{"id":30251,"date":"2025-11-12T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=30251"},"modified":"2026-03-03T09:28:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T16:28:57","slug":"teach-english-colombia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-colombia\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Teach English in Colombia and Expand Your Career"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>\n<p>With attractions like the walled city of Cartagena, the Gold Museum, and the Piedra del Pe\u00f1ol, 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&#8217;s public and private sectors are booming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bilingualism is part of Colombia\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-online-digital-nomad\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">digital nomads<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s take a look at the requirements and opportunities for teaching English in Colombia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you&#8217;re new to teaching, you&#8217;ll want to get initial training and qualification with a <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TEFL certificate<\/a>. You can explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/online-tefl-certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online TEFL courses<\/a> to get started!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Teach-English-in-Colombia-Cartagena.jpg\" alt=\"View over the rooftops of the historic centre and Church of Saint Peter Claver in Cartagena with the modern city of Bocagrande in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-40556\" style=\"width:624px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Teach-English-in-Colombia-Cartagena.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Teach-English-in-Colombia-Cartagena-980x551.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Teach-English-in-Colombia-Cartagena-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>View of the Walled City of Cartagena (front) and the modern city of Bocagrande (back).<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-af882c1f-5b56-471c-a003-7b8d5041562f\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-colombia\/#0-is-there-a-demand-for-english-teachers-in-colombia-\" style=\"\">Is there a demand for English teachers in Colombia?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-colombia\/#1-what-qualifications-do-you-need-to-teach-english-in-colombia\" style=\"\">What qualifications do you need to teach English in Colombia?<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-colombia\/#2-tefl-certification\" style=\"\">TEFL certification<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-colombia\/#3-degrees\" style=\"\">Degrees<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-colombia\/#4-prior-teaching-experience\" style=\"\">Prior teaching experience<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-colombia\/#5-visas\" style=\"\">Visas<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-colombia\/#6-how-much-can-you-earn-teaching-english-in-colombia\" style=\"\">How much can you earn teaching English in Colombia?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-colombia\/#7-what-kinds-of-teaching-jobs-are-available-in-colombia\" style=\"\">What kinds of teaching jobs are available in Colombia?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-colombia\/#8-what-do-teachers-say-about-teaching-in-colombia\" style=\"\">What do teachers say about teaching in Colombia?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-is-there-a-demand-for-english-teachers-in-colombia-\"><strong>Is there a demand for English teachers in Colombia?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The demand for English teaching jobs in Colombia is very strong in Bogot\u00e1, Medell\u00edn, 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/reasons-become-freelance-esl-teacher\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">private tutoring<\/a> is also in demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the market for <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/reasons-specializing-in-business-english-can-boost-your-elt-career\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Business English<\/a> is booming in Colombia, there are many opportunities to teach English online and in person. The introduction of bilingualism in Colombia\u2019s National Development Plan has also led to a high demand for ESL teachers and to an increase in the implementation of <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/rise-of-clil-in-global-education-systems\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CLIL methodology<\/a>. Many ESL teachers also provide in-person or <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teaching-english-online-salaries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online private tutoring to supplement their income<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Need more training to develop your online English teaching skills? Explore the Bridge Teaching English Online Specialized Certificates.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bogota-Skyline-1.jpg\" alt=\"Panoramic view of Bogot\u00e1, Colombia, showing modern skyscrapers, residential areas, and the Andes Mountains under a bright blue sky.\" class=\"wp-image-40558\" style=\"width:597px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bogota-Skyline-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bogota-Skyline-1-980x551.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Bogota-Skyline-1-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Aerial view of Bogot\u00e1, Colombia\u2019s capital city, with the Andes Mountains in the background.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template2\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/120-hour\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/120-Hour-Master.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Qualify for top English teaching jobs with the<\/h5><h3>120-hour Master Certificate<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/120-hour\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">Get Certified<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-what-qualifications-do-you-need-to-teach-english-in-colombia\">What qualifications do you need to teach English in Colombia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-tefl-certification\">TEFL certification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A 120-hour TEFL qualification is required for most positions. The <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/120-hour\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bridge 120-hour Master Certificate<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those pursuing a TESOL master\u2019s degree, the <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/idelt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bridge 150-hour International Diploma in English Language Teaching (IDELT<em>Online\u2122)<\/em><\/a><em> <\/em>is more than the 120-hour TEFL qualification and earns credit toward a pathway to a TESOL MA degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-degrees\">Degrees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A bachelor\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/finding-right-english-proficiency-test\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">English proficiency levels<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-prior-teaching-experience\">Prior teaching experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/guided-teaching-practicum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">20-hour Guided Teaching Practicum<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-online-practicum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">60-hour Practicum in Teaching English Online<\/a> TEFL\/TESOL Specialized Certifications, or the <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\/teaching-english-as-a-volunteer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">20-hour Teaching English as a Volunteer<\/a> Micro-credential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-visas\">Visas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The type of visa you\u2019ll need to teach English in Colombia will depend on your nationality and the teaching job you find. Most English teachers apply for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancilleria.gov.co\/en\/tt_ss\/1-classes-or-categories-visas-colombia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">M visa<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Colombia also has the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancilleria.gov.co\/v\/nomadadigital\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Digital Nomad visa<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-tefl-digital-nomad\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Considering the digital nomad English teacher lifestyle? Read the article, Things I Wish I&#8217;d Known: TEFL Digital Nomads Talk Traveling and Teaching.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-how-much-can-you-earn-teaching-english-in-colombia\">How much can you earn teaching English in Colombia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The average salary for full-time TEFL positions varies between $650 \u2013 $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 \u2013 $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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some EFL teachers also teach online for language schools, <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/marketplace-teaching-english-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online teacher marketplaces<\/a>, or private tutoring to earn additional income, providing more comfort for entertainment and travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/elt-marketplaces-for-global-english-teachers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Find out why ELT marketplaces are a good option for global English teachers<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Teach-English-in-Cartagena-Traditional-Women.jpg\" alt=\"Three women wearing vibrant traditional Colombian dresses stand beside a white horse and carriage on a lively street in Cartagena\u2019s Old City.\" class=\"wp-image-40559\" style=\"width:562px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Teach-English-in-Cartagena-Traditional-Women.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Teach-English-in-Cartagena-Traditional-Women-980x551.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Teach-English-in-Cartagena-Traditional-Women-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Women in traditional Colombian dresses going to a festival in the city of Cartagena<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template3\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-popular-esl-methodologies\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/teaching-english-language-learners-ebook-1-1.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Learn about 8 ESL methodologies and get sample activities with the free guide to<\/h5><h3>Teaching English Learners: Popular ESL Learning Methodologies<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-popular-esl-methodologies\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">download<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-what-kinds-of-teaching-jobs-are-available-in-colombia\">What kinds of teaching jobs are available in Colombia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teaching options include:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-21b9d079-c133-4190-b49d-6fd586d71f1d\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-f514bef3-1ec9-4814-8400-9dd0c9cddc78\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Private language schools<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-6a565afe-b445-4426-8193-4b76c41526d1\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Public schools<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-a410c746-23f4-405d-8ea4-7c62e34f344a\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Volunteering<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-57235a74-6dba-4351-904b-df9eca9d8186\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Government program<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-9d918c14-6828-47e3-954c-20ebc6071003\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Freelance tutoring<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/jobs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">English teaching jobs<\/a> include Bogot\u00e1, Medell\u00edn, Bucaramanga, Barranquilla, and Cali.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some examples of institutions and programs offering paid work in Colombia include:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-254635c8-1ff1-4fb3-af16-50b8a64c1da6\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-849205b6-5e8f-48c3-9105-3243885c54b2\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ibo.org\/news\/news-about-ib-schools\/international-baccalaureate-authorized-in-nine-public-schools-in-colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">IB Schools<\/a> 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.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%230693e3&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-6de885f0-1aa0-4459-999d-09f72b458c0d\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#0693e3\" d=\"M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM294.6 135.1l99.9 107.1c3.5 3.8 5.5 8.7 5.5 13.8s-2 10.1-5.5 13.8L294.6 376.9c-4.2 4.5-10.1 7.1-16.3 7.1C266 384 256 374 256 361.7l0-57.7-96 0c-17.7 0-32-14.3-32-32l0-32c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l96 0 0-57.7c0-12.3 10-22.3 22.3-22.3c6.2 0 12.1 2.6 16.3 7.1z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/exchanges.state.gov\/us\/program\/english-language-fellow-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">English Language Fellow Program<\/a> 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, Bogot\u00e1, and Barranquilla.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s different regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/get-started-freelance-english-teaching-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Interested in teaching online as an additional income stream? Learn how to get started as a freelance English teacher online.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-what-do-teachers-say-about-teaching-in-colombia\">What do teachers say about teaching in Colombia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"354\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TEFL-NL-9.6-Alum-Graham-Sadler.jpg\" alt=\"Teacher Graham Sadler teaching a group of young learners in a Colombian classroom.\" class=\"wp-image-28225\" style=\"width:552px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TEFL-NL-9.6-Alum-Graham-Sadler.jpg 550w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/TEFL-NL-9.6-Alum-Graham-Sadler-480x309.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 550px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Graham, a Bridge grad, teaching a group of young learners in Bogot\u00e1, Colombia. <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/graham-from-england-teaching-business-english-in-columbia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read his story here.<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Bridge grad Graham moved from England to teach English in Bogot\u00e1, Colombia, at a school, a language institute, and one-to-one with business professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI 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.\u201d, he shared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bridge grad, Ken, moved from the U.S. to teach English in Colombia to work as an <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-freelance-english-teacher\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">independent English teacher<\/a>. He shared his thoughts on adjusting to the culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFor 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the rhythms of <em>salsa <\/em>in Cali to the mountain views of Medell\u00edn and the colonial charm of Cartagena, teaching English in Colombia mixes professional growth with everyday adventure. The country\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-if-you-are-interested-in-teaching-english-abroad-bridge%E2%80%99s-teaching-english-abroad-page-gives-you-practical-advice-training-options-and-clear-next-steps-to-help-you-get-started-\"><em>If you are interested in teaching English abroad, <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/teaching-english-abroad\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bridge\u2019s Teaching English Abroad page<\/a> gives you practical advice, training options, and clear next steps to help you get started.<br><\/em><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With attractions like the walled city of Cartagena, the Gold Museum, and the Piedra del Pe\u00f1ol, Colombia is a destination that attracts many adventurous EFL teachers. The economy is growing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":40532,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[622,621,256,257,716],"post-language":[685],"popular_posts":[],"class_list":["post-30251","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-teach-english-abroad","tag-bridge-professional-certifications","tag-teach-abroad-benefits","tag-teach-abroad-myths","tag-teach-abroad-requirements","tag-teaching-in-south-america","post-language-english"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Teach-English-in-Colombia-Featured-Image.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jennifer Maguire","author_link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/author\/jennifer-maguire\/"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30251","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30251"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30251\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41812,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30251\/revisions\/41812"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40532"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30251"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30251"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30251"},{"taxonomy":"post-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-language?post=30251"},{"taxonomy":"popular_posts","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/popular_posts?post=30251"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}