TEACH ENGLISH IN COLOMBIA

About Teaching English in Colombia

With the nation's fast-growing economy, TEFL certified teachers are in high demand in Colombia. With over 45 million inhabitants, Colombia has the second largest population in South America. It is also home to the fourth-largest number of Spanish speakers in the world after Mexico, the United States, and Spain, which means it provides for a great opportunity to perfect your Spanish while teaching English in Colombia. 

Twenty years ago, Colombia was a virtual no-go zone, but in recent decades the nation has become one of the most dynamic countries in Latin America and it has become much safer as well, as evidenced by its huge growth in tourism.

English teaching jobs in Colombia typically start in January - March, and July - August time periods. Most positions are for teaching English in private language schools, primarily to adults (business types, university students, tourism, etc.). 

The English teaching job market in Colombia is very strong in Bogota, Medellin, and other larger cities. Colombia is a break-even market, which allows teachers to live comfortably while teaching 20-30 hours per week.

To teach English in Colombia, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is not required but is strongly preferred. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Colombia is about $500 - $1,050 USD per month.

Teaching Requirements

TEFL CERTIFICATION

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Colombia. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

Teachers typically interview in-person in Colombia. It is common for students to take one of our Online TEFL course options listed below before departure:

• 4-Week Intensive Online TEFL Course
• 11-Week, Part-Time 170-Hour Online TEFL Course

You may also wish to take one of the 4-Week In-Person TEFL Courses that we offer in 21 locations worldwide.

NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Colombia, however, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is typically preferred but not always required.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

While a bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in Colombia, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search.

TEFL Jobs in Colombia

JOB TYPES

The most common job types in Colombia consist of:

• Teaching adults or children in English language schools.
• Private tutoring both children and adults.
• Public school programs.
• Teaching English online.

HIRING & VISA

English teachers in Colombia can expect to find jobs from January-March and again from July-August. While there are some opportunities to interview in advance over the phone and via e-mail, most English teachers interview on the ground,  in-person.

Teachers in Colombia typically teach on either a tourist visa or a work visa.

Read More: What Type of Visa Can I Use to Teach English in Colombia?

HOURS

English language schools in Colombia offer approximately 20 to 25 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

STUDENTS

It is most common that your students will be children, adults, and business professionals. 

Salary & Cost of Living

START-UP COSTS

Start-up costs will range from $1,100 - $1,600 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Colombia until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

SALARY

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Colombia. Teachers can expect to earn $500 - $1,050 USD per month. It is common for teachers in Colombia to also teach English online to supplement their income.

There are no flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent. 

COST OF LIVING & SAVINGS

The cost of living typically ranges between $500-$1,050 USD per month.

English teachers in Colombia can expect to break-even month over month. This means you can cover your rent and bills, support yourself, live comfortably, and enjoy your life abroad to the fullest, but you shouldn't expect to save money at the end of the month. If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.