TEACHING ENGLISH IN BOGOTA

Leeroy says on Jul 23, 2007, 12:43:

I saw an advertisement for the British Council a little while ago that was offering between 1,800,000 and 3,000,000 per month for English teachers. - depending on qualifications and experience. I believe International House pay something similar. Remember that not many language academies are able to sort out visas for foreigners - it is not as easy for someone to walk into Bogota and find an ESL job as (say) Madrid or Bangkok.

In any case, that money's enough to survive on. It is not nearly enough to pay for 2 kids to go to an international bilingual school, however, - although perhaps you have other ways of financing that.

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Leeroy says on Jul 23, 2007, 12:49:

For what it's worth - I wouldn't do it, not with 2 kids in tow, and on a salary of 2 million a month. While you wouldn't starve to death, money would be a continual concern.

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Colombiche says on Jul 23, 2007, 12:51:

Hi Raquel, do you have any additional info about the TESOL certification?

I have friends who are not certified and are teaching in Colombia right now.

No me den trago extranjero, que es caro y no sabe a bueno.... (Rafael Godoy)

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wjp0180 says on Jul 23, 2007, 13:05:

Hey Raquel,

Many places can up your salary based on how much you are bringing to the table. A degree is a plus, and TESOL certification can help, but the difference isn´t astronomical in regards to how much you will get paid. You might want to look in El Colombo Americano Bogota. If they pay the same as Medellin, then you will be pulling in about 1,200-1,600 per month. There are a lot of other institutions that teach English, but I think El Colombo offers the best pay. With two kids it might be difficult, but not impossible. The cost of living is pretty cheap, and if you save up before your move, then there should be no financial problems.

Also, with the TESOL, some places don´t require it. Actually most places I talked to don´t require it. I know El Colombo doesn´t, so I would hold of on that.

WP

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Leeroy says on Jul 23, 2007, 13:14:

wjp0180 is right when they say the cost of living is pretty cheap - it is (compared to the US or western Europe). But some things are expensive.

Food in supermarkets is bafflingly expensive - shopping in markets would probably be the only way to survive on a modest salary and 2 kids.

Most apartments come unfurnished - meaning you would have to buy everything (and I mean *everything*). Washing machine, fridge, bed, sofa, all that - all this would cost silly amounts of money to buy all at once. Although furnished apartments are harder to find, it would (probably) be your only option, at least at first.

You also need someone to sign the "finca raiz" for your apartment - like a guarantee that if you don't pay up with the rent that that other person would. That person, if I understand correctly, has to be a property owner in Colombia. Maybe your friend?

Cars cost more here to buy than in the states.

Enrolling kids in a bilingual school will set you back 40 million or so just to enrol them, then several million a month every month from then on to keep them there. State-run schools in Colombia are, as a general rule, disastrously bad.

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coladventure says on Jul 23, 2007, 15:09:

Hi there, I own a language school here in Bogota , I just opened and I am paying my teachers around 1.200.000 pesos, for a single is fine but I think for a mum with 2 kids probably is nothing.

Also I am offering spanish courses to foreigners and I rent rooms and beds in the north area, cheap, clean and safe.

I work with an excelent lawyer ( ex DAS-manager) so its easy for me to get visa and work permits.

if need further help send me an email anthuertas at hotmail.com

adios amigos

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