Can you teach English in Colombia without a degree?

Colombia is quickly becoming one of the most exciting—and underrated—destinations for teaching English abroad. With its mix of vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and warm, welcoming communities, this South American gem offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Whether you're wandering the colonial streets of Cartagena, enjoying the eternal spring of Medellín, or sipping coffee in the heart of Bogotá, Colombia offers a rich cultural experience for adventurous teachers.

But here’s the real draw: Colombia doesn’t require a university degree to teach English in many cases. That makes it one of the more accessible options for those without a traditional academic background but who still want to make an impact in the classroom.

If you’re ready to teach, travel, and truly immerse yourself in Latin American life, this guide will walk you through how to do it in Colombia—even if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree.

Is a Degree Required to Teach English in Colombia?

The short answer? No, a bachelor’s degree is not legally required to teach English in most private institutions or language centers in Colombia.

While some programs and schools may list a degree as "preferred," many are much more focused on your English fluency, TEFL certification, and willingness to adapt to Colombian classroom culture. This flexibility opens doors for aspiring teachers who are passionate, qualified, and ready to put in the effort—even if they don’t have a university diploma.

That said, government programs or university-level roles may still require a degree, so it’s important to understand which job types are accessible to non-degree holders (more on that next).

What Kinds of Jobs Are Available Without a Degree?

If you’re exploring English teaching jobs in Colombia without a degree, your best options will usually fall within the private sector or informal teaching arrangements. Here's where non-degree holders often find success:

🏫 Private Language Schools

These schools cater to children, teenagers, and adults who are learning English for school, work, or travel. Many are open to hiring fluent speakers with a TEFL certification, even if you don’t have a degree.

• Classes are often held in the afternoons and evenings.
• Expect small group lessons, often with a set curriculum.
• Pay varies by city and school, but it's enough for a comfortable local lifestyle.

👔 Business English and Corporate Training

In major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, there's growing demand for in-company English classes. If you’re confident, professional, and can teach business-related vocabulary, this niche can be both rewarding and better-paying.

• Clients are adult professionals.
• Hours may be early mornings or lunchtime.
• Often arranged through agencies or private language institutes.

👩‍🏫 Private Tutoring

This is one of the easiest ways to get started, especially if you're just arriving and want to build local experience or income fast.

• Offer classes in homes, cafés, or online.
• Great for flexibility and independence.
• You can charge hourly rates and grow by word-of-mouth or through platforms like TusClases or local Facebook groups.

💡 Tip: Bundle your offerings—like conversation classes or IELTS prep—and you’ll stand out even more.

Legal Considerations: Can You Teach in Colombia Without a Degree Legally?

Here’s the good news: Colombia does not legally require a bachelor’s degree to work as an English teacher. That makes it one of the more accessible destinations for non-degree holders in Latin America.

However, just because you don’t need a degree doesn’t mean you can skip the legal stuff. Here's what you should know:

📄 Do You Need a Visa?

Yes—if you're teaching in Colombia for any extended period, you’ll need the right visa. Most teachers go for one of the following:

• M-5 Visa (Work Visa): For formal teaching positions, this is typically sponsored by your employer. It requires a signed work contract and proof of qualifications (usually a TEFL certificate is enough).
• Volunteer Visa: If you're teaching with an NGO or volunteer program, they may help you obtain this visa.
• Tourist Visa (Short-Term or Risky Route): Some teachers start on a 90-day tourist visa and work under the table. This is common but not legal and can lead to fines or visa issues down the road.

🧾 What Schools May Ask For

Even though a degree isn't required by law, individual employers may have their own preferences. Some may still ask for:

• A TEFL certificate (strongly recommended)
• A criminal background check
• A basic health certificate or vaccinations (depending on the school)

✅ Pro Tip: Schools that are experienced in hiring foreigners often help guide you through the visa process. Be sure to clarify this before signing any agreements.

How to Find Teaching Jobs in Colombia Without a Degree

Once you know it’s possible, the next step is finding the right opportunity—and Colombia has plenty of them. Whether you're looking to teach in a buzzing city or a quieter town, here's how to get started.

🏫 Private Language Institutes

These are the most common option for non-degree holders. Language schools are scattered throughout Colombia and cater to students of all ages—from kids and teens to professionals looking to improve their business English.

• Where to look: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and other major cities.
• Requirements: TEFL certification, fluent English, and a friendly personality go a long way.
• Schedules: Many classes happen in the evenings or on weekends.

💬 Private Tutoring

If you prefer flexibility or want to supplement your income, private tutoring is a great option.

• You can advertise on local platforms, Facebook groups, or word of mouth.
• Focus on conversational English, test prep, or business English.
• Rates vary but usually range between $8–$15 USD per hour.

💡 Tip: Offering lessons online via platforms like Superprof or Preply can help you build a student base before arriving in Colombia.

👩‍🏫 NGOs and Volunteer Programs

Many NGOs in Colombia work to improve education access, especially in rural areas or with underprivileged communities. Some offer:

• Free accommodation and meals
• Stipends or travel reimbursements
• Meaningful teaching experience

It’s a fantastic way to give back, immerse yourself in Colombian culture, and build your ESL résumé—no degree required.

✅ Pro Tip: Some volunteer programs can help you transition into paid roles or support you in getting a visa if you want to stay longer.

Visas and Legal Considerations

Now that you know you can teach in Colombia without a degree, you’ll still need to sort out the legal side of things. The good news? Colombia offers several visa options that make staying and working here surprisingly accessible.

🛂 Do You Need a Work Visa?

If you're planning to teach in Colombia long-term, yes—you’ll need a visa. However, many teachers begin by entering the country on a tourist visa, which allows you to stay for up to 90 days, with the possibility of a 90-day extension (for a total of 180 days per calendar year).

💼 The M Visa (Work Visa)

If you land a full-time job with a language institute or school, your employer can sponsor you for a Migrant (M) Work Visa. To qualify, you usually need:

• A job offer from a recognized school or institution
• A TEFL certificate
• A clean criminal background check
• Sometimes a medical certificate and proof of funds

While a bachelor’s degree can help with the process, some employers will sponsor your visa without one if you're otherwise qualified.

🎓 The Volunteer Visa (Type V)

If you're working with an NGO or volunteer organization, they may help you apply for a Volunteer Visa. This is a solid legal option if you're working in a community program or education initiative and not earning a full salary.

🧳 What About Just Staying on a Tourist Visa?

Many teachers do start off on a tourist visa—especially if they’re tutoring privately or testing the waters before committing to something more formal.

• You can stay up to 180 days per year (with an extension).
• It's technically not legal to work on a tourist visa, but some teachers operate informally.
• If you're staying longer or want job security, transitioning to a work or volunteer visa is the better (and safer) route.

💡 Visa Tip: Some teachers enroll in a Spanish language course to qualify for a student visa, which may allow part-time work. It's not a guaranteed workaround but can be a foot in the door.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Teaching English in Colombia Without a Degree?

If your goal is to teach, travel, and truly immerse yourself in Latin American culture, Colombia offers one of the most welcoming paths for non-degree holders.

While you won’t find high salaries or ultra-structured teaching programs, you will find:

• Friendly students eager to learn
• A vibrant lifestyle full of music, color, and connection
• An ESL market that values personality, passion, and flexibility over paper credentials

Colombia is ideal if you’re starting out, building experience, or simply looking for an adventure that makes a difference. With a solid TEFL certificate, the right attitude, and a bit of hustle, you can carve out a meaningful role in the classroom—even without a university degree.

Whether you stay for a few months or a few years, teaching in Colombia is about more than just work. It’s about personal growth, cultural exchange, and becoming part of a country that’s moving forward with energy and optimism.

So if you're ready to teach, explore, and grow—Colombia might be exactly where you need to be.