TEFL training on the job, or thru a certified course?

beckloud says on Jul 29, 2008, 17:29:

Scott, although Medellin is a nice place to visit, I strongly recommend Bogota.

Scott here is the process: first the contract then go out of Colombia to get the visa after that back to Colombia.(anyway a student visa will do).

There are many valid, internationally recognized TEFL courses on the web, if I were you would take the CELTA at any British council for that kind of money.
Contact Petersons in Bogotá.
Cheers

beckloud

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adrienne79 says on Jul 29, 2008, 18:08:

Here is how I did it and would recommend it this way. I took an online TEFL course. I chose ITTO because of their reputation and the fact that their course is longer than most. It was 140 hours...or so they claim, just depends on the student. I started the course last summer and found it extreemly easy for me to find work here in Bucaramanga. So, I started working as a teacher at the same time. It was nice, I could pace the class and not rush through it and I could apply what I was learning to the classroom environment. I just finishd the class a few weeks ago and was happy with this meathod. Oh the class was less than $300 USD.

Getting your work visa doesn't depend on what DAS says but rather what the MRE in Bogota says. I am sure somone will correct me if I am wrong but I thought to get a work visa you had to come as a certified teacher. I came on a spouse visa so getting the permission to work that way is much easier but still no walk in the park.

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robert555 says on Jul 30, 2008, 06:59:

adrienne was the on line course very hard or is it reasonably easy for someone that has english as a first language thank you

robertscotland

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adrienne79 says on Jul 30, 2008, 07:42:

It wasn´t hard but it does require some self discipline to get the task done. You are assigned an online tutor who helps you out if you are in a stump.

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curramberochris says on Jul 30, 2008, 08:37:

For a work visa, you already need to have a job.They need to produce a lot of paperwork saying they will sponsor you ( pay your ticket out of Colombia) and that they cannot find a Colombian to do the same job. Not many institutes will give you this type of promise.
You will need to apply for the visa in a consulate outside of Colombia.

There is tonnes of info on this topic. Pick a recognised trianing course and you will have a lot more job opportunities in places that won't rip you off.

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Philly says on Jul 30, 2008, 09:37:

I love to read people comments here, especially when they are giving information that is not correct. I have a work visa and I did not need any of the things that are stated above.

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vicshere says on Jul 30, 2008, 10:13:

and that they cannot find a Colombian to do the same job.

not true they have to provide information to MRE that they have less than 20% foreigners work at that school

listo

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Philly says on Jul 30, 2008, 12:13:

Vicshere is correct, but that is only if the school is private. If it is a public school or university those records are available. You will have to wait about 10 business days for them to process your paperwork(I forget what exactly what it is called, but the school will have to provide you with all this information) Once it is finished, some one will have to pick up the paperwork in person between 9 and 10 am( in Bogota). Then you will need to take that paperwork and a copy of your contract to a consulate( I went to Venezuela). Make sure you get your passport stamped when leaving the country. If your date to stay in Colombia has passed, you need to go to DAS, and pay your fine. There are some minor things like photos, and things like that, but that is mostly it.
I went through this process back in January, please have patience. It is very unlikely you will get it all done when you expect it.
I am sorry, I can not remember exactly what everything is called what you need, but as it comes to me I will write it down. If you need anymore help, just email me. I am sure everyone here is giving you information for their particular situation, but this is Colombia, these change from day to day.

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jorgegdiaz (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jul 30, 2008, 12:32:

Philly says on Jul 30, 2008, 16:11:

Thank you Jorgegdiaz, I knew it was called something like that

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