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Location
  • Colombia
Length
12 - 52 weeks
Classroom Audience
Adults Early Childhood High School Middle School Pre-School University Students
Financial Support
General grants/scholarships
Health & Safety
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Program Details

Qualifications
  • At a minimum, a degree equivalent to a U.S. 4 year bachelor’s degree
  • Age 20-50
  • Citizen of the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand
  • Native English Speaker
  • No Criminal Record, including underage drinking or DUI
Classroom Audience
Adults Early Childhood High School Middle School Pre-School University Students
Housing
Apartment
Weekly Classroom Hours
25

Pricing

Salary / Benefits
--Full time teaching placement in Colombia
--Monthly stipend to cover living expenses: 1,500,000 Colombian Pesos per month
--Visa paid for by the Colombian government
--Colombian national EPS health insurance
--Domestic flight from Bogota to placement city (domestic baggage fees are not covered if you have more than 23 kg of luggage)
--Accommodation during orientation is included in shared rooms.
--Assistance finding housing in your placement city from program regional coordinators, who know the cities and can help communicate with landlords
--Support and guidance from your Greenheart Travel program manager
--Airport Pickup
--1- 2 week orientation upon arrival in Bogota, including accommodation at a hotel and meals (orientation at the beginning of the school year is 2 weeks, for second semester it’s 1 week)
--In-country support from your regional coordinator
--24/7 Emergency Line
--“Culture Smart” Colombia Customs & Culture Guidebook
Price Details
This program is free.

There will be a $400 (USD) deposit upon acceptance to the program, but this will only be required after both interview rounds, after you have been accepted.

The deposit will be returned to you only when you complete your full program and contract term, along with your end of contract bonus. This deposit is your official commitment to participating in the program and is non refundable if you cancel or withdraw from the program at any time, for any reason. This deposit will be refunded in Colombian pesos along with your last paycheck and completion bonus, at a fixed exchange rate outlined in the Participant Agreement each teacher will sign after acceptance.
What's Included
Domestic Airfare Some Accommodation Some Activities Some Meals Visa
Jan 30, 2019
Mar 08, 2019
Wish List
10 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Teaching English in Colombia is a unique opportunity to work abroad in South America. Responding to the Colombian government’s goal to integrate English education for all by 2020, and recognizing the importance of the English language as key to the country’s development and success in today’s global world, Colombia has launched a bilingualism initiative.

Our teach program works with Colombian education systems to raise English levels and proficiency in the classroom.

Program-at-a-Glance:
-- Free to apply!
-- One Semester or Semester contracts depending on when you start
-- 1,500,000 Colombian Pesos monthly stipend to cover living expenses
-- Placements throughout Colombia (50+ cities)
-- Co-teaching placements, with other Colombian teachers
-- Extensive orientation upon arrival, in Bogota
-- Courtesy Visa paid for by the Colombian government for the duration of your program (~$300 value)

This program is currently not being promoted on Go Overseas by its provider. Check with Greenheart for the most up-to-date information regarding the status of this program.

Video and Photos

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see the sites of Colombia
Greenheart Travel teacher in Colombia
explore colombia
Greenheart Travel alumni teacher in Colombia
teach english in colombia

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Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

We appreciate that everyone has a unique worldview and value everyone regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, ability, military status, religion, sexual orientation or political view. We are committed to building relationships and ensuring everyone we encounter feels welcomed, respected, and accepted. Greenheart is committed to helping anyone find the best program fit and will go the extra mile to make sure our participants feel safe and supported wherever they end up.

LGBTQIA+ Support

Greenheart Travel welcomes travelers identifying as LGTBQ+, and is committed to helping you find the best program for you. We can provide information on the cultural norms of our destination countries and are prepared to advise you on the best programs based on your needs and interests.
While most of our programs could be a good fit, we also know that certain cultures and countries are more accepting of and prepared to host LGBTQ+ people than others. We are committed to working with LGBTQ+ people to determine which experiences may be the right fit for them. Please reach out if you want to discuss which of our programs might fit you best ahead of applying at travelabroad@greenheart.org or set up a phone call with us here.
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Neurodivergent Support

Greenheart works with partners who have varying levels of what is considered "good mental health". While we cannot change their eligibility conditions, we will work with participants to the best of our abilities in order to get them the program placement they want. We encourage you to discuss your specific situation with us directly, before securing these documents.

Accessibility Support

Greenheart Travel welcomes students of varying ability to explore their study abroad options! While resources and support differ from country to country, Greenheart Travel staff work with individual students as needed to find program options that will set students up for success.

Impact

Sustainability

We believe in supporting our travelers to make a positive impact in their communities. The Greenheart Club provides Greenheart Grant funding to alumni projects all over the world.
As the leading eco-friendly exchange organization, we are passionate about helping travelers explore the globe while respecting the environment and cultural heritage of the destinations they explore.
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Ethical Impact

Greenheart Travel is a branch of Greenheart International, a Chicago-based organization that connects people and planet to create global leaders through personal development, volunteer service, environmentalism, fair trade, and cultural exchange. We provide resources, grants, and experiences to those who want to immerse themselves in another culture and leave it better than when they arrived. Through volunteering, creating relationships and more.
Learn More

Program Highlights

  • Monthly stipend to cover living expenses: 1,500,000 Colombian Pesos per month
  • Visa paid for by the Colombian government
  • Accommodation during orientation is included in shared rooms
  • Support and guidance from your Greenheart Travel program manager
  • Colombian national EPS health insurance

Current Teaching Jobs

View the latest teaching job postings by Greenheart.

Program Reviews

4.80 Rating
based on 45 reviews
Leave a Review
  • 5 rating 86.67%
  • 4 rating 11.11%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 2.22%
  • Benefits 4.7
  • Support 4.7
  • Fun 4.65
  • Facilities 3.95
  • Safety 4.55
  • Instruction 5
  • Support 5
  • Value 5
  • Academic Rigor 4
  • Job Assistance 5
Good for Solo Travelers, Photographers, Adventure travelers
Showing 41 - 45 of 45 reviews
Default avatar
Annie
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Me encanta

Jul 31, 2015

I could not be more happy with my decision to teach English in Colombia. From the moment I started the application process, Greenheart and Volunteers Colombia have made me feel like I am an important part of something so much bigger than myself. I highly recommend SENA, disorganized though it may be, every day teaching is a blast. Not to mention, Colombia is the most beautiful country in the world, visually and in its spirit. Plenty of three-day weekends give you more than enough time to explore this magical country. If you are looking to experience a whole new world, please consider this program!

30 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Default avatar
Taylor
31
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loving life in Colombia

Apr 15, 2015

This is the second program I have done with Greenheart Travel. About 2 years ago I taught English in Thailand and I have been in Colombia teaching English for about 2 months now. Greenheart was beyond helpful in preparing me for both trips. Deciding to move abroad was a big decision for me so I really appreciated how helpful Sara and the Greenheart team were in making me more comfortable throughout this whole process. There was never a question or concern that went unanswered.

I am teaching English at Sena in Cartagena and my experience so far has been incredible. The best part of it all is my students and how much fun I'm having teaching them. Everyone at our school has been so warm and welcoming and has made us feel at home since we arrived here in Cartagena. My favorite part about living in other countries is when they finally start to feel like home because that's when you truly start to feel like a part of the community that you are living in. Colombia has officially began to feel like home and I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead these next 8 months. Through greenheart I have become more confident in my travels, I have met amazing people that I will have in my life forever, I have learned so much about myself and the world that we live in, and I have had the chance to be a teacher and a student both inside and outside of the classroom. Not only is Greenheart so helpful with all of the logistics but they continue to follow your journey throughout your whole experience which is pretty awesome :)

What would you improve about this program?
n/a
28 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Default avatar
Amy
39
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolutely worth it!!!

Apr 12, 2015

GreenHeart is a fantastic company!! They were recommended to me by another travel friend and it was a good recommendation. They were super informative and thorough in their application process so I knew I was working with a professional company.

Prior to my departure, they were super helpful and preparing me as well as answering ALL my questions. I don't know how Sara does it, but I would receive an email response within an hour every time.

They even met us personally at our orientation and gave us free shirts. :) I feel like I have an actual relationship with my recruiters and I still communicate with them even though I'm settled and working.

If you're considering Greenheart-- do it. You won't be disappointed. I've talked with others who came through different recruiters and it seems that Greenheart was by far the best choice.

What would you improve about this program?
I honestly have no complaints about this program. I feel like they did everything right and I am completely satisfied with my experience.
28 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Default avatar
Caroline
39
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic recruiter, fantastic program.

Mar 5, 2015

Fantastic program. Colombia itself is a hugely diverse country with plenty to explore, and the program is extremely fulfilling. Greenheart did an amazing job of preparing its participants. I met volunteers who came through several different organizations, but the Greenheart participants were consistently the most satisfied and most informed. There was plenty of available information, responses were instantaneous, and the whole preparation process was as painless as it could be. Once in Colombia, Greenheart continued to stay in touch with their volunteers (even though technically their job was done!). Although I was in a new country with completely new people, I felt very well taken care of by both Greenheart and their partner organizations within Colombia.

What would you improve about this program?
n/a
28 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Read my full story
Default avatar
Helena
39
Female
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Cartagena, Colombia

Aug 20, 2014

My experience in Colombia has been nothing short of amazing. I find that as the weeks go by I am learning so much about this diverse country that I would never have expected. The two week orientation program in Bogota was a great way to get adjusted to a new country while also preparing me to teach English as a foreign language. Once at my placement site in Cartagena I have continued to meet nothing but warm and welcoming people. The other teachers at our SENA site are wonderful as well and I love my students. Having never taught English in the states or abroad I had no idea what I was getting into, but I am so thankful I decided to put my life on hold and go on this adventure. Hopefully the next couple months don't go by to fast!

What would you improve about this program?
The only change I would make would be the communication during the application phase. I do realize that this is the first year of this program so I know a lot of it is just growing pains. In the future I would make sure participants had all of the program details up front.
28 people found this review helpful.
Helpful

Questions & Answers

Do you offer placements in Choco, Colombia?

Hi Mark. This program is no longer offered, sorry!

By Greenheart Travel on June 20, 2019
Are there SUMMER jobs in Colombia?

Hmmm...Ok, I'll go check out your site. Thanks!

By Aura Greig on December 12, 2017
See all 4 answers
Does this program offer ESL certification?

You are provided with about 40 hours of Teaching English in Colombia training that is specific for the situations you might encounter within classrooms here, but that is the only formal instruction the program offers. Heart for Change will supposedly be offering a discount on an online TEFL certification program for the upcoming semesters, but that is optional and independent from your duties as a...

By Jill Pritts on November 16, 2017
See all 2 answers
Can I do a teacher's exchange position with Greenheart since I'm already a teacher in CA, US?

Ok, thank you for your answers. I'm still interested in the experience of teaching in Colombia. Thank you again. I will review the Greenheart site for a future possibility. I'm interested in the TEFL hours and the volunteer experience. However, I'd like to do it part time only.

By Camilo Guevara on November 18, 2017
See all 3 answers
View All Questions

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Savannah K Stevens

Program
Teach English in Colombia on a One or Two Semester Contract with Greenheart Travel
Thumbnail

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I wanted an opportunity to teach abroad without feeling like I was replacing a teacher in another country. This program seemed like a sustainable way to utilize native speakers while developing their own teachers as well.

I also had a great desire to stay in South America, a region I have always had a fondness for and where I speak the language.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Greenheart Travel helped connect me with this program. I had to organize my own flights and housing, but they offered support for most everything else.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Be prepared for challenges and get excited about wherever you are placed. Colombia is very diverse and within each community, schools operate differently as well.

Be ready to go with the flow and keep in context that you are probably getting more of an impact on your life than the school is getting from your short stay. Try to give everything you have to your community while you are there.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

You have a lot of down time, so you control how much you put into your planning and extracurriculars. An average day for me would be planning in the morning in a calm atmosphere in my house and then heading to school from 12 - 6:40 pm. Sometimes I will go to a language exchange after school or play volleyball in the evenings as well.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was feeling unhappy in my placement city. I thought that being without the comforts of home and feeling like a foreigner would start to get to me, but really I have found the opposite to be true. I have learned how much I don't really need what I have at home (i.e. air conditioning and hot water).

For the most part, I still live comfortably and though I still stick out, people are very excited to welcome me to their country. To overcome this fear, I just prepared myself for these challenges and came with low expectations about what would be available to me. In the end, most things exceeded my expectations.

What is something that unites Colombian culture?

For me, in Valledupar, I was shocked by how artistically talented people are here. Everyone (and I mean nearly everyone) is obsessed with music. Every other person I have met is either in a band or knows how to play an instrument and sing. It's one of the first things my students asked me about and it's something that I utilize to engage them in the classroom as well.

Location

Location:
Colombia
Currency:
Colombian Peso
Weather:
Jan-Mar
93 F / 34 F
Apr-Jun
93 F / 36 F
Jul-Sep
97 F / 34 F
Oct-Dec
93 F / 34 F
Airports:
El Dorado International BOG José María Córdova International MDE Rafael Núñez International CTG
( BOG )
José María Córdova International
( MDE )
Rafael Núñez International
( CTG )

Colombia has become the hip travel destination in South America and boasts a growing tourism sector. Colombians are fun, friendly, and proud of their beautiful country. Colombia boasts truly stunning landscapes including lush jungle, arid desert, Caribbean coastline, and the Andes mountains, including the world famous Colombian coffee zone. Along with both modern and cosmopolitan cities like Medellin and historical centers like Cartagena, there is just so much to enjoy and explore in Colombia!

About Greenheart

Greenheart Travel is a 501(c)3 non-profit, mission-driven organization based in Chicago, USA. We are passionate about providing immersive cultural experiences for teenagers and adults in countries all over the world. We believe in the power of travel; a power that broadens perspective and turns strangers into family. It’s this belief that motivates...

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