Job Discussion Forums

KatrinaESL · Joined: 10 Sep 2011 Posts: 5

Hi everyone! I've never posted on here before but I've been reading the boards for years.

I recently applied to Universidad del Norte in Brranquilla (thanks to a post I saw from naturegirl that suggested they are a good employer) and I just had my first interview. I kind of have a feeling that I'll get the job (I have my MA TESOL, speak Spanish, and I've taught ESL in the states for some time, including the past year and a half at a university). I was just wondering if anyone has any experience working for uninorte or experience living in Barranquilla.

Thanks in advance!!

The Internationalist · Joined: 26 May 2012 Posts: 72

heard nice things about uni norte.

congrats if you get the job

spanglish · Joined: 21 May 2009 Posts: 570 Location: working on that

I've spent some time in Barranquilla and know a lot of people who have either studied or worked at UniNorte.

Make sure they give you a decent, full time contract. You have the quals and experience to demand it. UniNorte is probably the best (only decent?) job on the coast if you discount colegios.

Barranquilla....it's a trip, that's for sure. I'd definitely say give it a try and see if you like it.

Cost of living will probably be slightly lower than Bogota.

KatrinaESL · Joined: 10 Sep 2011 Posts: 5

Great thanks guys! I'll let you know if I get the job. They said I'd get a year contract and the pay scale was very good, so I'll take it if offered.

I'll definitely be ping you for contacts later. Smile

Gregorio · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 106

So did you take the job? Sorry for the late reply. I'd say if it's just for a year, it would be okay to do it. I have lived in Barranquilla for 2 years, but only because of a verbal agreement with my colegio. I would have left here after about 4-5 months. Barranquilla is a drinking/party town and I have met quite a few profs from Uninorte who are here for just the year to party and leave. I wish that was the case for me.

Barranquilla has a quite homogeneous culture, with splashes of an art scene here, or a jazz music thing there, but it's pretty much cumbia, vallenato, y salsa siempre... and at ear drum shattering volumes. It is very good that you already speak Spanish here, because to a beginner, it is almost unintelligible. I have learned quite a bit, but most people who are not dating a local don't learn Spanish here. All of the non-latina gringas I know here do not really enjoy it that much. It is an excellent place for single males who speak intermediate to advanced Spanish.

On the other hand, if you want a truly Latin American/Caribbean experience for longer than a vacation stretch, it is a great place for that. It is hot and humid most of the year, with a few months of dry, breezy, and cool (23 degrees celsius at the lowest at night). It's also close to places like Taganga, Cartagena, and Parque Tayrona. All worth the visits!

If you would like to know anything else, let me know.

Gregorio