Living and Volunteering or Working in Colombia

By Richard McColl

Living in Colombia

Life can be relatively straightforward in Colombia, but of course, Latin American bureaucracy can raise its ugly head at any given time! For the most part, tourists arrive on a regular three month tourist visa and either prefer to leave the country in order to obtain an extension or run through the demands required of them by the DAS office.

If you have the means and the visa to stay longer, such as by working for an NGO or working as a journalist, then the ideal situation would be to organize a visa in your home country and then to organize the issue of a Cedula de Extranjeria from the DAS office once you have arrived.

Volunteering in Colombia

While the opportunities to volunteer in Colombia are increasing, there is still a long way to go for the country to reach the levels now experienced in Ecuador or Costa Rica. Given that many places in Colombia are still very much “out of bounds,” charities can be forgiven for not sending people into the zona roja. Things are changing, however, and foreign run NGOs as well as local outfits are beginning to recognize the value that willing volunteers can bring.

Aside from showing up and lending your services, it is worthwhile doing some research and perhaps organizing your volunteering stint from your home country so as to be sure of what you are getting yourself into. For a better idea of the groups and charities that are currently receiving volunteers it is worth contacting the Catholic Church, which maintains an up to date list of all outfits.

As with most Latin American countries, there are a host of organizations out there needing volunteers. Obviously most will need a voluntary contribution and a minimum commitment period. In order to work with children it is recommended that you make your enquiries from your home country and provide the chosen organization with a background check to ensure the safety and security of the children with whom you intend to work. Below is a list of organizations who accept volunteers.

Globalteer – www.globalteer.org

Healing Colombia – www.healingcolombia.org

Idealist – www.idealist.org

Let’s Go Volunteer – www.letsgovolunteer.com

United Planet – www.unitedplanet.org

Working in Colombia

Most people residing and working in Colombia have come here sponsored by an international private school or a multinational firm. For these individuals securing the correct documents is straightforward. For others this is not the case. It is fundamental to have your papers in order. To do this one must have a legitimate reason for being here, be it teaching English, starting a business or being of some obvious benefit to the country. The last thing that the Colombian authorities want is a number of drug-addled dropouts drifting around their country. In order to have everything correct you must first contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.minrelext.gov.co) and have all your forms approved there before then getting your ID card at your local DAS office.

Accommodation

Renting an apartment outright is a tricky issue. Should you go through a licensed agent and receive the security and legal sureness offered you will need a proof of income, a Colombian national to countersign your contract and then to have the documents notarized. Unfortunately most Colombian apartments to let are unfurnished as well. The easiest way around this is searching the web and checking out ads in windows for people offering private furnished properties.

A great number of people end up coming to Colombia and falling in love with the country and its oft flaunted attractions. These folk usually enter on a three month tourist visa and then continue renewing their visitor status at the DAS office as and when it is required. For those who are intent on actually living in Colombia there are a number of ways of doing so.

1. Become an Investor: Check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see what is required of an investor in Colombia to receive a visa. There is a minimum investment fee that frees up a lot of paperwork.

2. Teach English: The pay is notoriously low, but most English teachers supplement their income by also offering private classes in addition to being affiliated to a language school. It is fundamental to have a TESL or TEFL.

3. Study: There are a number of world-class universities in Colombia, all of which accept foreign students. Check their websites. If you are already in the country and thinking of this option, it is worthwhile to visit the University / Academic institution to find out enrolment requirements.

Any of these listed options should present you with a good opportunity to live, earn and fully enjoy Colombia. We strongly advise against people attempting to slip under the radar and go about their business without the correct paperwork. Colombian bureaucracy is substantial. A failure to comply with the required norms is frowned upon and could result in deportation, a hefty fine and/or some time in a particularly unpleasant Colombian prison.