Teaching English in Colombia

Learn all the ins and outs about teaching in culture and beauty-packed Colombia.

This country’s hot job market has a high demand for English teachers. So it’s up to you whether you want to teach in a bustling city or tranquil environment surrounded by nature. There are opportunities for all kinds of teachers, so read on while you start packing your bags.

Wages

Wages

Earn between $400-$1,000 per month at a school.

Or earn $12-25 per hour as a private tutor.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle

From bustling cities to rural retreats, you’re sure to find a place in Colombia to match your mood.

Communication

Communication

Colombian Spanish is the main language spoken in Colombia.

Locals rarely speak much English, but younger students and teens can often speak a little.

Climate

Climate

A tropical climate, with little change in temperature throughout the year.

It does get colder in higher elevated areas though, and can be rainy at times.

TEFL Wages in Colombia

English teaching salaries in Colombia depend on the job and the teacher’s experience. On average, a teacher makes around $500 per month as a base rate, with some exceptions.

Some jobs include housing and health insurance, so it’s worth checking with potential schools what’s included in their employment package.

Class type: Wages:
Government department teacher $1,000 p/m
Private tutor $12 – $25 p/h
Public school $500-600 p/m

Colombia, like most South American destinations, isn’t a country which is going to make you rich. Most English language teachers are able to cover their expenses including rent, meals, and transport, and perhaps save a little if they’re careful with money.

Rent prices vary depending on your location, but it’s common to spend around $200 for a room in a shared apartment with other teachers, or around $400-600 for an apartment of your own.

Where to teach English in Colombia

Colombia offers the complete South American package and much more than that. Within the borders of this relatively small country you’ll find everything you need for a lifestyle that never gets old.

Do you picture yourself on a mountain? A beach perhaps? Or roaming the streets of the capital city Bogota? Whatever you have in mind, chances are Colombia has a place just like that.

Colombia has a huge choice of places to call home. Here are some of the top picks:

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Food in Colombia

Colombia’s cuisine offers a number of dishes you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Beans, corn and rice are ingredients you will find in many national recipes and the largest meal of the day is usually lunch, dinner is often just a small snack.

Colombia English Teaching Visa Guide

Colombia Visa Guide

If you’re hoping to teach English in Colombia, you’ll want to make sure that you’re working on the right type of visa. Here’s a guide to help you prepare for your visa application, and navigate the whole process.

Full guide

China Z visa guide

English teaching requirements in Colombia

Colombia has long been a destination haven for teachers without degrees, and for non-native teachers, though you should be prepared that things are getting more competitive now. While there may be exceptions in certain circumstances, for the most part you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

Non-natives and those without degrees: If you don’t have a passport from the UK/US/IRE/CAN/AUS/NZ/SA, you can still work as an English teacher in Colombia. It can be more difficult to find work though, and it would help if you had an IELTS/TOIEC certificate to show your English fluency.

Similarly, you can work in Colombia without a college/university degree, though many schools will give preference to candidates with degrees. To overcome this preference, it can help to prepare a great demo class which you can use to show your teaching potential, and give them an offer they can’t refuse.

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