Moving to Colombia

litost says on Dec 21, 2006, 02:50:

40,000 euros, that's almost 120 million pesos per year or 10 million pesos per month... no way in hell (sorry) you're going to get that much for a starting position no matter what multinational we're talking about. You'd have to be extremely lucky to get half of that, 5 million per month, most likely the offers start at around 2-3 million. And that's if you actually find vacant positions, there's a lot of qualified colombians looking for management jobs and a high unemployment level. I would recommend you trying to find a job before jumping over there, with european multinationals operating in Colombia. That way you might have a better chance of getting paid closer to european standards too. Still, it's tough taking off, but if it's what you want go for it, you might just get lucky.

As for the costs of living, I'd say that living on 3 million in Bogota can give you, very roughly speaking, similar level of living on 3 thousand euros in big european cities.

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JMCana says on Dec 21, 2006, 04:56:

Good advice litost gave good advice above. I applied to many schools around the Bogota area and found out he is correct. As one professor told me, "You might have to teach at two schools just to make good enough money."

Some people though are making much better money doing private English lessons. But you do need to be good and offer what they want whether it be for business, computers or passing the test to study in the USA.

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cloud9 says on Dec 21, 2006, 05:09:

Thank you! Thanks for all the advice, I actually applied for the job here in Sweden as its a Swedish company. I was really surprised when they indicated that I could expect to receive 2.4 million pesos per month...not exactly what I expected. I have been really excited about moving over but now I don't think I could afford to. I have enough debts which I have accumulated already. I'm very disillusioned... I make more than that now in an internship:(

My bargaining skills are good but I'm sure it would be difficult to bargain for four times the amount of what they are offering!

JMCan I can understand what you mean about getting a second job!

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litost says on Dec 21, 2006, 05:21:

You could live quite comfortably (assuming you're single and not expecting an overly luxurious life) on the 2.4 million a month. Unfortunately it wouldn't allow you to pay off a debt in euros of course, and you would really have to save up a lot to be able to travel internationally. Do keep in mind that the minimum wage being 400 thousand pesos a month, and the average income just a little above that amount, being offered 2.4 million right out of college is not bad at all.

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Gomezman5 says on Dec 21, 2006, 06:52:

Cloud9 I like that name "Cloud9". Are you sure you are not living there? Because Litost is correct. I agree with everything he said regarding your opportunity to earn the kind of compensation you are seeking. This is true even if it is a Swedish country you are seeking to work for. Most international companies would prefer to hire locals to do a job if they can. Why would they want to hire people from other countries where they know they are going to have to pay them a lot more $? If they can hire someone who already lives there and can do the job, they will.

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juggan2002 says on Jan 2, 2007, 13:41:

Apartment Hi

We can perhaps help you with a room if you decide to come over.

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