Working in Colombia: An update

Hi guys,

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything so I apologize for that. I’ve been asked by a few people to give an update on my experience to date in Medellin over the last year so here it is:

Teaching

Over the last year, I have mainly been teaching. I started working as an English teacher at the University of Medellin. I then got a job as a lecturer in Business and European Politics at the University of Esumer.

I’ve  also been working with both the Economics and International Business departments at the University of Medellin. I was one of the guest speakers at a Forum held by the University on Europe and its Free Trade Agreement with the Andean Community. I was also one of three panel judges for the dissertations of final year undergraduate students. I have also been assisting academics with various Economic research projects.

This semester I start as a lecturer at Eafit University in the International Business Department where I am teaching several courses for undergraduates and masters students. I will also be a lecturer on the Masters program in International Relations at the University of Medellin.

Setting up a business

The teaching and lecturing have been part time – roughly 20 hours a week in total. When I have not been doing that I have been looking at various business opportunities. Initially I was looking at importing Jute – a natural fibre – I was planning on selling to the shoe industry. But after quite a bit of analysis I decided against it as I was ultimately not confident in selling the product for the margin needed.

I have been importing some bags which I sell to shops here but in very small quantities and this has really just been pocket money – not sufficient in itself to live off for now.

There are a couple of other projects I have on the go which I will update you on in due course.

Summary

So in summary, I have been very much an academic over the last year and I expect this to continue going forward. Hopefully, one of the projects I am currently working on will come into fruition over the next year but we will see. There remain various obstacles to doing business here in Colombia…