How To Teach English in Colombia and Expand Your Career

With attractions like the walled city of Cartagena, the Gold Museum, and the Piedra del Peñol, Colombia is a destination that attracts many adventurous EFL teachers. The economy is growing quickly, which is spurring an increased need for English language learning, and TEFL jobs in Colombia’s public and private sectors are booming.

Bilingualism is part of Colombia’s National Development Plan, even further increasing demand for English teachers. With its beaches, rainforests, carnivals, and festivals, Colombia is a great destination for teaching abroad and for digital nomads.

Let’s take a look at the requirements and opportunities for teaching English in Colombia.

If you’re new to teaching, you’ll want to get initial training and qualification with a TEFL certificate. You can explore our online TEFL courses to get started!

Is there a demand for English teachers in Colombia?

The demand for English teaching jobs in Colombia is very strong in Bogotá, Medellín, and other larger cities, but there are also opportunities in some rural locations. There are opportunities for full-time, part-time, and independent contractor teachers, and private tutoring is also in demand.

Because the market for Business English is booming in Colombia, there are many opportunities to teach English online and in person. The introduction of bilingualism in Colombia’s National Development Plan has also led to a high demand for ESL teachers and to an increase in the implementation of CLIL methodology. Many ESL teachers also provide in-person or online private tutoring to supplement their income.

Need more training to develop your online English teaching skills? Explore the Bridge Teaching English Online Specialized Certificates.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in Colombia?

TEFL certification

A 120-hour TEFL qualification is required for most positions. The Bridge 120-hour Master Certificate meets certification requirements to teach English and includes a job advising module, resources, and support. The course, online and self-paced, covers EFL theory and applications.

For those pursuing a TESOL master’s degree, the Bridge 150-hour International Diploma in English Language Teaching (IDELTOnline™) is more than the 120-hour TEFL qualification and earns credit toward a pathway to a TESOL MA degree.

Degrees

A bachelor’s degree is not necessarily required for many jobs, but may be required or preferred for some. To teach at the post-secondary level or for some programs, a graduate degree may be required. Many employers may also require native English proficiency levels.

Prior teaching experience

Experience may make you stand out for competitive positions, but it is not always required to teach in Colombia. If you are looking to get ahead and gain TEFL experience, consider the 20-hour Guided Teaching Practicum or 60-hour Practicum in Teaching English Online TEFL/TESOL Specialized Certifications, or the 20-hour Teaching English as a Volunteer Micro-credential.

Visas

The type of visa you’ll need to teach English in Colombia will depend on your nationality and the teaching job you find. Most English teachers apply for the M visa, for foreigners seeking medium-term residency for work or study, which is valid for up to 3 years. Be sure to research the rules and requirements of the visa before applying, as there are some limits.

Colombia also has the Digital Nomad visa for teachers who plan to work remotely from Colombia temporarily. The Digital Nomad visa allows you to stay and work from Colombia for up to two years.

Considering the digital nomad English teacher lifestyle? Read the article, Things I Wish I’d Known: TEFL Digital Nomads Talk Traveling and Teaching.

How much can you earn teaching English in Colombia?

The average salary for full-time TEFL positions varies between $650 – $2,400 per month. The highest-paying jobs are for experienced teachers at International IB schools. The average hourly rate for a private English lesson ranges $8 – $20. The cost of living in Colombia is relatively low, and some teaching programs provide additional benefits, such as a housing stipend and health insurance.

Some EFL teachers also teach online for language schools, online teacher marketplaces, or private tutoring to earn additional income, providing more comfort for entertainment and travel.

Find out why ELT marketplaces are a good option for global English teachers.

What kinds of teaching jobs are available in Colombia?

Many TEFL jobs in Colombia focus on Business English or immersion classes for adults, but school systems are also promoting bilingualism, creating opportunities to teach younger students. There are opportunities for experienced teachers as well as entry-level positions for newly qualified TEFL teachers.

Teaching options include:

Private language schools
Public schools
Volunteering
Government program
Freelance tutoring

The public school year begins in January/February and ends in November. Private international schools start in August/September and end in June. The age restriction to teach in Colombia is 21-62 years old. Popular locations for English teaching jobs include Bogotá, Medellín, Bucaramanga, Barranquilla, and Cali.

Some examples of institutions and programs offering paid work in Colombia include:

IB Schools in Colombia offer excellent opportunities for experienced educators seeking competitive pay. These schools follow global standards and often provide benefits such as housing stipends, health insurance, and professional development.
English Language Fellow Program provides highly qualified U.S. educators in the field of TESOL with 10-month fellowships at academic institutions. The program is in the Colombian cities of Manizales, Bogotá, and Barranquilla.

For the intrepid digital nomad, Colombia has become an increasingly popular destination. With a growing number of coworking spaces, an affordable cost of living, and a diverse landscape (rainforests, natural parks, deserts, cosmopolitan cities), digital nomads can comfortably work while exploring the country’s different regions.

Interested in teaching online as an additional income stream? Learn how to get started as a freelance English teacher online.

What do teachers say about teaching in Colombia?

Bridge grad Graham moved from England to teach English in Bogotá, Colombia, at a school, a language institute, and one-to-one with business professionals.

“I like to talk to my students, comparing and contrasting our different cultures and backgrounds. Sometimes I use anecdotes about my time living abroad, which incorporate the cultures I encountered, describing how they differ from England.”, he shared.

Bridge grad, Ken, moved from the U.S. to teach English in Colombia to work as an independent English teacher. He shared his thoughts on adjusting to the culture.

“For me, the adjustment was challenging and personally rewarding. The food was different. It was more organic than I was accustomed to. But soon I began to enjoy their cuisine. The people are warm and friendly. Teaching English was a definite advantage to establishing my presence in a small town.”

From the rhythms of salsa in Cali to the mountain views of Medellín and the colonial charm of Cartagena, teaching English in Colombia mixes professional growth with everyday adventure. The country’s strong focus on bilingual education and its welcoming culture make it an ideal place to grow your teaching career while connecting with your students. Whether you want to get experience, grow as an educator, or enjoy a new lifestyle abroad, Colombia offers the perfect balance of purpose and discovery.

Take the next step toward your teaching adventure. Earn your Bridge 120-hour Master TEFL Certificate and start teaching English in Colombia with confidence.