English Co-Teacher - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Colombia - 2 years, plus 3 months training
Peace Corps
United States
Posted on Aug 2, 2025
About The Job
Apply by :
January 1, 2026
Know By
March 1, 2026
Depart On
August 22, 2026
Duration
2 years, plus 3 months training
Overview
Project description
Peace Corps Colombia’s Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) project supports national priorities in education and workforce development by strengthening English instruction in public schools and community settings. English proficiency is widely seen in Colombia as a pathway to academic, professional, and global opportunities. Yet challenges, including limited teacher preparation and classroom resources, continue to hinder progress.
In alignment with Colombia’s National Bilingualism Program, this project addresses those gaps by building teacher capacity, improving student and community English proficiency, and integrating English into broader development activities. Peace Corps TEFL Volunteers (hereafter, Volunteer) serve in both the Caribbean and Andean regions, working with national and local partners to promote inclusive, practical English education.
Goal
Students and community members have communication skills in English necessary to access academic, professional, and/or personal development opportunities.
Objectives
Volunteers are placed in public secondary schools (grades 6–11) and in technical institutions such as the Service Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA). They do not teach independently but are trained to work in a collaborative and supportive role alongside Colombian teachers to co-plan and co-teach classes. While most teachers hold education degrees, many seek support to enhance their English fluency and teaching practices.
Typical Volunteer Activities Include
English learning extends beyond school. Volunteers facilitate community English classes and support adult learners pursuing academic or employment goals. They may co-lead youth-focused programs that promote communication, self-esteem, and leadership, or contribute to community initiatives such as summer camps, arts programs, or sports events.
Technology Integration And Ict4d
Many schools have access to devices such as interactive TVs, tablets, and computers, but these tools are often underused for English learning. Volunteers support students and educators in learning to use available technology to make lessons more dynamic and interactive. This approach, known as Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), helps bridge digital gaps.
Cross-sector Work
TEFL Volunteers often contribute to initiatives that promote women, youth, health education, environmental awareness, or life skills. These projects may be integrated into English instruction or conducted in collaboration with local organizations. Volunteers are encouraged to apply their unique skills to address local priorities.
Regional Priorities
Volunteer placements are prioritized in communities where English skills are relevant to local economic and educational needs, such as tourism or access to higher education, and where counterparts show strong motivation. Sites are located in four departments of the Caribbean region and three departments in the Andes. All sites are vetted for safety, institutional support, and alignment with Ministry of Education goals.
Required Skills
Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline and a strong desire to teach English, and:
Special Notice About Citizenship
Candidates who are dual citizens of Colombia and the U.S. or who were born in Colombia and became U.S. citizens after July 4, 1991 are not eligible to serve in Peace Corps Colombia. Under Colombian law, anyone born in Colombia who became a U.S. citizen after 1991 or anyone holding dual U.S. and Colombia citizenship is considered a citizen of Colombia, and not of the United States. If an individual faced a legal, safety, or emergency situation in Colombia, the Peace Corps' ability to intervene would be limited. If you fit one of these categories, we encourage you to look at Peace Corps Volunteer assignments in other countries.
Apply by :
January 1, 2026
Know By
March 1, 2026
Depart On
August 22, 2026
Duration
2 years, plus 3 months training
Overview
Project description
Peace Corps Colombia’s Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) project supports national priorities in education and workforce development by strengthening English instruction in public schools and community settings. English proficiency is widely seen in Colombia as a pathway to academic, professional, and global opportunities. Yet challenges, including limited teacher preparation and classroom resources, continue to hinder progress.
In alignment with Colombia’s National Bilingualism Program, this project addresses those gaps by building teacher capacity, improving student and community English proficiency, and integrating English into broader development activities. Peace Corps TEFL Volunteers (hereafter, Volunteer) serve in both the Caribbean and Andean regions, working with national and local partners to promote inclusive, practical English education.
Goal
Students and community members have communication skills in English necessary to access academic, professional, and/or personal development opportunities.
Objectives
- Increase the capacity of teachers to use and teach English.
- Increase achievement of students in English.
- Increase achievement of community members in English.
Volunteers are placed in public secondary schools (grades 6–11) and in technical institutions such as the Service Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA). They do not teach independently but are trained to work in a collaborative and supportive role alongside Colombian teachers to co-plan and co-teach classes. While most teachers hold education degrees, many seek support to enhance their English fluency and teaching practices.
Typical Volunteer Activities Include
- Co-planning and co-teaching English classes.
- Co-facilitating workshops on teaching strategies, classroom management, and use of educational technology.
- Hosting English conversation groups for teachers.
- Leading extracurricular activities such as clubs, tutoring sessions, or student projects.
English learning extends beyond school. Volunteers facilitate community English classes and support adult learners pursuing academic or employment goals. They may co-lead youth-focused programs that promote communication, self-esteem, and leadership, or contribute to community initiatives such as summer camps, arts programs, or sports events.
Technology Integration And Ict4d
Many schools have access to devices such as interactive TVs, tablets, and computers, but these tools are often underused for English learning. Volunteers support students and educators in learning to use available technology to make lessons more dynamic and interactive. This approach, known as Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), helps bridge digital gaps.
Cross-sector Work
TEFL Volunteers often contribute to initiatives that promote women, youth, health education, environmental awareness, or life skills. These projects may be integrated into English instruction or conducted in collaboration with local organizations. Volunteers are encouraged to apply their unique skills to address local priorities.
Regional Priorities
Volunteer placements are prioritized in communities where English skills are relevant to local economic and educational needs, such as tourism or access to higher education, and where counterparts show strong motivation. Sites are located in four departments of the Caribbean region and three departments in the Andes. All sites are vetted for safety, institutional support, and alignment with Ministry of Education goals.
Required Skills
Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline and a strong desire to teach English, and:
Special Notice About Citizenship
Candidates who are dual citizens of Colombia and the U.S. or who were born in Colombia and became U.S. citizens after July 4, 1991 are not eligible to serve in Peace Corps Colombia. Under Colombian law, anyone born in Colombia who became a U.S. citizen after 1991 or anyone holding dual U.S. and Colombia citizenship is considered a citizen of Colombia, and not of the United States. If an individual faced a legal, safety, or emergency situation in Colombia, the Peace Corps' ability to intervene would be limited. If you fit one of these categories, we encourage you to look at Peace Corps Volunteer assignments in other countries.