Teaching in Bogota

[skydolphin]

Has any one taught in Colombia? What was the experience. My experience
matches an employers need there. Any second opinions

[BBrian]

Colombia? Your are really considering to teach in Colombia? The drug haven of the world with kidnappings and small arms fire not uncommon? Think again.

Thousands of Colombian's are begging the US to keep them in the US rather than sending them back home.

Think twice before heading there to teach.

[travelgoddess]

NO!

I cant believe this kind of fear still exists. I will hold myself back from disputing each point in the post before mine bit by bit.

Breathe.

People from all over the world leave their countries in large numbers to come to America, including the most popular countries for ESL like S.Korea, Taiwan and more.

As for the crime,I am currently doing research right now and will be in Bogota in 3 weeks. Cant wait to post again when I have first hand knowledge! So far all the teachers I have talked to say that Colombian gov has a no tolerance level on crime (kinda how NYC cleaned up awhile back), and its working. Travel between cities is still risky,but generally speaking within cities its no less safe than a North American or European city.

DONT be scared away by what the media says, do your research and talk to people who are there. Daves ESL CAfe has some good info on the subject as well.

Whew.

Steph

[ellbee2]

Brian...Please don't make comments about something you know nothing about. I lived and taught in Bogota for one year so I feel I am slightly better qualified to speak about Colombia than you. It is a completely safe and beautiful place to live. The people know the reputation their country has and want to change the stereotype and go out of their way to welcome and help foreigners.

I plan on returning soon, possibly to live forever. I can quote you all kinds of statistics about the safety and decrease in crime, but take my word for it, it is a FANTASTIC place and I NEVER felt fear while I was there.

Shame on you Brian for judging an entire country and people based on the illegal actions of less than one percent of the population and continuing to foster an outdated stereotype.