Country guide
Teach English in Colombia
Booming demand, low cost of living, growing tech-economy classes.
Colombia's ESL market has grown substantially as the country's economy has integrated with global business. Bogotá and Medellín are the main hubs. Government programs like Heart for Change place teachers in public schools, while private institutes and corporate English programs hire continuously.
Open positions in Colombia
No Colombia-specific listings right now. Here are other recent Americas roles. Most recent posted October 15, 2026.
Teach English Abroad with the English Language Fellow Program
U.S. Department of State English Language Programs · US · Full-time
Teacher Of English As A Second Language
Newark Board of Education · Newark, New Jersey, US · Full-time
MLL and Literacy Teacher (Hiring Immediately)
Urban Dove Team Charter School IV · New York City, New York, US · Full-time
MLL and Literacy Teacher
Urban Dove Team Charter School IV · New York City, New York, US · Full-time
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Salary
Language institutes: 1.8M to 3M COP per month. Universities: 2.5M to 4.5M COP. Corporate contracts: 30k to 60k COP per hour. Cost of living is among the lowest in popular ESL markets.
Visa
Sponsored teaching positions use the employer-sponsored Migrante M Trabajador visa (older guides call it TP-4). Colombia's digital nomad visa is for remote work for foreign companies and does not allow paid work with people or companies in Colombia, so it is not a route for local teaching or private classes. Confirm your own situation with the Cancillería.
Best for
Teachers who want Latin American immersion, a low cost of living, and access to a growing market. Pay is modest but lifestyle is rich.
Common questions about teaching in Colombia
Is Colombia safe for ESL teachers?
Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena are well-trafficked by foreign teachers and considered safe with normal urban precautions. Rural areas and certain neighborhoods carry more risk.
How much Spanish do I need?
Less for the classroom (English-only is standard) but more for daily life than in Spain or Mexico. Colombia has fewer English speakers in service jobs than larger expat hubs.
Tools for teachers
What you'll need to teach in Colombia
Things teachers usually sort out before moving here. Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
ITTT
Most schools abroad ask for a TEFL certificate. Get yours online.
Offer: 10% off with code ETUNU2026K
- Self-paced, 120 to 550 hour courses
- Lifetime job guidance for graduates
See ITTT courses →
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SafetyWing
Health cover for the gap before your school insurance starts
- Medical cover while you live abroad
- From about $63 per 4 weeks (ages 18-39)
Get a SafetyWing quote →
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Wise
Paid in one currency, need money in another? Skip the bank markup
- Real exchange rate, fee shown up front
- Hold and convert 40+ currencies
See Wise fees and rates →
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Get ready to teach in Colombia
Courses for ESL teachers
Ready-to-teach lesson courses with exercises and teacher notes.
Ready-to-teach lesson packs
Prepared lessons for your first weeks in the classroom.
Colombia vs Spain
Spanish-language-curious teacher choosing between Europe and Latin America.
Colombia vs Mexico
Teacher set on Latin America deciding between the two largest ESL markets.
Browse all ESL jobs
Every current opening, worldwide.
Visa guides for Colombia
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Teach English in specific cities in Colombia
Sister site · Weightless
Prefer to work remotely from Colombia? Browse remote jobs you can do from anywhere on our sister site Weightless.
Find remote jobs →