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TEFL COLOMBIA / TESOL in COLOMBIA
TEFL jobs Colombia. A guide to teaching English in Colombia
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| At a Glance - teaching English in Colombia |
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'It is the most beautiful country, quite unique physically too, like a latin Switzerland. The scenery is extraordinary, sweeping vistas and mountain ridges.’
Not what you might expect to hear about a country with one of the ‘most dangerous’ reputations. But Colombia is indeed beautiful, as Chris Vellacott describes below in the Student comments section.
It is not the most popular EFL destination, however, with little EFL infrastructure compared with its neighbours and a reputation for crime, danger and kidnapping. And the drugs, of course. So it is really only for the intrepid.
This is one country where it is generally safer in the cities than in the countryside, parts of which are under the control of different anti-insurgent armies of paramilitaries, whose aim is to overthrow the Colombian Government. But Colombia's economy has recovered somewhat despite the armed conflict between government and rebels. Nevertheless, there are still considerable difficulties, including high employment and declining oil production.
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The TESOL industry in Colombia is not as well developed as in other countries, but you will find a warm welcome, as indeed you will from most other parts of this region. The greatest demand is for American English and it is generally American English teachers we find in Colombia. But there is still a place for other nationalities, if you can get past the stringent visa regulations imposed by the Colombian authorities. For more information on getting to Colombia, we suggest you see the relevant Embassy web pages in the Useful Numbers section below.
If you are applying for a TESOL positions from outside Colombia, it is generally advisable to send a passport-sized photograph along with a CV, covering letter and possibly copies of degree/EFL certificates. You can find more information at: TESOL interviews – what to expect on the Staffroom section of our website.
Undoubtedly one of the best independent information sites around can be found at: http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia which provides excellent basic information on teaching English in the country. We’d recommend this initially as a good starting point.
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Global English graduate Chris Vellacott visited Colombia in May 2002. Here he provides a fascinating insight into what it is like to live in this ‘off the beaten track’ EFL destination.
I visited Colombia to meet my then fiancée’s parents, (now my parents-in-law). Flying in from the relative ease of Costa Rica, I was very worried about what I might find. The newspapers in San José had been talking about re-ignited civil war, bombings and “unrest”. Would I survive my visit? What would the “on the ground” conditions be like, I wondered?
With trepidation I landed at Bogotá airport and immediately found myself short of breath from the altitude. I’d been at sea level – surfing – for 5 months, so it was a real shock. It actually took 3 weeks before I adjusted, feeling weak and slightly nauseous at times – until I acclimatised. Straight away I was aware of the armed presence on the airport and constant patrols on the streets of the capital. Colombia has the unique position of having 3 main paramilitary and guerrilla groups, plus the Army, who are said to be now no longer politically motivated – but are concerned with controlling territories vital to the production/shipment of cocaine. Add to this the private “narco–trafficantes,” who make no pretence that this is not their main business. The reality – in my opinion – that at the time of my visit the drug was definitely running the country, not the other way around. There are 70 murders and 40 kidnaps – for leverage and power rather than ransom – per day, an horrific statistic.
However, despite the sight of Army units on the streets and regular road blocks, I encountered no “trouble” at all and had the most excellent stay. Bogotá itself is very safe and the Colombian people are the kindest, most welcoming I have ever met. They love to meet “foreigners”, they really do. Having been effectively cut off from the outside world for 50 years, (as a western traveller) you must be prepared to be stared at. I met children who hadn’t met real gringos!! People regularly stared openly at Ana and I when we spoke English in public.
It is the most beautiful country, quite unique physically too, like a latin Switzerland. The scenery is extraordinary, sweeping vistas and mountain ridges. We visited a preserved 15th Century Colombian village high in the Andes. The roads were admittedly appalling, but when we got there it was all worth it.
A complete colonial village, or small town, arranged around a central plaza, church and cobbled. These cobbled streets lead off into gorgeous houses, just as they were in the distant past. Whitewashed with terracotta tiled roofs, high walled gardens linked to the living room areas by tiled roofed colonnades. All upstairs rooms had balconies, even those only just large enough for a hammock. The place is still lit with lamps, and enjoys a year round Mediterranean climate at that altitude, its flowers and flowering trees ever present.
Add the setting for this jewel at the foot of a towering mountain with long views over the lower ranges, quite wonderful. And that says so much about the country, the fact that it holds so much more, both culturally, physically and in the human dimension, than the world media image of violence, death and drugs. It’s a wonderland just waiting to be discovered, but only for the brave, not that you have to be brave to be there, just brave to ignore – as I had to - the advice of others, your family – and perhaps the foreign office – to go there. But if you go you will be rewarded, it’s got so much to offer. The ceasefires are holding, so watch this space, Colombia may be on the verge of a new day, a new era in their history. I would be the first to set up home there and if all goes well, they’re going to need a lot of English teachers!
If you have any experience of working in Colombia and would like to share it with us, please email us at info@global-english.com.
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BIMARC, Presidente Cardenas 840 Pte., Saltillo, Coahuila 25000. Recruits graduates to teach children on 11 month contracts.
British Council http://www.britishcouncil.org/
British Council in Colombia: http://www.britishcouncil.org/es/colombia.htm
Colombian Embassy UK: http://colombia.embassyhomepage.com/
Colombian Embassy USA: http://www.colombiaemb.org/opencms/opencms/
Colombian National Tourist Office: http://www.culturayturismo.gov.co/
Need more info? Go here: Teaching English Abroad
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DISCLAIMER
These pages are for general information only and whilst every effort has been made to ensure information is correct, it is up to the individual to thoroughly investigate the conditions of entry to countries and the legal working regulations. If offered a job, please carefully vet all terms and conditions. Inclusion of potential employment opportunities does not in any way represent a guarantee of employment.
When travelling overseas, please refer to your government’s own advice on current conditions in each country. The British Foreign Office website is a good resource for travel advice. Please follow the link: http://www.fco.gov.uk/
If you find a broken link or if you have an experience you would like to share with others about working in a particular country, please email us.
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