TEFL jobs in Colombia

Overview

Due to the risks associated with visiting and residing in Colombia, it used to be referred to as a no-go zone for TEFL teachers. But ever since a peace accord in 2016, Colombia has begun to shed its past reputation, and people looking to teach English in Colombia have been pouring in. It is all the more appealing because the natives are hospitable, inviting, and supportive of foreigners’ arrival. In addition, Colombia is a fascinating location with a lot to see and do, which makes it well-liked among daring TEFL teachers. The walled city of Cartagena, the Gold Museum, scaling Mount Monserrate, lounging in the lovely Parque Arqueológico, and marvelling at the Piedra del Pool are just a few of the top tourist attractions available.

Because many jobs focus on corporate English, it is simple to locate positions teaching English in Colombia, and various initiatives encourage bilingualism in the educational system. Both entry-level roles for freshly certified TEFL teachers and possibilities for highly skilled and experienced English teachers in Colombia are available. You can also find volunteer opportunities teaching English in Colombia in addition to paid employment. Even while wages are often modest—especially for work in the local language schools—a low cost of living makes it possible to get by on a lower salary. Colombia can be the ideal teaching location if you’re eager to travel somewhere new where the excitement is around every turn.

In this guide, we have tried to cover everything you need to know, including the qualifications and experience you will require. We also take a look at the culture and how you might find it living and working as an English teacher in Colombia. Because this was once an unsuitable country to live you should be sure you understand the various pitfalls and take precautions to keep yourself safe. It is worth saying that things are improving all the time and that plenty of people will attest that working as an English teacher in Colombia is now a safe and enjoyable way to spend some time and will come with many great experiences.

Types of teaching jobs

Program To Teach English in Colombia (TEC)

Workers, business owners, and the Catholic Church collaborated to create the SENA National Training Service, which offers vocational training to the workforce of the nation. For pupils who can’t afford it, SENA is a respected training course that is free.

The TEC Teach English in Colombia programme was recently launched under SENA in response to the new government’s emphasis on English education. TEC volunteers are American native speakers who have a TEFL certification or at least one year of classroom experience and will teach English in Colombia to private individuals.

International Private Schools

Private international schools may be a fantastic area to hunt for a high-paying career for English teachers in Colombia with two or more years of experience. The typical requirements for these English teaching positions in Colombia are native speakers, a TEFL certificate or equivalent, and at least a bachelor’s degree.

Private Language Schools

You might simply need a college degree to be eligible for a position teaching English in Colombia for a for-profit language school. However, arriving in the nation and making an application in person is the greatest strategy to find these teaching positions as they tend to prefer to interview their candidates in person.

Finding work might be challenging if you don’t know where to seek it, just as you might anticipate anyplace in the world. The private institution Universidad EAFIT is a well-liked location for TEFL instructors to work.

State Run High-Schools

Many public schools in Colombia are now employing foreign teachers to co-teach English lessons as a result of a recent government initiative. So despite the slightly lower income, you can be confident that the kids you teach are benefiting from the work you do if you choose this type of work when you teach English in Colombia.