Do you want to teach English in Colombia? If so, then I’m sure you’ve been wondering: What is the everyday life of an English-speaking teacher in Colombia? Although Colombia may not have had the best reputation in its past, it is fast becoming a preferred destination for TEFL instructors due to its growing number of English-teaching jobs in Medellin/Bogota and its magnificent landscapes and places to visit.
Why should you teach English in Colombia?
Colombia is a stunning country. A one-hour flight will take you to a different place. You’ll find yourself in an entirely new landscape. Colombia is one of the most biodiverse nations in the world. Its location near the Equator means that it doesn’t have seasons. Temperature varies according to altitude. The higher up you are, the cooler it will be. Colombian food is delicious, fresh, and local. Its people are also among the friendliest around the globe.
Which areas/cities are the best for English teaching jobs?
Many of the English-speaking jobs in Colombia include those in Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Santa Marta, and Cartagena. However, there are also opportunities in the province capitals. Jobs in rural areas are also available and offer other benefits such as free housing. In general, living in Colombia is affordable compared to other countries (being Bogota the most expensive one). Eating out for lunch costs around $5 to 10, the lease of an apartment in downtown can cost $400-$600, and the monthly internet service is around $50.
What types of English teaching jobs can you find in Colombia?
There are many opportunities to teach English here in Colombia. English teachers are hired in large and small cities alike. Colombia has a requirement that every school teaches English at a lower or intermediate level which has resulted in a huge demand for teachers in public and private schools.
Colombia is also an emerging and rapidly developing country. Many multinational companies have established their headquarters in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, and Medellin, its second-largest city. Many private language institutes are paid to help these company employees communicate with foreign branches. These classes aren’t necessarily full-time, but they have a high demand and teachers can have a full-time schedule by working for different companies.
What qualifications are required to teach English in Colombia
A bachelor’s degree is required to teach English in Colombia. Although a TEFL/CELTA/TESOL certificate can be regarded favorably, it is not mandatory. While schools prefer to hire teachers who are experienced, they will train new staff.
A TEFL certificate is required to work in most English-speaking teaching institutions in Colombia. However, teaching institutions like the British Council and International House and Universities require at least a CELTA/Trinity certification TESOL qualification.
Public schools are also looking for candidates with experience in other areas of teaching. Many of them use the CLIL method to hire international teachers for classes like Religion, Ethics, History, and Science.
What work permits or visas do you require to teach English in Colombia?
A V visa is required in order to work as an English teacher or interpreter in Colombia. The visas can be granted from one to three years, depending on the contract.
Many schools and institutions will help you with the visa process, and send the applicant a detailed list with everything required, such as an apostille, proof of experience, passport information, and other documents. To speed up the process, it is recommended that you have an apostille prepared before entering Colombia. The apostille process is different for every country, as it needs to be done in the city where you got your degree.
You will also need a Cedula, a Colombian identification card that costs around 300.000 COP. This card is used to open bank accounts, as well as act as a general identification.
As you can see, Colombia has a very wide range of opportunities and life-quality benefits you can’t miss. It is a fantastic place to see, know and learn from, and at the same time, it’s a developing country that offers several job opportunities for English speakers surrounded by lots of cultures.
