TEACH ENGLISH IN COLOMBIA WITH TESOL CERTIFICATION

COLOMBIA: TEFL ADVENTURE IN THE LAND OF ETERNAL SPRING

Colombia offers an emerging TEFL market that appeals to adventurous teachers seeking authentic cultural immersion rather than significant financial rewards, combining stunning landscapes with a welcoming population in a country actively working to shed its troubled past.

JOB MARKET OVERVIEW

The Colombian TEFL industry presents diverse opportunities across private language academies, public schools, and government programs, with positions concentrated primarily in major urban centers like Bogotá, Medellín, Bucaramanga, Barranquilla, and Cali. The market particularly values Business English instruction, though recent government initiatives have expanded opportunities in public education through programs like the English Teaching Fellowship Program. Most employers prefer to hire teachers already in-country, making in-person job hunting more effective than advance arrangements.

SALARY EXPECTATIONS

Teachers typically earn between 1.5-2 million pesos monthly (£300-£400 / $400-$520), representing modest compensation that requires careful budgeting. While these figures won’t facilitate significant savings, they generally support comfortable lifestyles given Colombia’s exceptionally low cost of living—ranked as the second cheapest country in Latin America. Experienced teachers at International Baccalaureate schools can command premium salaries up to 5 million pesos (£1,000 / $1,300) monthly, creating a substantial income gap between entry-level and elite positions.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The Colombian market maintains standard qualification requirements including:
– Bachelor’s degree (preferred for most positions)
– TEFL certification (120+ hours recommended)
– Previous teaching experience (beneficial but not always required)

Government programs like the English Teaching Fellowship Program offer structured entry points for qualified teachers, while volunteer organizations like International Volunteer HQ provide opportunities for those seeking shorter commitments without extensive qualifications.

LIVING EXPERIENCE

Life in Colombia offers extraordinary cultural richness alongside practical challenges. The cost of living ranks among Latin America’s lowest, enabling comfortable lifestyles even on modest teaching salaries. Teachers should prepare for a “rough and ready” environment where punctuality and efficiency may differ from Western expectations, balanced by the exceptional warmth and hospitality of local communities. The country’s diverse geography creates varied living experiences depending on location, from cosmopolitan Bogotá to the coastal charm of Cartagena.

CULTURAL IMMERSION

Colombian culture embraces warmth, hospitality, and relaxed social dynamics, creating an environment where personal connections enhance both professional effectiveness and personal enjoyment. Students typically maintain casual relationships with teachers, using first names rather than formal titles, and may demonstrate relaxed attitudes toward punctuality. This cultural context requires adaptability from foreign teachers accustomed to more structured educational environments.

TEACHING ENVIRONMENT

The academic calendar follows two distinct patterns: public schools operate from January/February through November with holidays in April, June, and October, while private institutions typically follow a Northern Hemisphere schedule from August/September through June. Teaching approaches emphasize conversational fluency and practical application rather than rigid grammatical instruction, with many positions focusing specifically on Business English for adult learners.

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Major employers include:
– Berlitz (requires TEFL qualification and bachelor’s degree)
– Bogota Business English (seeks TEFL-certified teachers)
– Darlington English (prefers in-country candidates with TEFL experience)
– English Teaching Fellowship Program (government initiative offering 1.5 million peso monthly stipend)
– Footprints (recruitment agency with occasional Colombian positions)
– Global Language Training (offers 5, 6, or 11-month teaching internships)

The combination of low living costs, stunning natural landscapes, and welcoming communities makes Colombia particularly appealing for teachers seeking authentic cultural immersion and adventure rather than career advancement or savings opportunities. From conquering Mount Monserrate to exploring the walled city of Cartagena or marveling at the Piedra del Peñol, Colombia offers endless exploration opportunities for teachers willing to embrace its distinctive rhythms and remarkable beauty.