Location

The TEFL International TEFL course in Colombia is Cartagena, a city in the north east of the country right on the Caribbean coast. Cartagena has a distinctively Caribbean atmosphere, with pirate tales, golden beaches, fascinating architecture, night life if you want it, along with delectable cuisine. This combination, makes Cartagena a favorite destination of Colombians and foreigners. World-famous film, music, and literary festivals also contribute to making Cartagena totally unique.

Cartagena possesses not only rich colonial, republican and modern architecture, but also an intense night life, cultural festivals of international renown, awesome scenery, beautiful beaches, excellent cuisine, and a hotel infrastructure for practically any budget.

The old walled city, close to the TEFL International training centre, has changed very little in recent times. Its winding streets lined with Spanish Colonial architecture with colorfully painted buildings are delightful. The city was declared the “Historical Patrimony of Humanity” by UNESCO in 1985 and it is easy to see why. The Church of San Pedro Claver dedicated to the Spanish born monk known as the “Slave of Slaves” who devoted his life to the welfare of the unfortunate slaves brought to Cartagena: he even begged in the streets for them. Claver was the first person to be canonized in the New World and his body lies in a glass coffin in the high altar. Visitors can also see the cell where he lived and died.

There’s plenty to see in Cartagena. Highlights of the old city include:

• The Monastery La Popa
• The San Felipe de Barajas Fortress
• Las Bovedas the dungeons - now used as tourist shops

It is easy to fall in love with Cartagena. The ancient spirit of the city mixes with tales of pirates, stories of historical ships, long lost treasures and buildings that date back to the sixteenth century. On November 11, 1811, Cartagena of the West Indies was the first village that achieved its independence from the Spanish Crown. November 11 is the city’s most important holiday.

Cartagena has a number of important festivals throughout the year:

• January: Bullfighting Fair, International Classical Music Festival
• February: Hay Festival, Barranquilla Carnival
• March: International Film and TV Festival
• May: Festival of the Vallenata Legend
• November: Independence Feasts, National Beauty Pageant and Race of the Stars

Coming out of the old city by Puerta del Reloj, the city’s emblematic rendezvous point, there is ample choice of what to do. Depending on the time of day, you can choose between activities on the beach, scuba diving, and snorkeling, or shopping and enjoying restaurants and bars.

Climate:

Cartagena has a warm, sunny climate with an average temperature of 30 degrees centigrade. Water at the beaches is warm all year-round which makes it an ideal tourist destination at any time of the year. Since the climate is hot and humid, visitors are comfortable wearing casual, light clothes. The city’s weather conditions make it possible to enjoy long walks by the shore line and many other day-light activities.

Water temperature: the temperature varies from 27 to 29 degrees C.
Local time: the time in Cartagena is 5 hours behind GMT.

About The School

The TEFL International school in Cartagena is located just four blocks from the main entrance to the Old City, in a quaint colonial house with a Caribbean atmosphere that you will love. We offer cozy, air-conditioned classrooms, to provide you a maximum learning experience.

Our staff of qualified, experienced teachers will be at your side during your training process. Friendly, professional administrative assistants are waiting to support you for a comfortable experience during your TEFL course.

Other optional activities:

• Go scuba diving, kite boarding, fishing or windsurfing
• Relax on beautiful, clean, quiet beaches
• Enjoy lively night life
• Meet interesting people in casinos, bars, and restaurants
• Go sightseeing along the walls, the castle, and the streets of the ancient city of Cartagena

Accommodation

Most accommodation is in the vicinity of the school, from which you can easily access public transportation to get to other places.

Home-stay with a family: You will live and share your daily life with a Spanish-speaking family. Breakfast and dinner are included and there is either a washing machine available, or your clothes will be washed once a week. Families are chosen carefully, and are friendly and conveniently located. The homestay option is $140 per week.

Live at the school in Cartagena: If you are looking for a pretty basic, clean, convenient, and affordable place to stay in Cartagena, you can stay at the school, for $100 per week.

Hotel: There are hotels available for all budgets ranging from $20 per night to 5-star hotels. The hotels that we recommend are always well located, and they have been rated as satisfactory by other students. We also have contacts with very good local B&Bs (Bed & Breakfasts).

Apartment: If you want more privacy or are planning to come with your family, we can arrange an apartment for you, from $50 per day.

Please be assured that any special requests or requirements regarding accommodation will be taken into consideration, and TEFL International will make every effort to honor such requests.

Course Dates

• 5 January - 30 January 2009
• 2 February - 27 February 2009
• 2 March - 27 March 2009
• 6 April - 1 May 2009
• 4 May - 29 May 2009
• 1 June - 26 June 2009
• 6 July - 31 July 2009
• 3 August - 28 August 2009
• 31 August - 25 September 2009
• 5 October - 30 October 2009
• 2 November - 27 November 2009
• 30 November - 25 December 2009

Course Fees

• US$ 1990 (£) (excluding accommodation)
• Accommodation from US$ 100 (£) per week

Cartagena, Colombia - Map: Click here for the map