My daughter and a group of her college friends are spending a semester studying in South America.  I was apprehensive about this trip, especially since they will be staying in Medellin, Columbia.  This city has received much negative publicity in the past, but my daughter assures me that many positive changes have taken place and it is safe and secure for them to stay there.  She said they are renting a furnished Apartamentos en Medellin for a very affordable price and can ride the Metro, or subway, to the school.  I realize this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for her and I have to stop worrying.  To ease my fears she suggested I research Columbia, and especially Medellin, on the Internet to see for myself that conditions are much improved.