Colombia: A Tale of Two ELTs

It was the best of classrooms, it was the worst of classrooms. With its snow-capped sierra and arid desert, Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, virgin rainforests and sprawling urban jungles, unimaginable wealth and abject poverty, Colombia is a country of contrasts. Similarly, your time teaching English in Colombia will be punctuated by highs and lows.

To be forewarned is to be forearmed, so this article aims to arm you with the information that will help you accentuate the highs and make the best of the lows.

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Summertime and the Living is ELTeasy

Last summer I learnt something that I wish I’d known all those years ago when I first started out as a traveling English teacher. Now, because teachers find it practically impossible not to share our knowledge, I’m going to pass this valuable secret on to you right here.

More years ago than I care to mention I’d landed my first official contract, teaching in Andalucía on the golden shores of the Costa de la Luz. For me starting in September it was a low season paradise; devoid of tourists, the beaches were deserted and the townsfolk were happy to have their home back so it was much easier to become a part of their community. My Spanish was improving and they made me feel like I was doing something worthwhile rather than just passing through with my backpack.

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