What ESL abroad program is easiest to get into?

Teaching ESL in Colombia?

• Hi everyone! I am a Spanish education major and for a long time I have been contemplating teaching ESL in a foreign country. I have talked to quite a few Colombians and I love Colombian culture, so I was thinking about teaching there (most likely in Bogota). I will graduate with a Spanish Education teaching license from my state and also a linguistics minor. I plan on taking TESOL classes as part of the linguistics minor, but I unfortunately can't get a certificate because of the way the program is set up. I have some questions; please answer if you are from the U.S. and have taught ESL in Colombia! 1) What are the qualifications? I've heard so many conflicting ideas; some people tell me that I just need a Bachelors in anything. Other people tell me that I need a CELTA or a TESOL certificate. Some people have even told me that I need my Masters to get a quality job. Would I be able to gain enough to survive on the qualifications that I currently have, or would I need to get a CELTA or TESOL certification? If the answer is yes, which is better? 2) What is the situation with the work visa? I've heard it's extremely difficult to get, and I don't want to risk working illegally in a foreign country. 3) How is transportation? I've read that many ESL teachers have odd hours at different places, but since I don't plan on bringing a car, would I still be able to get around? (I know they have public transportation like the Transmilenio but I don't know how safe or reliable it is). Would I, a gringa, be safe using public transportation by myself? 4) How do you go about looking for work? I've read that you have to go to Colombia in order to get hired; very people hire through the Internet. Is this true? Are there places that will help with the work visa after they employ you? Are there also companies that help with job placement? 5) How is the pay depending on your qualifications? I read that you can't really save, but I just want enough to rent a modest apartment, buy groceries and other necessities, and use the bus system. With my current qualification, what would my salary be like? How would this change if I got a CELTA or a TESOL degree? Thank you so much for you help! It's been a dream of mine to teach ESL abroad and one day I would like to make it a reality.

• Answer:

  ive been looking into teaching abroad and heres what ive found. 1. most placements dont care about certifcations as long as you have a bachelors in something. its true. however, many will pay you more and youll get a better position if you have a tefl/tesol/celta. i have not found a great demand for a masters degree, except in some positions where they are hiring for native english speaking college professors. 2.if the job doesnt set up your work visa dont work there. too many will gladly set the visa up for you. its a mess to do it on your own. 3. cant help with that question sorry! 4.i've found TONS of listings at daves esl cafe. and there are articles about what to expect written by people whove done it. many people do find success going to the place and getting hired on the spot but personally, that sounds risky. you could end up jobless in columbia. 5. in south america in general dont expect to save anything. itd be different if you taught in asia. the pay is particularly good in korea (and saudi arabia incidentally). but the pay is enough to get you by. from what ive seen youll probably make about $500 american a month. which will get you food, clothes, entertainment and rent. hope that helped a little. and seriously check out daves esl cafe. the "international job board" will give you some insight!