Safety in Cartagena Colombia?

Hello! So, I'm really considering going to a language school in Cartagena Colombia this summer, but my mom is really hesitant about letting me go. The U.S. Dept. of State website for traveling in Colombia was not helpful in my convincing her. (talking about gangs, kidnapping, theft) Would I be as safe as I would be in any other S. American country? Or do I have reason to worry? I'm a 20 yr. old girl.