Teaching in Colombia

From the scale 1 to 10, I rate my overall experience an 8. The recruiters of Cultural Embrace were a great access. They assisted applicants with materials about the country before their departure and during their stay in the country. Their communication is very effective.

I taught in Cartagena, a coastal city in the northern region of Colombia. If you're the type that enjoys Miami weather and a vibrant atmosphere, then this the city for you. One thing that bothered me was the long commute to the school. Even though they have homes near the school, they (my opinion) were not of good quality, and I didn't want to live in the middle of nowhere. If you enjoy living in a rural area, then you will not have a problem.

If you're looking for a lucrative salary, then this is not the program for you. You will receive a stipend (plus housing allowance if you do not wish to live with a Colombian family) that will allow you to live comfortably. However, I think they can pay a little bit more. The main goal is to gain experience if you wish to become an ESL/TESOL instructor. If you decide to participate in the program, be prepared for work as a Teacher. Colombia largest public institutions are promoting bilingualism in their country; therefore, they are looking for individuals who are serious about teaching than having fun (you will have leisure time, though not much).