Teaching English in Colombia

Lionheart says on Dec 22, 2004, 20:25:

my experiences I have been doing research about teaching as well and I will tell you my results so far:

1. I gave up trying to get responses from schools vie email, mail, phone ... they don't respond. You have to go there in person and bang on doors. Others here have confirmed that.

2. They are illegal but nobody cares, you get paid under the table. I will also do private lessons.

3. You will have to do it on yur own, but you can prepare all documents in Colombia, fly to Embassy in Ecuador, and get work visa there.

4. 6 months are enough time to find agood job and get visa documents prepared, so you can get work visa before the 6 months are up.

5. Overstaying is a bad idea, yes, but as mentioned before, you can get a lot taken care of in 6 months.

Basically this is also what I am going to do, and I have local friends already knocking on doors for me, so I will start with a good prepared selection of interviews.

Good Luck!

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Jon says on Dec 22, 2004, 20:50:

two more ?'s How can I confirm these two issues:
Visa run to Ecuador(as opposed to the US)
Is a CELTA good enough or is a teaching credential necessary?

the Colombian consulate here in LA didn't really know.

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Lionheart says on Dec 22, 2004, 21:08:

2 more I have heard of many doing the visa run, also to other neighboring countries. I assume others here will tell their experiences.

The teaching certificate requirements seem to have changed recently for a legal work visa. Somebody mentioned that a CEFL isn't good enough anymore, but you have a BA, so that might help.

All in all, when I add up the info I have collected so far, come to Colombia first, find oprions, and let a Colombian work visa lawyer help you get the visa. I have some good addresses when you are ready.

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Skippy says on Dec 23, 2004, 00:04:

Bad News I checked into the work visa as I am currently teaching in Medellin. You must be an actual certified teacher to get a stupid visa. I don't know why Colombia makes it so difficult. I say teach in Colombia for 6 months or get a student visa and then screw it, go to a country that will appreatiate your talents....like Brazil.

It is funny. One would think that Colombia would want foreign teachers after having such a bad reputation in the world.

Yup

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william_andrew_channell says on Dec 23, 2004, 04:27:

It's not that difficult... You don't have to be a certified teacher. That's only what they tell you on the websites and at the ministry in Bogotá.
I have been teaching in Bogotá for a year with one of the most recognized language institutes in the world. And it really wasn't as difficult as everybody makes it out to be. Here is my experience:

I have no teaching certificate, no bachelors degree, no educational degree whatsoever. Before I came, I had emailed a lot of people and the only real response that I got was from the school where I work now. I came to Bogotá on a one-way ticket, and entered with a tourist stamp for 3 months. No problem. I arrived at about 10 am, took a shower, rested, had lunch and a coffee and by 4 pm that day I was talking to the director in charge of hiring new teachers at my school and told that I could begin training in 2 weeks. I took a training and was offered a job. To get the visa, I went to Quito with the following documents:

1. Contract
2. Papers proving the legal existence of the company, proportion of Colombian/Foreign employees, income and some other stuff
3. A document from my county courthouse in the US saying that I was in good standing and was not being charged with any crime or being looked for, translated to Spanish, both copies notarized and with an apostille.
4. A letter from my company saying that I was competent to teach, that I had taken the training and that there was a good reason to hire me instead of a Colombian.
5. US$205

Not very difficult, if you ask me. And remember, don't pay too much attention to what they tell you in the consulates in the US, on the websites, or at the ministry in Bogotá. Because the person who will decide if you get the visa is the guy sitting behind the desk at the consulate in Quito.

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Karenquiereirabogota says on Dec 27, 2004, 07:00:

Language Institutes Hola William,

I am a recent college graduate who plans on traveling to Bogota late January or early Febuary in search of a teaching job. I read your posting and am interested in the institute that hired you to teach english. I have also contacted a few language schools, but have received no responses. Although I do have a bachelors degree, I do not have any formal teaching experience. Any type of employment that includes training would be ideal for me. If possible, could you please send me contact information of the institute you currently teach at or any other reputable schools you may know? Any help would be very much appreciated.
Gracias,
Karen
kpalacio28 at yahoo.com

Karen Palacio

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aragrev says on Apr 15, 2005, 14:08:

Teaching in Colombia Appreciate your post, I am also interested in teaching English in Colombia. Have some college, but have heard it would be in my best interest to get a teaching credential before you go. I do have one thing going for me, in that my wife has family in Colombia. That is my motivation for going down there. I have been there 2 times before and would like to live down there for awhile. Her family is mainly in Barranquilla with some in Medellin. I am thankful for the information on this board and in your post. We plan on going to Colombia either during the summer or during Christmas.

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sinorito1 says on Apr 20, 2005, 12:38:

Thinking of doing the same. I do have a degree in Mathematics (strange that I want to teach English isn't it?) and am thinking of doing the same as you William however I am wondering what type of salary I can expect?

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Hunter says on Apr 29, 2005, 23:49:

sinorito1 I have heard that there is high demand for private maths teachers, also that their pay is better than private English teachers, you will need some Spanish though.

The pay for English teachers varies greatly, if you read a few posts on PBH you will soon work that out.

Hunter

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caulfield2 says on Apr 30, 2005, 07:31:

Teaching in Colombia

You can do it that way, but it's probably easier to go to an overseas teaching fair. That's how I got my job, teaching English (Lit) to 11th and 12th graders in Armenia at a private bi-lingual academy.

The University of Northern Iowa has the biggest one, in early February each there. There were almost 10 Colombian schools (along with schools from Honduras, Venezuela, Brazil, etc.) represented, and I interviewed with schools in Barranquilla, Cartagena, Manizales and Armenia. Out of those interviews, I had 2 offers, one I was told I would have to wait on (I didn't have a recommendation from a current supervisor, as I didn't want to tell my school at that point I was leaving...it's the screwed up Kansas City MO Public School System).

I'm pretty sure there are overseas job fairs in Queensland (Canada) and another big one in the Boston area in February or March...maybe Amherst? The woman at UNI could probably help you with your search if you were interested. http://www.uni.edu/placemnt/overseas/osfair/fairoverview.html has all the information for the 2006 job fair already.

The biggest advantage about going this route:

1) You can meet directors from all around the world and have some options instead of picking the first one out of desperation
2) You have some help and assistance in getting your documents processed, you can go to a Colombian consulate in the US, and you have 5-6 months to get ready
3) The private/bilingual schools pay significantly better than "English tutoring" in most of the Latin American countries...my salary is somewhere around $24,000, which I've been told is pretty good money for the "coffee/Andes" region

Also, these job fairs have actual Social Studies, English, etc. teaching positions, and not English "tutoring" or "grammar" per se.

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jaki says on Aug 22, 2005, 11:37:

Colombian Lawyers would be really grateful for a good Colombian lawyer + an idea of how much they charge cos i have a contract to work in Colombia in november but im not sure of all the other requirements. Another problem is I have already been in Colombia 6 months (now in Costa Rica)how easy will this be as technically I cant re-enter?!

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raquelita714 says on Aug 28, 2005, 16:04:

teaching english Hi!

I am interested in teaching english and read your posting. What is the name of the institute you teach at so I can interview there?
And what do they pay?


Raquel

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CaryGrant says on Aug 29, 2005, 17:29:

Stop asking for the guy's employer's info. You're just random Internet people at this point. If you want to find TEFL work in Colombia, go here: http://www.eslcafe.com/ and look on the job boards. The International Job Forums are also quite helpful for learning more about a country.

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Emily_Nottingham says on Aug 31, 2005, 22:06:

you make it sound very simple I am writing to you because you sound like you have it figured out down there. I am a Canadian trained teacher currently teaching in New Zealand. I am looking at heading to Columbia in the next year or so. I am looking for information on different institutions to teach at and what the possible income would be. How do you find the income in relation to monthly spending? Are you able to save any money at all.

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stantheman says on Sep 1, 2005, 04:42:

Ph.D., CELTA, Experienced. Looking for University Teaching Post I'm ready to begin! Would consider teaching in a company. The main thing is . . . I want motivated students. Any leads? Hope it's OK to post my CV (below). Thanks.

Stan Moore
dreamstoshare at hotmail.com

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

Cambridge/RSA CELTA, International House Riviera-Maya
Ph.D., History, University of Kansas, summa cum laude
M.A., History, University of South Florida, summa cum laude
M.S., Urban and Regional Planning, Florida State University
B.A., Public Administration/Political Science, Florida Atlantic University

TEACHING EXPERIENCES

Stan Moore Group
Specialty English for Professionals
Chiang Mai, Thailand/Orlando, Florida
January 2003 - Present

English Teacher
Berlitz Escuela de Idiomas
Monterrey and Mexico City, Mexico
June 1983 to June 1985

Adjunct Professor (History)
Florida International University
Miami, Florida
September 1982 to June 1983

Instructor (History)
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
June 1978 to December 1980

FUND-RAISING EXPERIENCES

President
Stan Moore Fund-Raising Group
Santa Barbara/Cincinnati/Orlando/Asheville
January 1986 to December 2002

Providing fund-raising counsel to NGO’s worldwide. Responsible for planning, organization, and direction of major fund-raising/marketing campaigns, including: Campaign Planning Studies; recruitment, training, and direction of volunteer leadership; donor cultivation and solicitation (individuals, corporations, and foundations, $1,000,000+); public relations; recruitment/training of development personnel; board and leadership development. Served more than sixty institutions in twenty-two states and overseas, which have raised in excess of $200 million. Clients include medical, educational, religious, and social service institutions.

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Lucia Rojas says on Sep 1, 2005, 09:22:

Foreign teachers get payed very well. there are some private schools that hire tons of foreigners. they are always payed more than the colombian teachers and they are payed in dollars.

Where I work the foreign teachers get their salary ( like 3 times more than a colombian) and they get their bills payed as well as the rent. Its really confortable for them... and they manage to save some money... and live like kings in colombia!

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4everblue says on Sep 6, 2005, 05:49:

Teaching English in Bogota What's it like for just teaching English on an ad hoc basis to private students??..rather than going through an established school (with all its' overheads) and offering a more competive price??...visas still an issue if you are actually earning??...if you did go private what would be an accepatable hourly rate??

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duncanmack says on Oct 7, 2005, 09:19:

How are wages in cali? I have a degree, but no formal teaching english papers.I am going to Colombia in Dec.I am curious about wages ,cost of a furnished apt etc.
Can anyone help out on this one?Cheers.

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cggreen says on Oct 7, 2005, 10:33:

find a job in Colombia on www.nextstepuk.co.uk.

It has an online databse of jobs, resumes, recruiters and information to make finding a job easy - get head hunted!

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duncanmack says on Oct 15, 2005, 13:45:

Anyone heard of petersons school in bogata? From: a_posso
To: duncanmack
Subject: Re: interested in teaching english
Date: Mon, 09/12/2005 - 17:35

Dear Duncan:

Thank you for your emails and your interest in working for us.

We are an English institution located in Bogota and we teach executives in different multinational companies.

And once you start working, you will be teaching as many hours as you can handle. We work mornings, noontime and evenings, as well as Saturdays. On Saturdays we usually work blocks of 3 hours.

We have classes beginning every week teaching executives in different multinational companies.

Remember that no experience in English Teaching is needed to work with us. We provide you with all the training and materials needed for the classes.

Please, let us know with 2 weeks in advance about the day you are planning to arrive to Bogota.

Looking forward to seeing you here at Petersons.

Best regards,

Adriana Posso Bergsneider
General Manager
Petersons
Bogota, Colombia
Tel. +57 1 3216776
Cel. +57 310 2416446
petersons at etb.net.co

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Paul Anthony says on Nov 30, 2005, 07:51:

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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bobbyb says on Dec 1, 2005, 15:03:

check out these sites http://www.eslcafe.com/
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/esl/index.shtml

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shazam (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 2, 2005, 12:02:

vato says on Jan 9, 2006, 13:06:

Looking for Work in October I will be retiring from the military as a Spanish Language Instructor Pilot, I have taught many Colombians, Peruvians, Bolivians etc. the skill of flying. I have experience in teaching both in a classroom environment and hands on. I do not have any civilian teaching credentials and was wondering what would be my best opportunity to get a job as an English teacher in Colombia. For example would it be good to get a TEFL or something similar. My civilian education is all in aviation. Any help would be appreciated.

He who has knowledge controls this grand scheme, in the land of the blind the one not is king.

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Jebediah says on Jan 9, 2006, 15:46:

Teaching Ingles Sin Visa I am going to be travelling around Sth America for an extended time. I think im going to keep an eye, and see if i can base myself in one city for a month or two and teach english. Wont have a visa, dont have any teaching experience, have a Diploma in IT. Obviously im fluent in English, speak basic spanish, thats about it.

Adios!
Duncan

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Wastelandlive says on Jan 9, 2006, 15:50:

Officer, or Warrant Officer? Wasteland

Wasteland

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omargue says on Jan 15, 2006, 10:52:

teaching english in Cali I am moving to Colombia in July and am interested in teaching english, i have no degree or certifications, i am a native english speaker. Does anyone know of schools in Cali or the best way for me to start work in Cali? In order for me to start teaching do i need the TELF certification? Any help or direction would be very helpful. i hear the visa is very important before getting work buti would not have any problems with visa or anything, i will be getting my citizenship before i go, my father is Colombian. Also how much would i be making teaching english in Cali? Any help would be greatful, thank you

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Andrewrsn says on Jan 18, 2006, 14:29:

Teaching English in Cali I just got back from a trip to Cali to visit some friends. needless to say within a day of getting home I started searching for English teaching jobs in Cali. I have a friend there who is doing some looking but as a native he doesn't know too much about the job search. anybody have any places to email/call or any suggestions on finding a job? I have a BS from the Univ. of MN and am currently working on getting my TEFL.

thanks

Andrew

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LatinAmericaVet says on Sep 25, 2006, 08:15:

Returning to Latin America HI Everyone;

I am Canadian and have spent 6 years in L.America from '97 to '03 at which time I went to China. I was in Medellin for 2 months in '00.

Now I want to come to Bogota and teach mainly Business English. A few questions: Is it easy and cheap to get a student visa and is this a reasonable solution/alternative to getting a working visa?

Is overstaying the visa logical? Fine for same?

I also sincerely would like to find a wife and it seems you can get residency that way? Is it complicated?

I'd like to eventually get a lot of privates and be independent of any one particular language center or employer.

Thanks in advance.

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A Mulatto of Style says on Nov 9, 2006, 13:41:

Teaching English in Cartagena
Hey Guys,
I am a Canadian interested in teaching English in Cartagena. I was wondering if anyone knows of any English schools in Cartagena I could apply to.

Also was wondering exactly how difficult is it to get a work Visa.

Thanks!

A Mulatto of style from the West Indies

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Kata (☼Travelguide writer) says on Dec 2, 2006, 05:16:

DavidM says on Apr 25, 2007, 14:15:

Name of School You Work For? Would you please provide this along with the type of pay a person can expect teaching English for your organization.

Thank you,
David M.

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tontito says on May 4, 2007, 06:46:

Thanks for your posting, I'm moving to Bogota in september, i've taught there before, quite a while ago, but without a work visa. I want to be 100% legal this time, i have a tefl but no degree. I was beginning to have a panic over this visa situation, but what you've said makes alot of sense and has helped put my mind at rest.

If you or anyone else reading this knows of a school looking for a competent, native(UK), teacher please let me know.

Many thanks

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beckloud says on May 15, 2007, 19:44:

Teaching English at Peterson´s in Bogotá We are an English Teaching institute located in Bogota and we teach executives in different multinational companies.

Once you start working, you will be teaching as many hours as you can handle. We work mornings, noontime and evenings, as well as Saturdays. On Saturdays we usually work blocks of 3 hours.

We have classes beginning every week teaching executives in different multinational companies.

Remember that no previuos experience in English Teaching is required to work for us. We provide you with all the training and materials needed for the classes.

Please, let us know at least 2 weeks in advance about the day you are planning to arrive to Bogota.

Look forward to seeing you here at Petersons.

Best regards,

Adriana Posso Bergsneider
General Manager
Petersons
Bogota, Colombia
Tel. +57 1 3216776
Cel. +57 310 2416446
petersons at etb.net.co

beckloud

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The king of Latvia says on Mar 1, 2008, 09:08:

Hello

I am a certified, native English teacher with experience who has moved to Barranquilla recently. I have a salary paid job but I am looking for some private classes too. If anyone has any information or contacts please let me know. Thank you.

All the best

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The king of Latvia says on Mar 1, 2008, 09:08:

And here is my e-mail address jayden54 at hotmail.com

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