Downtown Medellin
In late August, after about a month of exploring Medellin and its surrounding regions, I decided to start looking around for English teaching positions. I started off by asking my family for some names of good bilingual schools and English institutes in the area and they gave me quite a long list.
Here’s a short list of the schools I looked into:
- Columbus School
- Gimnasio Vermont
- New School
- Only Kids
- Marymount
- Colombo Britanico
- Gimnasio Los Pinares
Here’s a short list of English institutes I looked into:
- Colombo Americano
- Berlitz
- El Centro Ingles
- Winston Salem
- EAFIT Language Center
Well, I’m more than happy to say that I ended up getting a fist grade teaching position at a top bilingual school here in Medellin! I’m equally as happy to report back to Medellin Living followers that it was a pretty simple process… although at times I found myself disappointed and discouraged.
I started preparing for my job hunt back in Jersey by making dozens of copies of my resume in both English and Spanish. I was then advised to “apostille” my college diploma and my New Jersey teaching license (for those of you who have never heard this term, like myself, an apostille is a seal that your state places on documents to show authenticity overseas).
Once in Medellin I simply began calling the schools and institutes mentioned above. Typically I introduced myself and told them that I was a certified teacher from the USA hoping to find a position as an English teacher. A number of places informed me that they were in the middle of the school year and that they would not be looking for anyone until the beginning of the school year in late January… this was not good news for me.
A few places did however show interest in me and invited me in for interviews. The interviews were all held in English and they were pretty straight forward. Typical questions like, “What experience do you have as a teacher?” “Which age groups do you enjoy working with the most?” “How would a typical lesson run in your class?” All of the questions were easy for me to answer being that I had teaching experience from home.
I came to Medellin thinking that it would be easy for me to find a good paying job because I’m a native English speaker and because I have teaching experience and credentials but this wasn’t necessarily the case at most of the schools and institutes that offered me positions.
Here’s what some of the job offers looked like…
A number of language institutes offered me part-time positions, about 10-15 hours a week, paying 8 thousand COP ($4.40) per hour (the hours and pay were not exactly what I was looking for).
One well-known English institute offered me 15 hours a week and a private preschool offered me a Saturday morning position, both paying 18 thousand COP ($10) per hour.
These were two offers I was about to take but then… I received a call from a well known bilingual school. They called me in for an interview and offered me a full-time teaching position, with benefits, as a first grade teacher… it was my Colombian dream job! I was offered a salary of two million COP ($1,100) per month which will now allow me to stay in Colombia for as long as I wish.
I’ve now been working for two solid weeks teaching English in Medellin, and every day I enjoy my job more and more. I’ll be writing about my experience as a teacher in the future but I hope that this blog gives everyone some insight into looking for a position as an English teacher in Medellin.
_______
Written by Ana
How do you live on 1,100 a month ?
1) Never get a girlfriend
2) Don’t live in Poblado
It’s tough but doable here in Colombia! I’m very lucky to be living rent free in a family studio apartment and I only pay about $150 US a month on water, electric and my cell phone. Since I’m on my own I food shop every other week and it always comes out to about $300 US a month (the school where I work does give me a huge lunch on a daily basis, relatively free of charge).
My bills aren’t much and I’m able to go out every weekend for drinks and dinner. I do however resort back to my savings account back in the US from time to time!
Ana,
Love your blog! You speak of one well known institute and one private pre school that offered you 18,000 CP per hour. Can you please say the names of both. My email is wommy81@hotmail.com if you don’t want to say it publicly. I am in Medellin now and am hoping to do some part time teaching work. I am a fully qualified English teacher in Australia but I do not have formal qualifications in TEFL. Also, would these places sponsor me for part time work so I can get the temporary work visa.
Kind Regards,
Glen
¿Donde puedo contactarte para tomar clases de ingles y cuanto sería el costo?
Buenas Cesar,
Me envias un email a mi correo porque no quiero poner mis numeros telefonicos por aca.
wommy81@hotmail.com
Cuando me envias el correo luego te doy mis numeros.
Las clases cuestan 30 mil cada hora, pero puede ser en un grupo de dos o tres tambien por el mismo costo.
Chau pues,
Glen
Puede ponerse en contacto conmigo a josephmancini29@yahoo.com. El costo sera lo que usted puede pagar. Vivo muy cerca a el poblado. Espero oir de usted pronto. Estare en Medellin en Agosto.
Ana, I am moving to Medellin this summer. I am looking for English-speaking schools for my 14 and 17 year old children. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks, Linda
lfirwin.rnbo@yahoo.com
Congrats on the teaching position. As you mentioned, these kinds of jobs are not as easy to come by as one would think.
A friend of mine also took the same route as you did several years ago and did some $5 per hour English teaching in a mediorce school but evetually found a position in a bi-lingual college and is now in his 4th year with them. As well as the yearly increases in salary he is also intiled to some bonuses for sticking around and some travel benefits so it’s now a very good gig for him.
This is really the only viable teaching job that is available here in Medelin that will enable you to get by without burning into your own savings.
Living on $1,100 per month in Colombia is tough? Then how do the low-income colombians get by? Im able to get by on 1,100 in Sweden
I lived on $1,500,000 COP for some time in the early ’00s when the peso was worth less than it is now. And I paid rent. It is very doable. Life in Colombia is cheap, even in the second-biggest city (Medellin). Shop for your food (or at least produce) at the plaza and you get a heck of a lot for just a little money. As newlyweds, my wife and I ate like royalty for $45/week around 2002. The costs have not changed drastically. Imported items and luxury items are considerably more expensive, so one has to keep oneself in line. But it’s highly doable.
I worked at the Centro Colombo-Americano in 2001/2. It was a terrible experience. I came to them with 4 years experience in TEFL in Asia and part of a master’s degree program in linguistics. At first they asked me to evaluate their other teachers. When I gave them my frank analysis (almost all were doing some variation on fill-in-the-blank grammar or watching movies without significant analysis), they turned on me and treated me like crap till I quit. It gutted my self-confidence as a teacher. It’s a nice setup over there but I aroused the dislike of the dominant clique and it made the whole experience suck. Beware the Colombo.
George Donnelly´s last [type] ..You Can’t Sell Food in New Hampshire Unless You Pay the State Protection Money
Hola George, thanks for sharing your experiences in Medellin!
I think that in Medellin the best place to learn English is the University EAFIT because they have professors from USA and London and i believe that the people can learn more about of language like the pronunciation, the write , the read. I wrote about it because i studied here and i learned so much.
Hola Juan, thanks for your feedback about learning English at EAFIT.
Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone could give me a few pointers. I was in Medellin in June after backpacking around Colombia and once I got to Medellin I tried to get a job teaching English. I was not very persistent or successfully mostly due to the fact that i had only a small amount of money left and wanted to enjoy the rest of my trip. I want to go back in the new year with some money and get myself set up. I have a list of all the possible schools but no teaching experience. I have a degree in Economics and a TEFL certification. I was told it was a bad time of the year last May, does anyone have any experience of searching for a job without experience and achieving a satisfactory result? Thanks Richard.
Hi, I just recently moved to Medellin and am looking for a job, I am not certified in teaching english although I do have two years of experience. Does anyone know if it would be possible for me to get a job and if so in what sort of places? Any advice would be helpful, thanks
Hi Diana, certification may be required if you want higher paying jobs with universities. Otherwise, I’ve gathered that being a native English speaker, especially from the USA, is important.
Ana
I have been looking on behalf of my Fiance’ for an English Teacher who has capabilty for private lessons or active classes. I read Ana’s post and I am highly intereseted in a teacher of what seems to be of your caliber who has a good program and skills and has good command of the English language . Please contact me if you are still teaching or have some good recommendations.
Ana, thanks for this article. I am currently in California but want to move back home to Medellín and teach English. I am fluent and actually arriving in June to register in the TKT at the Columbus School.
I would love to have you as a contact or reference since I believe networking is vital in manners such as this. I am 28 years old.
i love medellin,, am a certified sped teacher in usa,,, can speak spanish a lil and getting better all the time for no more immersion than i have where i am,,, i have visited and know a few people in bello /antiquia district,, i was just wondering what kind of edge having states license give you when applying looking for jobs in medellin,, sounds like you did good,, i hope to have same results,, like benefits and such,,,
claudejackdaniels@yahoo.com,,,,, if you have any reAL useful info i shoiuld have,, thanks
I wouldn’t expect it to help, unless it is a master’s or PhD. If you want to teach English as a Foreign Language, it’s a different type of qualification, a CELTA cert, an MA TESOL, a DELTA, MA Applied Linguistics, etc.
George Donnelly´s last [type] ..The Secret History of Methods
Hi George – on an unrelated note, you’ve got a great looking website on your hands! Thanks for reading Medellin Living.
Thanks, just made it. About to get back into teaching English.
Great blog you have, I enjoy reading it and keep up the great work!
George Donnelly´s last [type] ..The Secret History of Methods
Ana,
Your post has been more helpful to me than the last 20 posts I’ve read, combined.
I am planning to move to Colombia(hopefully Medellin) in Aug. or Sept. to teach English. I have B.A. in Psych and have been tutoring kids with autism for the last 9 months, but do not have specifically ELT experience. I am thinking about doing the CELTA course in Bogota in Aug. or Sept, mostly for the great job network it should provide.
I’m wondering, you didn’t mention getting a TEFL or CELTA cert. Did you get a cert before going to Medellin? Also, what time of year did you start looking for a job. I have heard that some schools start in Sept like the states and some in Jan. Is there a lot more of one over the other in Medellin. Lastly, I have heard that Medellin schools don’t want to hire someone without a work visa and you can’t get a work visa w/o a contract from an employer. Just wondering what your experience was with that. If anyone else has useful info for me it is much appreciated. mlawson1776@hotmail.com
Thanks so much!
ARE YOU A NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER WHO WOULD LIKE TO EARN AT LEAST 20 THOUSAND PESOS AN HOUR TEACHING IN MEDELLIN?
Hey Ana, sorry to put this on your blog but well, I figure it can only help anyone reading it who is looking for work. And of course Ana, I would be glad to hear from your good self if you are interested.
Why hello there.
I am in a situation where I have a surplus of clients for my private tutoring in English. So I am looking for an honest, hard working and talented native English speaker who can take on this work. Someone from the U.S. or Canada would be great. Most of the work is in 2 hour blocks in the evening. In this case the clients normally like it if you travel to their house. If the distance is further than a standard trip in Medellin you can charge more. Any one hour sessions are done wherever you please, preferably somewhere nice. If you are teaching one or two students at a time you will earn 20 thousand pesos per hour. However, if you are teaching a group of three you will earn 25 thousand pesos per hour. This is actually the most common scenario because the students get to pay less, so you earn more
The teaching methodology I use is excellent because it is the best option for the students, but it’s also good for the teacher as less preparation is required
It is called ‘Authentic Material’. Classes are conversation based with less focus on grammar.
I would ideally like to hire someone who has teaching credentials and experience in teaching ESL. Being able to sell yourself and have a certain level of Spanish is also exceptionally important because the clients will need to talk to you before committing to the first class, most likely over the phone. I will be taking a percentage but the aforementioned figures are what you will receive.
If you are interested please contact me by email. Then we can organise discuss further by phone.
My email is elmemoffice@gmail.com
I look forward to working with you.
Glen
P.S. I want to be very clear. I am only looking for native English speakers as this ties in with the teaching methodology of my classes. I would prefer people with work visas etc… but will consider someone on a tourist visa.
Hi Glen, I’m going to leave your advertisement up in the Comments, however for future reference (on my blog and any others), I think it’d be more appropriate to email the site owner privately first to discuss the best way to share such a communication with his/her readers.
I have the same dream. I am pleased to hear that you have accomplished your goal. I have a few amigos in Bello district and love the land and culture down there. Im an experience SPED teacher in US,, so do you think that I may have a similar experience. I am seriously contemplating the move.. Have always wanted to land a job before I go,, but that can be quite difficult.. If you have any info or contacts that would be great . claudejackdaniels@gmail.com ,,,, congratulations,, and thanks for the inspiration.
The teaching methodology I use is excellent because it is the best option for the students
Every student learns differently, just like every teacher teaches differently. You can’t put this claim. Some of your students learn best with visuals, some with audio, some by reading, writing, etc.
Question to all…
I’m a private ESL teacher and am currently searching for my next country. I’m interested in Medellin or Cali. Is there a need for private English teachers in either of these cities. I’m not interested in Bogota, so don’t suggest it. I’m leaning towards Cali because it’s closer to a border for border runs. I read an old post somewhere that said $5-10 is the going rate outside of Bogota. Is this still true? I usually charge $10 an hour (so I’m not in it for the money). Is this possible? Thanks for any info.
Hi Ana,
My company needs a certified native English teacher that can come two mornings from 7-8 and also do 2 hours on Saturday. As I see in your blog you are working, but I thought you might know someone that can send us his/her CV and how much they charge per hour for a team of 4 people.
I’d really appreciate any help,
please feel free to write me : tatiana_at_kogimobile_dot_com
Regards,
Tatiana
Hey Ana
This is a very useful blog. I have taken the advice within it regarding seeking employment in Medellin. I have CELTA, an MA in History and EFL experience in Ecuador. However, I have a problem in that I am now in London and most of the more established institutions in Medellin require an interview in person and not over Skype. If I enter Colombia on a tourist visa and then obtain employment I will have to leave the country in order to return with the work visa!
Could you offer any pointers at all?
Thanks in advance
Luke
Yes, Luke, this is the inevitable way that it works. I believe MinRelExt is working on something that doesn’t require leaving the country for the future but I haven’t heard anything more concrete about it.
Some employers will send you to Panama for the return entrance, others will insist on you returning to your home location.
Keep in mind that there are a limited number of positions in Medellin, so if for some reason this city doesn’t work out, try Bogota. There is a lot more. In the future you will be able to more easily move to Medellin.
Best of luck.
George Donnelly´s last [type] ..Welcome to Learn English with George!
Hey Luke, it’s definitely easier to get teaching work once you arrive in the country. But, it’s not hard to leave again to obtain your work visa, and some schools will help arrange it as well. You can do a quick run to Venezuela, Ecuador, or take a flight to Panama City for example. This can be done pretty cheaply from what I hear.
Hi George,
Thanks for your reply, you have given quite a bit to think about!
Luke
Hello Ana,
I am considering this same path. I would like to discuss a few things with you when you have the chance. Please email me or tweet me at @viajecin or @_charrito_. I would greatly appreciate it!
Hi Ana,
My company needs a certified native English teacher that can come two mornings from 7-8 and also do 2 hours on Saturday. As I see in your blog you are working, but I thought you might know someone that can send us his/her CV and how much they charge per hour for a team of 4 people.
I’d really appreciate any help,
please feel free to write me : tatiana_at_kogimobile_dot_com
Regards,
Tatiana
Hi,
I am a credentialed social science teacher in California with a Masters in Education and have experience teaching ESL kids and would like to teach English to adults in Medellin for 3-4 weeks in July 2012. Are there any recommendations or steps that I might take in attaining this goal?
Thank You,
Matt
mistersheridan@yahoo.com
Hello,
I’m planning to move to Medellin this year to teach. I have 3 years experience teaching in China, Chile and I’m currently in Thailand (all at language schools, mostly teaching business english). I have my bachelor’s degree and also my TEFL and I’m from the states so I’m a native speaker. From everything I’ve read, it seems like it’s a bit difficult to get a job teaching in Medellin. I would like to work at a language school, but there doesn’t seem to be very many?? Is it just a lack of information on the web or is this true? Also, is January the only time of year that hiring is done? I’m planning to just ‘show up’ w/resume in hand and go from school to school, but I’m discouraged from everything I’ve read because it seems so difficult (and from past experience I’ve been hired by every school I’ve applied at). Can you please give me some advice, and especially, if you could let me know about the best time of year for hiring for language schools and if, in fact, it is as difficult as everyone says to get a job there? Should I consider Cali instead ( I do not want to go to Bogota)…any advice from anyone regarding this information would be greatly appreciated!!! Please email me at flyingav@yahoo.com….thanks so much! Abigail
Hi Guys
I’ve read all the postings but have yet to read anything about any other type of job available for an American (that speaks fluently Spanish and English) with 15 years experience in Sales. I’m getting married in April in Medellin and we haven’t decided if we will live in Medellin or California. If I could get a deasent job I would seriously move to Medellin in a heart-beat. Anyone with some helpful info would help me much.
Rey
Very sad to read that all these jobs need a native english speaker…I have been living in Canada for 33 years, have my teaching certificate, have taught…refugees mostly, and free…because I am not a native speaker. I love the English language and read and astudy it every opportunity I have…the fact that I have an accent should not diqualify me from teaching…..furthermore, I believe that having gone through the process of learning another languagegives me an advantage over someone who only speaks English… but going back to the accent issue….I believe having an Australian or british accent ….or an accent which is from somewhere which is not Canada or the USA would be a disadvantage for the student….just can not imagine a colombian trying to learn English with an Aussie accent…and trying to communicate….it will sound very ….pathetic…but as always, foreigners are prefered in the country where I was born …an it will always be so….
Hello Everyone,
I, like many of the people inquiring on this blog, am looking for teaching positions in Medellín. While I do not have any certification in teaching from the United States nor the TEFL, I taught for two and a half years in Guatemala at a bilingual school. I taught not only English, but social studies as well. I am fluent in Spanish and have been in education in bilingual communities for 5 years. I am now currently in Medellin until the end of May and it would be great to meet face to face with anyone who knows a thing or two about teaching opportunities here in Medellin. I really love the city and the people who inhabit it. There is a great vibe here, so please let me know as soon as possible. My email is isaac.hunnewell@gmail.com.
Hi all,
I am an MFA candidate in Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design) about to finish up all but dissertation. Planning on moving to Medellin, visited over Spring break and loved it.. Does anyone have any advice/knowledge about teaching at the college level?
Not quite up to par on my Spanish (yet). That’s next on my list, o I haven’t been able to comb university sites for positions.
My email is victoria@pickettcreative.com
Thanks.