From the Colombian Navy to a New Life in Wales 

Luis’s story 

My name is Luis, and my journey to Wales began after a long career in the Colombian Navy. I served for thirty years, from 1993 to 2023, eventually reaching the rank of Navy Captain. My work focused on defence projects such as shipbuilding, naval vessel design, research and development, technology transfer, and procurement. It was demanding work, but deeply meaningful. 

In my final year of service, I was given a choice. I could continue on the path toward becoming an Admiral, or I could take an academic route. After a great deal of reflection, and long conversations with my family, I chose academia. I applied for an opportunity in the UK, and when it came through, we decided to take the leap together. 

Wales was not entirely unfamiliar to me. Years earlier, I had completed my PhD in Naval Engineering at the University of Manchester. After returning to Colombia and fulfilling my service commitment, I became Director of Education in the Navy. Alongside that role, I continued teaching project management on weekends. One of the guest lecturers I invited during that time later became a colleague at Cardiff Metropolitan University. That connection is what eventually brought me to Wales. 

I was not actively looking for a job when my colleague mentioned an opening, but the idea appealed to me. After three decades in the military, the prospect of a quieter life focused on teaching felt right. My family had also enjoyed our earlier time in the UK. So we decided to return. 

I arrived in Wales on 31 January 2023. From the beginning, I found people kind and welcoming. Life here is peaceful, greener and quieter than the cities I was used to, such as Bogotá. I live near Cardiff, close to the countryside, far from the intensity of large urban centres. That balance suits me well. 

Integration, however, has not always been easy. In Colombia, friendships form quickly and people invite you into their homes almost immediately. In Wales, relationships develop more slowly. People are friendly and polite, but social bonds tend to stay professional for longer. It is not better or worse, simply different. 

Connecting with the Latin American community here has helped. I try to give back by supporting newcomers and helping them navigate practical matters like housing and banking. Housing was one of the most challenging aspects for us, with complex paperwork and long processes, though buying a new-build eventually made things easier. 

My wife lives here with me, but she has found integration harder because of the language barrier. One-to-one conversations are manageable, but group situations can be difficult. I sometimes feel torn between wanting to participate more in local activities and not wanting to leave her behind. Our relationship comes first, so we spend most of our time together. That has also meant that building friendships has taken longer. 

Professionally, I feel settled. I lecture in project management, the same subject I taught in Colombia. The role is fulfilling but far less demanding than my Navy career. I now work three days a week, focusing on teaching and seminars, without the constant pressure of military responsibilities. It feels like a gentler stage of life, and I enjoy it. 

There are things I miss deeply from Colombia. Tennis is one of them. For years, I played every morning at six with friends at the naval club. Here, tennis courts are expensive, coaching is costly, and it is difficult to find people with the time to play regularly. I stay active by walking with my wife in local parks, but it is not the same. 

I also miss my friends and extended family. My sister is an opera singer and now works as a vocal coach in Colombia. My daughter is studying in Paris, and my son lives in Colombia but visits us regularly. We will soon gather in Paris to celebrate their birthdays, which we are very much looking forward to. 

Wales has given me a sense of calm and stability. I enjoy jogging around Cardiff Bay and hiking near Pen y Fan. The green landscapes remind me of home. It is not Colombia, but it feels close enough to bring comfort. 

When I look ahead, I see several possible paths. I could continue in academia and aim for a professorship. I could teach in the Middle East, where salaries are higher. Or I could return to Colombia to teach and be closer to extended family. For now, I am content. Time matters more to me than money, and I trust that God will guide us where we need to be. 

As a child, I was fascinated by geography. I wanted to know the capitals of every country, their rivers, mountains, and cultures. That curiosity reflected a deeper desire to connect with people from around the world. Today, I feel I am living that dream. 

At my university, I am the only person from Latin America. Including Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, I am the sole representative. I carry that responsibility with pride, but also with awareness. For many people here, I may be their only direct connection to Colombian culture. 

Colombia often suffers from unfair stereotypes shaped by media portrayals. That is not who we are. Colombian people are hardworking, disciplined, joyful, and committed. When we feel included and valued, we give everything. 

I often work late into the night, not because I have to, but because I love what I do. Many immigrants share that commitment. They take on demanding jobs in social care, hospitality, and other sectors, and they give their best. Many are also highly educated. My wife once worked in a hotel alongside colleagues who held multiple master’s degrees. 

That reality troubles me. If people were given the opportunity to work in the fields they trained for, their contribution to Wales would be even greater. Right now, many help. With the right opportunities, they could transform. 

I am fortunate to work in my profession. Many others are not. If society can help people use their skills fully, the greatest benefit will not be individual success, but a stronger, more vibrant Wales. 

I am proud to be here. I am proud to contribute. And I know I am not alone.