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Teaching in Colombia

Can anyone give me any tips / advice about teaching English in Bogota? I'm English, and have three years of experience of teaching English as a Foreign Language, but I don't have an official qualification - what do you reckon? A month long CELTA, a weekend TESOL, or will my experience be enough to land me a job?

Also, when is the best time of year to look for teaching work in Colombia? I haven't decided when I'm moving out yet, but don't want to arrive half way into the academic calendar and end up unemployed and broke for 6 months.

Which leads me to my next question - how much can I expect to be paid? Does anyone know who pays the best/worst?

And does anyone know of any other work I could do in Bogota that isn't teaching?

All tips and advice greatly appreciated! Thank you!!!

By Jeni Chan on Nov 8, 2006, 09:51 in Friendly Talkzone.

ColombiaBoard says on Nov 8, 2006, 15:05:

Some tips Don't follow the "backpacker who can teach english" route.

Most good paying schools won't hire you unless you have a work visa issued in your country of origin. If you show up in Colombia and offer your services only some "language institutes" will hire you without a work visa and you'll be working illegally. Now, this doesn't put you at risk of deportation but you'll be subject to payment abuses (they'll offer low payments, etc. and you can't complain because you're an illegal worker).

There are good teaching positions at high level private schools but you have to contact them in your country and have a teaching contract signed before getting a visa.

Right now maybe a little late. In Colombia there are two teaching calendars, A and B. A follows the January -* June, August-December calendar, B calendar follows the northamerican teaching calendar, August-December, January-June. Most bilingual schools follow the B calendar.

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mancorrea68 says on Dec 6, 2006, 20:58:

Jeni, E-mail me end I'll give some good pointers on how to go about finding a part time and/or full time teaching position in Bogotá. (I might even hire you, since I'm looking for native instructors)
mancorrea68 at gmail.com

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gringoincolombia says on Dec 8, 2006, 18:49:

Can you get a qualification? My advice is to go to one of the job fairs in the US. I got a teaching job in Bogota through Search Associates. I had better luck with them than with ISS. To apply, you will need a current teaching certificate and 2 years full-time teaching experience. ECIS is the European alternative. Of course, its only worth it to go to those fairs if you are willing to consider other countries, but there are usually not many people clamoring for the Colombian positions. Good luck.

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