Why is there a demand for English teachers?  Despite the increasing demand for English, Colombian language schools find it difficult to attract native English teachers due to Colombia's reputation for crime and violence. In reality, EFL teachers are unlikely to find themselves victims of crime and any teacher willing to work here will find that the prospects are good.

How do I go about getting a job? If you are applying for a position from outside Colombia, it is generally advisable to send a passport-sized photograph along with a CV, covering letter and copies of any degrees/EFL certificates. Undoubtedly one of the best independent information sites around can be found at: http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia which provides excellent basic information on teaching English in the country. It is a good place to start when looking for work. There is a British Council Teaching Centre in Bogotá whose market is primarily university students and young learners http://www.britishcouncil.org.uk

Where do EFL teachers live? Well-qualified teachers who work in universities will usually get an accommodation allowance. Generally though, most teachers will have to find their own apartment which start at about £120 for a shared place.

Do I need to learn/speak the language? It is not essential to speak the language.

What is the food like? In some areas you will find specialities like roasted ants or guinea pigs while in other areas Colombians wouldn’t even touch those dishes. Colombia is not a paradise for vegetarians as the local dishes include a lot of meat. In the coastal areas you will find a good variety of seafood often prepared with a sauce made out of coconut milk. The offer of fresh fruit is overwhelming.  Colombians also love coffee, as the country is the second largest producer of coffee in the world.

What will I do in the evenings, on days off or on my holidays? Not surprisingly for such a huge country, it’s packed with a massive variety of scenery, ethnicities and cuisines. From the pristine Pacific and Caribbean coastlines to the verdant jungles; from the indigenous tribes to the Spanish colonists; from Bandeja paisa to the Caribbean-influenced dishes, there is so much to discover that you may end up staying longer than you’d planned. 

Safe? This is one country where it is generally safer in the cities than in the countryside, parts of which are under the control of different anti-insurgent armies of paramilitaries, whose aim is to overthrow the Colombian Government. It has a reputation for being dangerous, so be aware of who’s around at all times, and keep an eye on your belongings.

How much does it cost to travel from the UK?Flights start at around £500.

When is the best time to travel for English teaching jobs? All year.