Teach English in or near: Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla, Cartagena
Colombia is a large and geographically diverse country situated in the top north-west of South America, below Panama. The long palm-fringed coastline on the Caribbean Sea offers stereotypical coastal paradise and the Pacific coastline is renowned for its magnificent meeting of thick jungle and ocean, complete with waterfalls, thermal pools and tiny fishing villages. Inland, verdant coffee-growing areas and rainforests rise up into the magnificent Andes mountain range.
Although Colombia’s conflict-ridden past has left the legacy of a bad reputation and poverty in many areas, Colombian people are paradoxically renowned for their singular friendliness and safety and security for visitors is much improved – as is the demand for foreign English teachers in most areas of this majestic and beautiful country. Colombia offers numerous outdoors pursuits and adventure activities, from hiking to surfing and scuba-diving, incredible nature and an eclectic mix of ancient Mayan and Spanish culture – from food to sightseeing.
Native English-speakers can find English teaching positions easily throughout Colombia with their TEFL certificate, in International Schools, private language schools and as private tutors, teaching all ages from Kindergarten children through to high-school students and adults. Although the pay can be low in general, International schools offer globally competitive salaries for TEFL graduates with teaching experience in addition to long contracts with job security. And even if you have to settle for lower rates as a new graduate you can still live comfortably and save for travel expenses as the cost of living in Colombia is also low.
Teaching English in Private Language Schools
Foreign English teachers are in demand in the many private language schools in Colombia. These schools offer flexible working hours and you will have the choice to work full-time or part-time. Your TEFL graduate certificate will suffice for these positions, and the most common way to apply for these jobs is to visit schools upon arrival in Colombia.
Teaching English in International Schools
International schools in Colombia offer comparatively excellent salaries for foreign English teachers, in addition to long contracts. Most contracts offered are for two years and you can expect to earn around COP 6 to 8,000,000 per month tax-free. However to be eligible for these positions you must have at least two years’ teaching experience in addition to being a native English speaker and possessing a TEFL certificate.
Benefits for teachers with International schools often include free accommodation, return airfare, medical insurance and a bonus at the end of your contract.
Teaching English through Government Sponsored Programme
The Colombian government’s goal is to provide English education to public schools throughout the country by 2020. Thanks to this initiative there is now a huge demand for English teachers and a ready job market for TEFL graduates in Colombia. However please note that having an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s degree or 4 year equivalent) and being between 20 and 50 years old are two prerequisites for taking a teaching position through a government sponsored programme in Colombia, as is being a native English speaker. Salaries are also comparatively low at $1,500 per month.
Benefits include a courtesy visa, end-of-year bonus, accommodation assistance and most importantly making a real difference to people’s lives and the prosperity of communities in both urban and rural Colombia.
Private English Tutoring for Children, Adults and Business Executives
The demand for private English tutors is growing constantly in Colombia – for all ages – right through from Kindergarten children to high school age, university level and business people.
Hourly rates for private English lessons vary between COP 25,000 to COP 70,000 per hour
| Monthly Salary | COP$2,200,000 – $3,200,000 a month depending on the job and level of experience. |
| Teaching Hours | 40 hours/week, 5 days a week 21-24 classroom hours/week |
| Airfare | Paid by private International schools |
| Accommodation | Paid by private International schools |
| Extra Benefits | Health insurance paid by private International schools |
Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world
There are no seasons in Colombia as it is located close to the Equator
Colombia is renowned for holding the world salsa festival, the largest outdoor horse parade and one of the biggest flower parades in the world
The name “Colombia” is derived from the last name of the explorer Christopher Columbus
Colombia is the world’s leading source of emeralds and its coffee is world-renown