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Teaching English in Bogota

G'day! I'm a middled-aged Brisbane (Australian) woman who is considering studying a Teaching English course in Bogota. I'm feeling slightly apprehensive about coping with such a large city (Brisbane has one and a half million people) but am attracted to Colombia because of a number of students I have met living here. I find their diligence so very, very refreshing. And the fabulous cumbia music!! The course will be very demanding over a period of five weeks and is held in either June or November. Weather-wise which time is preferable? I believe it rains LOTS which I could find challenging coming from a sun-drenched city. I have a limited amount of French language knoweldge but, unfortunately, no Spanish. Will this be a problem with travelling to and from the school at Calle 91# 21? Are there any reasonable hotels in that area? I will be kept busy doing assignments during the evenings.

Looking forward to comments and encouragement!

By Sherry on Oct 29, 2004, 02:21 in Friendly Talkzone.

wuiwui says on Oct 29, 2004, 08:14:

Definitely go for it! June is cold and November is nonstop rain. So I'm thinking June will be your better option. The warmer months are January and February. Its a shame it only lasts five weeks, because if you were to go on June you could stay a little longer until August, which is the city's birthday month and they plan all sorts of activities. Don't worry about the cold though, because its a nice cold. I live in South Florida and it doesn't really get that cold here but the very little cold that we get its too penetrating despite the fact that the temperature doesn't drop that much. I think its a wonderful idea that you are considering it, it truly is a beautiful, beautiful country and am not saying it just because I'm Colombian. I've known people from other nationalities that have gone and have comed back delighted! I would recommend taking advantage of the time you have before arriving, to learn as much Spanish as you can. We'll keep posted! :)

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Sherry says on Oct 30, 2004, 23:03:

Teaching English in Bogota Hello Wuiwui - and thanks a bunch for replying! (This is the first time I've EVER put anything on the internet and I'm just fascinated to think someone actually READ it!) Mon Dieu! I'm going to focus on the June course. It's actually learning how to TEACH English, a CELTA course. From reading other interesting discussion topics I think I'd best get moving on finding out about what type of visa will be required for a maximum period of 6 weeks - allowing 10 days to adjust to the whole thing prior to the course. (This one has led a bit of a sheltered life methinks!) I know I have a fairly romantic view of the whole country having been influenced by the Colombian students here who are just gorgeous - wonderful ambassadors for their country - but they are loathe to return which I find a bit sad - the brain drain thing.

I thought Chinese was going to be the language of the future what with the Olympic Games coming up. However, from what I'm reading over here it would appear to be Spanish in years to come. AAAAGGHHH, so much to learn-----

Back go Bogota - the accommodation I'm going to be preferring is self-contained. FAR too old for the energy of a youth hostel. Wish I wasn't because the Platypus in the Candelaria sounds good!
Thanks again for taking the time to comment. Ciao - Sherry

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Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 2, 2004, 01:52:

Sherry,

Not sure if you have checked out the Colombia's Lonely planet. Hotel Saint Simon seems close to the address you mention in your message. The weather in Bogota is not that bad, June and July are the driest. The coldest periods similar to the end of winter in Sydney.

Poor but snappy

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Shirosky says on Oct 19, 2005, 09:47:

Teaching jobs I’m hoping to get some advice about teaching jobs in Bogotá. I have lived in Colombia (presently in Boston), but have never been to Bogotá. I have my degree, TEFL cert and speak Spanish. I’m already committed as I have my ticket and will be arriving in BOG on Dec. 9th. Do I start banging on doors when I get there? Is December a good time? Or am I too late? Any help would be appreciated.

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shazam (☼Travelguide writer) says on Nov 5, 2005, 16:00:

what do you plan on teaching? what area of certification do you have?

there are some schools that are on the Aug-June calendar (mostly the international schools) and some that are on the Feb-Dec calendar. most international schools already have their teachers for the year, but would most definately appreciate substitutes that are competent in the classroom and you could easily get yourself on their tutoring lists, which would help make ends meet until you do find a permanent job.

as well, the international schools do most of their hiring for the following year in february and march...so knock on their doors as soon as you get here before the directors take off. you might also consider places like "Teaching & Tutoring" which works one on one with kids who have flunked out of the top notch schools and are trying to catch up to re-enter in the following year.

good luck

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Paul Anthony says on Nov 30, 2005, 07:52:

CELTA Qualified Looking For English Teaching Work I am a British Citizen currently living in Bogotá who is looking for work teaching English.

Until last year I lived in London where I worked as a consultant for a small Business systems Analysis Consultancy. I came to Bogotá in June 2004 to visit some friends and fell in love with the place and the people.

When I got back to London I talked my colleagues into sending me to Bogotá to undertake some research for the company. The company organized a 3 year Business Visa for me and I have been working for them here ever since. Unfortunately they plan to recall me to London in February 2006. I absolutely do not want to go back permanently, because I have decided that I want to build a future for myself in Colombia.

In order to make my dream a reality I started taking Spanish lessons and now speak basic Spanish. Also in June/July of this year I took some extended leave and successfully completed the CELTA course with the British Council in Bogotá, which I really enjoyed. I have now decided to try and change my career and look for work here as an English teacher but I really don’t know how or where to begin looking.

Does anyone out there have any suggestions as to what I should do next or better still does anyone have a job? I have had some ideas of my own but they don’t seem to be getting me anywhere. I am hoping that posting this message may help to change that. All suggestions would be gratefully received.

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ddkaplan says on Dec 9, 2005, 05:54:

Teaching English in Bogotá Daniel
Hello Paul,
I´m an American who just finished the CELTA course at the British Council last week. I was wondering if you´ve had any success in finding a teaching position. Also, where did you study Spanish? My Spanish is very limited and I desperately need lessons.

Daniel

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hbratovich says on Dec 15, 2005, 09:54:

TEFL/TESOL Certificate in Bogota I think it is a better idea if you get your TEFL/TESOL Certification here in Colombia. Please visit our company's (ISSO - International Student Services Org.)web page www.estudiosexterior.com. We offer the International TEFL/TESOL Certificate program in association with ILAC - International Language Academy of Canada and we also have a job placement service and housing and airport pick up service. Our program in registered at TESL Canada, Canadian Language Council and it is accepted worldwide. We have had many participants come from other parts of the world (UK, Canada, USA and Australia) We have centers in Bogota, Cali and Barranquilla. E mail me at tefl at estudiosexterior.com and I can send you more information about the course, our company and the services offered. We also offer our Spanish For Life program to students interested in learning spanish in Colombia.

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Alix says on Dec 20, 2005, 06:41:

Spanish Hello,
I'm a Colombian and I could teach you conversational Spanish if you're interested.
I lived in the US for many years but speak perfect Spanish as I graduated HS here.

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Superfresa says on Mar 22, 2006, 01:44:

Where to teach/learn languages in Bogota As a language teacher myself, I highly recomend that you get in contact with Interlingua. It is run by an Australian who has been teaching english and running Interlingua (he is also the Australian honorary consul in Colombia) for over twenty years and the methods they use are very effective. The staff are very friendly and I'm sure you will find teaching there very enjoyable!

Interlingua is located towards the north of Bogota, close to most places and they also have Spanish clases for foreigners if anyone's interested in heading over to Colombia and learning some spanish. I did my teaching spanish as a second language course there and find it's a very effective method and one that students enjoy a lot.

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joshnic says on Sep 21, 2006, 20:01:

Teacher Training Courses in Bogota There is only one place to train as a English Language Teachers in Bogota and that is at the British Council.
www.britishcouncil.org/colombia

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RAYADO says on Nov 29, 2006, 09:51:

More than one Option for English teaching courses Totally untrue about the British Council. I'm currenty taking the ISSO (See HBratovitch post) course-which is considerably less expensive and covers the same material-and have been very satisfied with the professionalism of the trainer.

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ellbee2 says on Jan 1, 2007, 20:49:

Results? I am coming to Bogota in April to get my ESL certification. I am still uncertian which course I am going to take, ISSO or CELTA. How was the job placement support in your expierence? Are you teaching now? Any advise you can give me would be much appreciated.

LB

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going because you might not get there." Yogi Berra

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ealfaro says on Jul 4, 2008, 12:13:

Hi, i really want to teach in Bogota, colombia does anybody know of a program that may help me settle over there and get my job, im aware i have to take the Tesol course right or is the CELTA better?

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