TEFL Internships in Colombia Public Schools

Teaching English in Colombia is a FREE program designed to broaden every teacher professional life while enriching their personal one. The program is designed as a truly culture exchange program in which teachers can first-hand experience one of Latin America’s most fascinating and colorful cultures and  on top of that learn or master their Spanish skills in the most natural environment.

As the Colombian government is aware of the importance to integrate English education as a way to succeed in our globalized society, it has developed this unique opportunity for English teachers. With a fully bilingual initiative, you will work in public institutions, especially with students in disadvantaged economic positions. By learning English they will have an opportunity to change a bleak future ahead them and you will have the opportunity to be part of a change into this community and also to get to change every student’s life!

BENEFITS

This program is free. There will be a  USD 400 (american dollars) deposit upon acceptance to the program, but this will only be required after both interview rounds, after you have been accepted and know your placement location and details.

The deposit will be returned to you only when you complete your full program and contract term, along with an 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, at a fixed exchange rate outlined in the Participant Agreement each teacher will sign after acceptance.

We offer you:

• Full time volunteer teaching placement in Colombia
• NO COST to apply! Absolutely FREE for teachers!
• Choose from a 6 or 11 month placement
• Positions to fit every teacher´s preferences and likes: elementary, middle, high school, as well as in universities.
• 1,500,000 Colombian Pesos as a monthly stipend* to cover living expenses
• Placements offered in over 19 regions around Colombia
• Airport pick-up and 2-week orientation upon arrival, in Bogotá
• Support and guidance from your Connecting Worlds program manager
• Domestic flight from Bogota to your placement city (baggage fees are not covered)
• Accommodation during orientation and the first month of placement in shared rooms. Housing is not provided after first month, so the stipend is meant cover rent as well.
• End of semester completion bonuses for each semester worked (500,000 pesos)
• Assistance finding housing from program local coordinators
• Colombian national health insurance
• Lonely Planet E-guide

*Please, bear in mind that this is a volunteer position with an stipend aimed at covering basic living costs: rent, commuting and food.  Any extra activity (traveling, socializing, going out) you will surely need some extra cash..

Not included:

• Flights to/from Colombia
• Additional International Medical and Accident Insurance
• Meals after orientation
• Accommodation after the first 6 weeks of the program

Once you are accepted, your spot on the program will not be confirmed until we have received your USD 400 deposit and proof of both your flight to Bogota and International Medical and Accident Insurance coverage.

The program has two start dates per year, in January/February and June/July at the beginning of each semester. Since there are LIMITED PLACES we recommend you to BOOK EARLY!

The Upcoming Program Dates are:

January – December 2017 (teachers need to apply by November)

June 2017 – December 2017 (teachers need to apply by April)

Responsibilities:

• Teach and/or co-teach with a local Colombia English instructor 25 hours per week of English instruction, including teaching, co-teaching, and conversation clubs
• Develop reports and follow up processes, as the supervisor requires. 
• Participate in a two-way learning process in about 15 hours per week to improve English proficiency, which may include administrative-related activities, such as lesson planning, meetings with fellow teachers, paperwork, etc. 
• Attend local parners training days, schedule will coordinate with placement site. 
• Before arrival the applicant must pay a USD 400 deposit, which they will receive back upon successful completion of their contract in December.
• Applicants must pay for their own travel to and from Colombia. 

 How long does the program last?

Depending on your time availability and what course you choose, the program can lasts between 6 and 10 months at maximum. Places are limited… What are you waiting for? Be part of the change helping Colombian development! 

Accommodation 

After the first month, in which teachers usually live in a hostel to get used to their life in their new home away from home, teachers can find their own accommodation and decide whether to live by themselves or share a house/flat with other teachers or locals. Of course, we will provide assistance as part of our 24/7 support in finding the right place to live and to help in any possible way