active market · 2026
the short answer
Yes — Colombia has an active private-institute market that regularly hires non-degree teachers, particularly in Bogotá and Medellín. Some larger academies still prefer a degree for their better-paying contracts, so expect the strongest offers to go to degree-holders. Get a 120-hour+ accredited TEFL, apply to a spread of institutes, and confirm visa specifics — many non-degree teachers work informally at first before sorting longer-term status.
| Degree | Not required at many institutes, some prefer it |
|---|---|
| TEFL hours | 120+ accredited recommended |
| Visa | Varies — some work informally, others get sponsored |
| Typical pay | $500-$1,000/month, language-school pay |
| Best city | Medellín or Bogotá |
| Hardest part | Landing sponsored, formal work without a degree |
| Who this suits | Teachers drawn to Medellín/Bogotá lifestyle |
step one, always
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typical, not guaranteed
120-hour accredited course covers most institute requirements; extra hours help with the more selective academies.
Medellín has a large expat and remote-worker community with steady demand; Bogotá has more institutes overall and higher pay ceilings.
Apply to multiple institutes since pay, hours and hiring bars vary a lot between them, even in the same city.
Ask directly whether the institute pays formally with visa support, or informally in cash — this affects your legal standing.
Expect a mix of adult business English and general classes, often in split shifts around commuter schedules.
Bogotá and Medellín both host large private language institute networks that hire foreign teachers year-round, and many of these institutes don't strictly require a degree — a TEFL certificate and interview performance often carry more weight for entry-level roles.
Medellín is popular with newer teachers for its climate, size and active foreigner community, though the job market can feel more competitive because so many people want to live there. Bogotá is larger and colder, with more institutes and generally higher pay, but a higher cost of living to match.
Some institutes formally employ and pay teachers, occasionally supporting a work visa; others pay informally, which is common but leaves you without the protections or visa stability a formal contract provides. Ask directly which category a job falls into before accepting.
Pay for non-degree teachers in Colombia typically runs $500-$1,000 a month at private institutes — enough for a modest lifestyle in Medellín or Bogotá but not much beyond that. This is language-school pay, well below international-school salaries, which usually require a degree.
what people actually ask
Not at most private language institutes, though some prefer degree-holders for their higher-paying contracts. A TEFL certificate and solid interview performance are usually the main factors institutes weigh for non-degree candidates.
Medellín offers lifestyle appeal and a strong expat community but more competition among teachers; Bogotá has more institutes and slightly higher pay with a higher cost of living. Either works well as a starting point.
Typically $500 to $1,000 a month at private institutes, depending on hours and city. This is standard language-school pay and covers a modest lifestyle rather than significant savings.
Sometimes — it depends on the institute. Some sponsor formal visas regardless of degree status, while others pay informally without visa support. Ask directly which arrangement applies before accepting any offer.
No, teaching is typically done in English, so Spanish isn't required for the job itself. Basic Spanish makes daily life, housing and admin considerably easier, so it's worth learning even if it's not mandatory.