Job Discussion Forums

M123 · Joined: 19 Apr 2011 Posts: 2

I have been reading through the forms a little, trying to gather information but I have become scared because I believe I am quite different then all the above... I don't have a degree. As well I have a TESL certificate not a CELTA certificate, I want to know what exactly the difference is. And will not having a degree and only having my TESL keep me from getting work here in Bogota? I do have experience teaching but it's all volunteering, I'm not even sure if that really makes a difference?

As well I read somewhere that either Perterson's or IH Bogota will help with getting a work Visa, and maybe even pay for it. What are your experiences with getting work Visas?

As well my boyfriend and I are looking for apartments (amoblado) or even just a room. Any information that you have from work to where to buy things. All is appreciated!

G22 · Joined: 25 Oct 2010 Posts: 89

You will be able to find work regardless if you're a native speaker, but you will probably have to settle for a bit less. You will need a CELTA to work at IH, but that will set you back $1500 US at least. IH does offer a work visa, but honestly you don't need a work visa to work here and there are like 17 can different visas you can get so a work visa isn't your only option. If you want to find a room check out http://www.compartoapto.com/ there are lots of room listings from anywhere from 100 US to 1,000 US a month. I got a room for about $175 US a month. Cheers.

windowlicker · Joined: 05 Jun 2008 Posts: 183 Location: Bogot�, Colombia

M123 · Joined: 19 Apr 2011 Posts: 2

Thank you for replying, I had looked into IH Bogota but maybe I will do it again and just try other places... really all I know right now is IH Bogota, Perterson's and Verve(I believe is the name). As my TESL is most definitely an equivalent, I have 10 hours of teaching and people observing me and I have 10 hours of observing as well. So I do believe it is sufficent...
I will just have to search this city high and low for institutes.. its just so damn big though!

Another question has anyone tried being a Nanny here.. or something like it?

And as for my Visa thanks for the tip on looking into other Visas I will just have to see what I can do. My boyfreind is Colombian and as of now I am not ready to get kicked out of Colombia... so legally is probably how I will look into it.. hmm
As for living, between how much you work and how much you earn, does it come out in the end that you usually have a bit extra and if so what part of the city do you live in that is so cheap. I have looked on http://www.compartoapto.com/ but not much luck as it is for my boyfriend and I.(No one likes couples!)
Thanks for all the help! All tips are fantastic!! Very Happy

travelNick · Joined: 22 Feb 2009 Posts: 56 Location: Bogota, Colombia

Looking for apartments online and in the paper can be troublesome, a lot of people don't want to pay money to advertise and so just put a sign on their window. Just choose an area you like, put on your walking shoes, top up your credit on your cell, and go for a walk Smile

Otherwise, try Ospina. They have a free search tool online.

G22 · Joined: 25 Oct 2010 Posts: 89

Enrico Palazo · Joined: 29 Aug 2011 Posts: 13

So how dangerous is it in Bogot�? I know that it's different than the countryside, but I keep reading about how FARC and kidnappings are problems once again.

travelNick · Joined: 22 Feb 2009 Posts: 56 Location: Bogota, Colombia

Kidnappings in Bogota happen on a "short-term" basis. That's to say that it means it's small groups of organised criminals looking to blackmail a rich local businessman/family for money.

The problem with safety is theft. Any time of day and in any part of the city. They can be violent. Cellphones, laptops, and recently withdrawn money are the main targets of theives, who are always armed.

Common assault, in my experience, is not common.

JonnyBravo · Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 80 Location: Bogota, Colombia

If you're in Bogota, the FARC is definitely not your problem. Petty crime is so rampant that you should definitely rethink what pockets your stuff is in when you leave the house and what caliber of cell phone you're carrying. It sounds ridiculous like nobody would put up with that, but its fairly standard procedure and everybody does it, colombian and foreigner alike. That being said, I never was robbed in the 8 months I was there.

If that's something that might scare you off from coming to Colombia, don't let it. It's a beautiful place with wonderful people and I did not meet a foreigner in Colombia who did not rave about their time in country. I'm home now, but planning a longer return trip as soon as I can.

Woodman09 · Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 23 Location: Los Angeles

Actually I have been Working at IH for a while and know of 2 teachers without Celtas.

I think that if they have the work and think you can do it they will hire you.

The Volunteer experience is a plus-- I'd definitely try to get a letter of recommendation from the school

CELTA holders are preferred though