The Best Places To Teach English In Colombia

Teaching English in Colombia isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Where you choose to live and work can shape everything — your day-to-day schedule, the kind of students you’ll teach, your salary, and how deeply you’ll connect with Colombian culture. Whether you’re drawn to the bustle of Bogotá, the mountain charm of Medellín, or the Caribbean rhythms of Cartagena, there’s a city or town that fits your vision.

From high-paying business English roles to relaxed tutoring gigs in laid-back towns, each destination comes with its own vibe, advantages, and trade-offs. Your perfect match depends on your lifestyle goals, your appetite for adventure, and how you want to grow — both professionally and personally.

🌆 1. Bogotá – The Capital of Opportunity

As Colombia’s sprawling capital, Bogotá offers the most abundant job opportunities for English teachers. With its dense concentration of international schools, private academies, universities, and corporate clients, it’s the top choice for those seeking structured contracts and higher pay.

Teachers in Bogotá often enjoy a more professionalized experience, with clear schedules, competitive salaries, and access to career-building programs. The city is also a cultural powerhouse — filled with world-class museums, bustling food scenes, and a lively arts and nightlife culture that runs late into the evening.

However, the trade-offs are real. Bogotá sits at a high altitude, which can take time to adjust to, and its chilly, often rainy weather isn’t for everyone. Still, if you’re looking for Colombia’s most dynamic and career-focused teaching hub, Bogotá delivers.

Best for: Teachers who want stability, career growth, and an energetic urban lifestyle.
Expect: Higher job standards, a cool climate, and an intense but rewarding pace of life.

🌸 2. Medellín – The Digital Nomad Favorite

Medellín has shaken off its past and reinvented itself as one of South America’s most livable cities — and a magnet for remote workers, creatives, and English teachers alike. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín’s mild weather, lush green hills, and efficient public transit make daily life feel easy and enjoyable.

The TEFL scene here is growing steadily. While salaries may be slightly lower than in Bogotá, Medellín offers plenty of opportunities in language centers, business English, and private tutoring — especially among young professionals and university students. It’s also a city where side hustles thrive, making it ideal for teachers who freelance, work online, or tutor privately.

Add in the strong coworking scene, regular language exchange events, and quick escapes to the mountains or coffee farms, and it’s clear why so many expat teachers fall in love with Medellín.

Best for: Teachers who value lifestyle, weather, and work-life balance.
Expect: Moderate pay, plenty of flexibility, and a friendly, tech-savvy expat community.

🕺 3. Cali – Culture, Dance, and Local Connection

Cali stands out as Colombia’s cultural soul, known for its electrifying salsa scene, Afro-Colombian roots, and deeply local atmosphere. While it doesn't offer as many teaching jobs as Bogotá or Medellín, the demand for English is steadily growing — especially in schools, NGOs, and grassroots education programs.

For teachers who value connection over convenience, Cali offers a warm and welcoming community. Locals are eager to engage with foreigners, making it a fantastic place to build friendships, practice Spanish, and fully integrate into Colombian life. It’s also a hub for music, food, and street festivals that reflect its diverse heritage.

Expect fewer expats, slightly lower wages, and a more informal job market — but in return, you’ll gain a truly immersive experience with unmatched cultural flavor.

Best for: Socially driven teachers who thrive in close-knit communities.
Expect: Deep cultural immersion, strong local ties, and a slower but richer teaching experience.

🏝️ 4. Cartagena – Tourism Meets Tradition

Cartagena offers a unique teaching backdrop: cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and turquoise Caribbean waters. As a major tourist destination, there's strong demand for English — especially in hospitality, tour agencies, and private academies serving professionals working in tourism.

While the formal TEFL job market is smaller than in Bogotá or Medellín, opportunities still exist, particularly for those open to freelancing or building local connections. Many teachers pick up students through word of mouth, networking at hostels, or offering conversation classes.

Living here means soaking up the sun, enjoying seafood, and embracing the rhythmic pace of Caribbean life. It's not the place to earn the most, but it's rich in atmosphere and experience.

Best for: Teachers drawn to warm weather, coastal living, and cultural charm.
Expect: Freelance or part-time roles, slower pace of life, and strong tourism focus.

☕ 5. Pereira & the Coffee Region – Small City Vibes, Big Charm

Nestled in Colombia’s lush coffee-growing heartland, Pereira and its surrounding towns offer a quieter, more traditional teaching experience. While not as saturated with jobs as the big cities, there are openings in schools, local language institutes, and volunteer or NGO programs focused on rural education.

Teachers here enjoy green hills, friendly communities, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee around every corner. It’s a place to slow down, learn Spanish through daily interaction, and immerse yourself in the rhythms of Colombian countryside life.

If you're looking to get off the tourist track and connect with local culture, the Coffee Region is a fulfilling option.

Best for: Teachers seeking immersion, nature, and a slower pace.
Expect: Modest salaries, community-centered work, and stunning landscapes.

🌄 6. Bucaramanga – Clean, Safe, and Underrated

Often overlooked in the TEFL world, Bucaramanga is a hidden gem for teachers who want a peaceful, livable city without the chaos of major urban centers. It boasts a relatively low cost of living, clean streets, and a reputation for being one of Colombia’s safest cities.

There’s a growing demand for English, especially in local schools and institutes eager to internationalize. Bucaramanga’s scenic surroundings — from mountain hikes to nearby national parks — also make it a haven for outdoor lovers.

For teachers seeking a stable base with real lifestyle perks, Bucaramanga is worth a serious look.

Best for: Teachers prioritizing safety, stability, and outdoor living.
Expect: Fewer crowds, lower salaries, and strong quality of life.

🌎 7. Rural Areas and Small Towns – Immersion Over Income

For teachers looking to make a meaningful difference, Colombia’s rural areas and smaller towns offer a chance to step off the beaten path. These placements often come through government or NGO programs, such as Colombia Bilingüe, which aim to improve English education in underserved communities.

While salaries are typically low (or roles may be volunteer-based), the experience offers unparalleled cultural immersion. You’ll build close relationships with locals, rapidly improve your Spanish, and see the direct impact of your work in students’ lives.

This path suits teachers who value purpose, adventure, and human connection over financial gain.

Best for: Teachers who want full cultural immersion and meaningful work.
Expect: Limited resources, slower pace, and high personal rewards.

💡 How to Pick the Right City for You

Choosing where to teach in Colombia is more than a job decision — it shapes your entire experience abroad. If your priority is career development, higher pay, or structured contracts, cities like Bogotá or Medellín will likely be the best fit. These urban centers offer more predictable teaching schedules, networking opportunities, and side gigs like tutoring or online work.

If your focus is cultural immersion, language learning, or slower living, cities like Cali, Pereira, or Bucaramanga — or even rural towns — might be a better match. These locations offer deeper local connections and a more relaxed pace of life, though jobs may be less formal and lower-paid.

Some teachers begin their journey in larger cities, gain experience, and then transition into rural programs or coastal destinations for a different kind of reward.

Tip: Think about your teaching goals, personality, and travel plans. Colombia’s diversity means there’s a place that fits just right — you just need to find it.

🎯 Final Thoughts: There’s a Place in Colombia for Every Teacher

Whether you’re drawn to Bogotá’s professional energy, Medellín’s year-round spring, Cali’s rhythm, or the quiet charm of the coffee region, Colombia has a place that speaks to you. The TEFL landscape here is as varied as the country itself — dynamic cities, welcoming towns, and communities eager to learn.

The “best” city isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s the one that meets your teaching goals, fits your lifestyle, and challenges you in meaningful ways. With a little flexibility and an open mind, teaching in Colombia becomes more than a job — it’s a way to explore the world, connect with people, and grow as a global educator.