Taking your TEFL course in Colombia is ideal if you are
hoping to teach English there after the course. The school
in Bogota is run by the British Council - a true guarantee
of quality. If you plan to stay and look for work in Colombia,
this will give you a feel of what it's like to be living
and working in there. By talking to other teachers in the
school, the local TEFL grapevine might reveal schools looking
out for teachers, or places to avoid! The CELTA course in
Bogota will be identical to the course back home, with experienced,
native English trainers, and your TEFL qualification will
be just as well respected.
Most TEFL courses you'll find here are able to offer an
add-on Spanish course - great to give you a chance of learning
or improving your language in the mornings, whilst looking
for work in the afternoons, and this will be a good way
to secure cheap host family accommodation until you get
settled in.
Whether you plan to stay and teach in Colombia, or use
it as a gateway to central or South America, the time on
the TEFL course in the amazing city of Bogota will get you
away from the daily routine back home and provide a good
balance for the intensity of the course.
Colombia is a country of spectacular contrasts, surrounded by two oceans, the Atlantic and the Pacific, the cool mountainous ranges of the Andes, and the humid Amazonian jungle. Colombia is inhabited by some of the most passionate people in the world. Rich or poor, they have an enviable attitude to life; they live life to the fullest.
The TEFL market in Colombia is well-established and continuing to grow, making it a great destination for those looking for work. Colombia can be a particularly good option for newly-qualified teachers, as many schools (particularly those in smaller towns) are willing to take on teachers with relatively little teaching experience. However, an initial teaching qualification, such as the CELTA and a degree or equivalent is a requirement to obtain a work visa. Some teachers do work on a tourist visa but this is not recommended as the penalties if caught are severe.
Many of the jobs are in the larger towns and cities, i.e, the capital city Bogota, and the second largest city Medellin. The best jobs are very sought after and teachers who manage to get work there tend to stay for as long as they can. Barranquilla and Cali, however, are particularly rich areas for TEFL work, and work is generally easy to come across, especially in the language departments of the private universities.
Some jobs are offered in more rural settings, such as Armenia and Manizales, in which case, a good knowledge of the local transport system is necessary. It is always a good idea to check out the precise location of the school so that you know exactly what to expect. There are also plenty of jobs around in the smaller cities, although you may find that many of the schools there require teachers to have a couple of years experience under their belt.
English language learning in Colombia is big business and you will find that Colombians are generally very enthusiastic students. Their reputation as a passionate and hospitable nation is well-deserved and teaching in the country will give you a fantastic insight into their rich language and culture.