Teach English in Colombia 2027 | TEFL Jobs in Bogotá & Medellín
Gain global teaching experience and immerse yourself in Colombian culture with the English Ambassadors Program.
About teaching in Colombia
Teach English in Colombia with the English Ambassadors Colombia program, a safe and supportive environment for TEFL teachers starting their career in Latin America.
As an English Ambassador you'll teach in regional schools in eight cities, from Bogotá and Medellín to Cali and Manizales, giving local students a real-life context for their English while you gain a genuine insight into Colombian life and culture.
Teaching jobs in Colombia at a glance
Bogotá by night
Package for English Ambassadors
Monthly salary
COP 3,746,620 a month, gross
Guaranteed hours
Full-time weekly hours, guaranteed
Health insurance
Local health insurance provided
Visa sponsorship
Legal work permit sponsored (you pay the visa fee)
Visa fee contribution
A contribution towards your visa fee after 6 months' work
Housing assistance
Help finding accommodation (you pay the rent)
Secure contract
One-year contract, renewable
Training on arrival
Training and orientation when you arrive
Paid leave
In line with Colombian law and institutional rules
Flexible schedule
Only one Saturday every two weeks
Are you ready for one of South America's most spectacular destinations?
Still relatively undiscovered, Colombia rewards teachers with Caribbean coastline, coffee-growing hillsides, vibrant cities and a warm welcome. Your weekends and holidays are your chance to explore it all.
Where you could teach
- Bogotá
- Soacha
- Mosquera
- Medellín
- Itagüí
- Cali
- Manizales
- Villavicencio
Guatapé, near Medellín
Teaching jobs in Colombia: start dates and schedules
Hiring is ongoing, so you can start in any month of the year. You'll work one of three full-time schedules, plus one Saturday every two weeks. Your branch and schedule depend on availability when you arrive.
| Schedule | Monday to Friday | Saturdays (every other week) |
|---|---|---|
| FTBS (full-time, day) | 9:00am–6:00pm, with a 90-minute lunch | 8:00am–4:00pm, with a 30-minute lunch |
| FTM (full-time, mornings) | 6:00am–1:30pm | 8:00am–4:00pm, with a 30-minute lunch |
| FTA (full-time, afternoons) | 1:30pm–9:00pm | 8:00am–4:00pm, with a 30-minute lunch |
Hone your skills as an English teacher in Colombia
Develop lessons, role plays and activities
Support English learning among Colombian students
Generate positive learning experiences
Build your students' communicative skills
Curriculum development
Help develop English resources at your host centre
Enjoy a collaborative environment
Work alongside the academic team
Future success
Monitor and assess your students' progress
Successful student pathways
Create long-term opportunities through English education
Requirements to teach English in Colombia
- Fluent English speaker
- A TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certification, or a bachelor's degree. Don't have a TEFL yet?
- Strong interpersonal, listening and group management skills
- Empathy and respect for differences
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Need a TEFL certificate for your Colombia teaching application?
A TEFL is the quickest way to meet the requirements for this role, with no degree needed. Both courses are studied online and are 20% off with code COLOMBIA20.
120-Hour Professional TEFL
20% off with code COLOMBIA20
- Complete in as little as 3 weeks
- FCDO-legalisable certificate
- No degree or teaching experience needed
- Free job placement support
150-Hour Advanced TEFL
20% off with code COLOMBIA20
- Everything in the 120-hour course
- Extra modules on exam classes (including IELTS), large groups and mixed-level classes
- FCDO-legalisable certificate
- Free job placement support
Not sure which to choose? Compare all TEFL courses.
Teach English in Colombia: FAQs
How much is the pay to teach English in Colombia?
Through the English Ambassadors Colombia program you'll earn COP 3,746,620 a month gross. Across Colombia, English teachers typically earn around USD 700 to 1,000 a month depending on the employer and experience; private schools may add housing stipends, airfare and health insurance, while some language institutes pay less without these extras.
When can I start teaching in Colombia?
Hiring is ongoing, so you can start in any month. Your branch and teaching schedule are confirmed based on availability when you arrive.
Do I need a degree to teach English in Colombia?
Not for this role. You need either a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate or a bachelor's degree, plus fluent English. TEFL UK's 120-hour and 150-hour courses are 20% off with code COLOMBIA20.
Is teaching English in Colombia worth it?
Yes. Colombia is an affordable country with plenty of teaching jobs and a strong government focus on bilingual education, so English teachers are in steady demand.
What are the typical start-up costs for teaching in Colombia?
Budget around USD 1,000 to 1,600 to cover your first housing costs, transport, groceries and a local phone number before your first pay day.
What is the cost of living like in Colombia?
The cost of living is low, yet Colombia's major cities offer many first-world services and modern infrastructure.
Why should I teach English in Colombia?
Colombia combines Caribbean beaches and coffee-growing hills with lively cities like Bogotá, known for its art, culture, cuisine, coffee and street art. Colombia also has one of the largest Spanish-speaking populations in the world, making it a great place to learn Spanish.
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Want to teach in Colombia?
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