ITP - 022: Teaching in Colombia and School Differences

Matt: Welcome to the International Teacher Podcast with your host Greg, the single guy, and Matt, the family guy. We're recording episodes from around the globe to tell you about the best kept secret in education. That’s right, it’s teaching overseas. We’re glad to have you.

Greg: All right, so my guest today is a teacher overseas, and she’s coming out from Colombia, but she’s originally a cheesehead like I am. She has been in no less than probably six different places—Spain, Switzerland, Singapore, Wisconsin, and Colombia—in that order, I think. Am I right about that, Kristen Montgomery?

Kristen: That’s correct.

Greg: And did I get the order right too? You went overseas for several years, then back to Wisconsin, and then back overseas again?

Kristen: Yeah, so actually when I graduated from university, I went to do the English assistant program in Madrid, where I was teaching at a bilingual elementary school. I didn’t study education originally—I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do—but after teaching, I realized I wanted to pursue it. So I went back, got my teaching license, and knew I wanted to go abroad again.

Kristen: I ended up in Switzerland somewhat randomly. I did my student teaching there and then got hired for about three years. After that, I went to Singapore, then back to public schools in Wisconsin for a few years, and just last year moved to Colombia.

Greg: So you know what it’s like working at a boarding school then.

Kristen: Yeah.

Greg: Tell me a little bit more about your teaching experience.

Kristen: It’s mostly been high school. I taught elementary in Spain, and when I returned to the U.S., I did one year of fifth grade in a Spanish immersion program. But I definitely prefer high school students—they’re more independent but still fun.

Greg: And your Spanish helps you in Colombia, I assume.

Kristen: Definitely.

Greg: So that’s your sweet spot—high school age?

Kristen: Yes. They don’t need constant supervision like younger kids, but they’re still engaging and enjoyable to teach.

Greg: And instruction is in English, even if you’re in Colombia?

Kristen: Yes. I also teach French right now. My certifications are French, Spanish, ESL, and social studies, so I’ve taught a mix of subjects depending on the school’s needs.

Greg: That flexibility definitely helps.

Kristen: Absolutely. Being certified in multiple areas gives you more opportunities.

Greg: When you’re looking at schools, I assume you do a lot of research.

Kristen: Yes, I have a long list of questions. Things like transportation, whether you need a car, or how easy it is to get around.

Greg: What are your top questions?

Kristen: I always ask about duties—after-school expectations, weekend commitments. For example, in Brazil, some schools require working one or two Saturdays a month.

Greg: That’s almost a deal breaker.

Kristen: It can be. On the other hand, places like Abu Dhabi have shorter workweeks now, which can be a big benefit.

Kristen: I also consider commuting. My current school provides transportation, but the bus picks me up at 5:50 a.m. That’s nearly two hours of commuting daily, which is a big reason I’m not staying.

Greg: That’ll wear you down.

Kristen: Definitely. I also ask whether I’ll have my own classroom. I like creating a welcoming space, but right now I move between rooms all day, which is difficult.

Greg: That sounds rough.

Kristen: It’s very different from schools where you have your own space and resources.

Greg: Do you prioritize the job or the location?

Kristen: It depends. Sometimes I choose based on location, sometimes based on professional growth or the package. For example, I specifically wanted to be in Medellín, so I prioritized location this time.

Greg: That makes sense.

Greg: Let me ask—do you feel safe overseas as a woman traveling alone?

Kristen: Overall, yes. I’ve felt safe in most places. Europe felt very safe. In Colombia, Medellín is known for being more well-mannered. I take precautions, like not walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, but generally I’ve had positive experiences.

Kristen: I think being aware and making smart choices is key.

Greg: That’s good to hear.

Greg: What differences have you seen between schools in the U.S. and overseas?

Kristen: In Wisconsin, I worked in a well-funded district with strong support systems. But I also saw schools with high needs and limited resources.

Kristen: That year was very challenging. Many students faced significant personal hardships, and I struggled at times. It was a tough but valuable experience.

Greg: That’s a powerful perspective.

Greg: Let’s talk about boarding schools.

Kristen: I had weekly activities with a student group and occasional trips. It didn’t always feel like work.

Greg: Switzerland is expensive, so those perks help.

Kristen: Definitely. Many of us lived on campus and shared responsibilities like weekend duty.

Greg: I loved my boarding school experience, even though it wasn’t for everyone.

Greg: How many languages did you hear?

Kristen: At least 20.

Greg: Same here. It’s incredibly diverse.

Greg: What about Singapore?

Kristen: Singapore is very international and academically focused. Students are highly engaged and respectful. It’s a very different classroom environment.

Greg: Culture really shapes teaching.

Kristen: Absolutely.

Greg: Let’s talk curriculum—IB.

Kristen: IB focuses on inquiry-based learning and global perspectives. It provides continuity for students moving between countries. The Diploma Programme is especially rigorous.

Greg: And having IB experience opens doors.

Kristen: Yes, though it can be a catch-22 getting that initial experience.

Greg: What about certification requirements?

Kristen: That’s another important question. I had to get certified in British Columbia, which took time and effort.

Greg: What about school calendars?

Kristen: They vary widely. Some have long summers, others have more frequent breaks. It depends on the country and system.

Greg: And unexpected holidays can happen too.

Kristen: Exactly.

Greg: What are you looking for next?

Kristen: I want a position with good savings potential since I own a condo in the U.S. I’d also love to return to Europe, but that can be challenging.

Greg: That’s the balance we all face.

Kristen: Definitely.

Greg: What about job fairs?

Kristen: I prefer in-person fairs. They provide a better sense of the school and people.

Greg: I agree. That personal connection matters.

Greg: Always talk to current teachers before accepting a job.

Kristen: Absolutely.

Greg: Let’s end with a fun story—any police encounters?

Kristen: Yes. On a school trip in Berlin, a student bought handcuffs and got stuck in them. We had to find police to cut them off. It was quite an experience.

Greg: That’s a great story.

Greg: I had a situation in Honduras involving a parking issue and a misunderstanding with police—it got tense, but it worked out in the end.

Greg: Final question—favorite place to live and teach?

Kristen: Switzerland for the scenery, Medellín for the weather, and Singapore for teaching.

Greg: Fantastic.

Greg: Kristen, thanks for joining us.

Kristen: Thanks for having me.

Greg: If you want to connect, you can reach us at [internationalteacherpodcast@gmail.com](mailto:internationalteacherpodcast@gmail.com) or on Instagram at ITPXPats.

Greg: This is Greg, the single guy.

Matt: And Matt, the family guy.

Greg: We’ll see you next time.