speakers are uncommon. Even among teachers, English proficiency is not widespread.

Those who speak English well usually come from wealthy families or have spent time in English-speaking countries. Fortunately, my supervisor spoke English very well, but this is not typical.

Colombians are incredibly kind despite the language barrier and always try to help. You can manage most situations with some elementary (A1 to A2) Spanish skills and the help of translation apps. The locals' patience and willingness to assist often compensate for the language differences.
Overall, while the lack of English can be challenging, the warmth of the people and their eagerness to help make communication possible with some effort and creativity.

My accommodation was arranged through the IAESTE office with the mother of one of the office workers. I chose to pay more for housing to ensure privacy and high security. The accommodation cost 1.2 million COP per month, including food. This arrangement meant I could eat and drink anything available in the kitchen.
The location was good, just a 10-minute walk from the university in one of the best neighbourhoods in Ibagué (or by Uber in 3 minutes at a price of around 1€). While it's possible to find accommodation for half this price, perhaps even as low as 400,000 COP, such options typically involve sharing with roommates.
My decision to pay more for housing provided me with a comfortable, safe, and convenient living situation, which added extra privacy. The proximity to the university and the all-inclusive nature of the arrangement were particularly beneficial.

It was just brilliant. The taste employee was very nice and helped me with everything I needed. They gave me contact for a group of local students, and they helped me with essential stuff and silly questions. They make a lot of for me. The group has time to organise meetings or events.

At the university where I was staying during the summer, there was one more Czech student and one Romanian girl. With them, I travel to most of the places. Later in the summer, I met students from Mexico, France, and Chile. All of them are very nice people, proving that you can't meet bad travelling people.

The country's affordability makes fitness accessible to all. The university offers diverse sports activities, including table tennis, gym workouts, dancing classes and padel. In the city, students can enjoy cheap monthly gym memberships at various sports facilities. For those seeking local flavor, traditional games like Tejo are available. Pubs offer pool games for a more relaxed sporting experience.

Colombian cuisine initially seems appealing but quickly reveals itself as somewhat monotonous. A typical meal consists of beans, rice, and meat, occasionally supplemented with pasta or plantains. While local gastronomy is average, Colombia offers excellent Mexican restaurants that are very popular.

But Colombia is very good at preparing fish. Highly recommended.

Regarding foreign cuisine, burger quality varies. BBQ usually tastes good, but the meat can be gummy. Ibagué has pizzerias of different quality and even a delicious Peruvian restaurant.
Price-wise, Colombian meals are the most affordable, starting at 15,000 COP. The best pizza in Ibagué can cost over 30,000 COP, including drinks. In larger cities, especially Cartagena, you'll find restaurants with prices comparable to those in Barcelona (like 30€ for food).
This text maintains the critical information about food in Colombia, including typical dishes, foreign cuisines, and price ranges, while being more concise and structured than the original version. Let me know if you'd like any further adjustments or if you need it to be even shorter.

Colombia offers unrestricted access to social networks. However, internet quality can be inconsistent. Discord users may experience connectivity issues, and some European-based services can be problematic to access. Despite these occasional challenges, most people find the internet suitable for everyday use. The digital landscape in Colombia is a developing country in terms of phone internet quality.

Spanish.

When packing for Colombia, remember to include some warm clothing. Mountain regions can get surprisingly chilly. Consider bringing a few Czech beers as gifts or personal treats. Colombians have a genuine appreciation for high-quality beer, particularly Czech brews. This thoughtful addition can be a great conversation starter and a taste of home in a new environment. Your warm layers will keep you comfortable in more excellent areas, and sharing good beer can enhance social experiences during your stay.

Don't forget to bring some cash with you in euros or dollars. Withdrawing can be expensive in some ATM

Your experience in Colombia brought significant personal and academic growth. Academically, you expanded your knowledge in AI and KAN, primarily through self-directed learning. This self-motivation demonstrates your commitment to educational development.

Language skills were a notable area of improvement. You progressed in Spanish from a beginner to potentially an A1 or A2 level while also enhancing your English proficiency.

Perhaps most importantly, the internship facilitated personal rediscovery and emotional well-being. I found a renewed sense of happiness and self-understanding. This experience provided an opportunity for life changes and energy for living.

Absolutely brilliant.