INFORMATION PACK FOR NEW TEACHERS
ELABORADO
POR:
REVISADO
POR:
APROBADO
POR:
Jefe de Recursos Humanos
Coordinador de Calidad y/o
Representante de la Dirección
Director Administrativo y/o
Rector
Fecha de Aprobación: 06/03/2012
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We hope that the following information will be useful as a basic introduction to the
Colegio Británico de Cartagena (CBC) and to life in Cartagena, Colombia. If you are
about to start a contract with the CBC as a new teacher, the details included here
should help you adapt to this environment in a faster, less stressful way.
Colegio Británico de Cartagena
Colegio Británico is an independent, state-accredited, bilingual day school, founded in
1980. It comprises pre-school and primary education (children aged 18 months to 12
years), and secondary education (students aged 13 to 18 years). There are approx. 620
students.
The school offers a rigorous blend of bilingual and bicultural education,
which combines the best of Colombian and international curricula. There are 63
qualified teachers in our staff, including bilingual Colombians and 11 native English
speakers (British and American). Students start learning English at pre-school. They
then follow a standard school curriculum with English, Mathematics, Science, Social
Studies and IT taught in English, other subjects in Spanish. Comprehension and
communication skills are reasonable, but teachers still need to apply ESL methods to
course materials in Primary and Secondary grades.
The 2008 saw the instruction of the International University of Cambridge CIE
Programme. This programme provides a rigorous challenging scheme of work for
students between 5 and 16 years old. We have been accredited to implement the
following programmes within our school:
Cambridge International Primary Programme –CIPP:
The programme has been designed for students between 5 and 11 years old. It is
intended to work in the areas of English, maths and Science. Special tests are applied at
the end of every grade in order to prepare students to sit the Cambridge Achievement
Test at the end of 6th Grade. This examination consists of 7 different tests which will
allow every student to obtain the International Diploma at the end of their Primary
years.
Lower Secondary Programme-LSP:
The Lower Secondary Programme has been designed for students between 11 and 14
years old. It is intended to provide a measuring point for students to be prepared to
enrol in the IGCSE Programme further on.
In 9 th Grade students sit exams in English, Maths and Science for their check point to
determine if they are prepared to go on to the IGCSE.
IGCSE Diploma:
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The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a wide and
flexible programme of study which prepares students to face the challenge of studying
at a university. It creates a variety of theoretical and practical activities for students to
learn, as well as different means of evaluation.
The areas assessed are: Languages, Maths, Humanities, Sciences, Creative-Technical
and Vocational. Exams are an adaptation of the ones sat by students in the UK, bearing
in mind the fact that for international students English isn’t regularly their first language.
The ICGSE Diploma is recognised by universities worldwide.
Information for New Teachers
Applicants must be teacher-trained university graduates (Bachelor Degree), and
preferably with overseas teaching experience relevant to the vacant posts. Knowledge of
EFL/ESL and/or experience with multi-lingual classes is essential, and experience of
working abroad to GCSE standard in the case of Secondary teachers is an advantage.
Teachers with less than two years of professional experience are not usually considered.
Appointments are most suitable for singles, or teaching couples whose qualifications
match currents vacancies. Spanish is not essential for teaching, but successful
candidates will be expected to be able to speak some Spanish and to attend language
classes if necessary on commencement of their contract, to facilitate their personal
adjustment to Colombia.
The teaching calendar, overseas teacher salary and local cost of living all facilitate wider
travel opportunities in South America.
School Sites
CBC has two sites: Central Bocagrande (Pre-School) and Anillo Vial (Pre-School, Primary
and Secondary).
The Anillo Vial site has its own modern purpose-built country campus. It is located in a
quiet countryside location 12 Kms from the city centre. Staff and students are collected
daily by bus from the different residential areas of Cartagena.
Teaching timetable
The school day is 7:10am.–4:00pm. Monday to Friday, students leave at 2:40PM, but
staff only stays until 4:00PM twice a week, ounce for faculty meetings another for
students opportunities, the other three days teachers are allowed to go home at 2:40PM
if wanted. Each teacher is responsible for approx. 28 x 60 minute periods of teaching
per six days cicle, and will have Form Tutoring responsibilities. The average class sizes
for Primary School are 22 and 24 for Secondary, with a maximum of 25 students per
class. Other duties like break vigilance may also be assigned.
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There are a variety of extra-curricular activities taking place after school: Student
Council, choir, ecology group, homework groups, opportunity afternoons and a variety
of sporting activities. Full involvement in these and other initiatives by teachers is
expected.
School Holidays
October (6 days) November (10 days); Christmas -December/January (3 weeks); Easter
- April (1 week); Summer - July/August (6 weeks) and many public holidays.
Financial Package
Regarding Housing Contracts
As you know, the school will serve as a guarantor of your housing contract, but you will
be directly responsible for the care and maintenance of your apartment. Housing
contracts are pretty straight forward, but we would like to highlight a few clauses that
are common in all of them:
 Receiving the apartment: In Colombia, you are expected to give back the apartment
in the same condition that it was given to you at the beginning of the contract.
Therefore, it is very important to take careful note of the conditions of the apartment,
ie. painting, cracks on walls, etc., so you are not expected to fix anything that is not
your responsibility. Because of the proximity to the sea, things tend to rust rapidly,
and although this a natural phenomenon, you are expected not to let it build up.
 Inventory: For those who choose to have a furnished apartment, we recommend
making a detailed list of everything, ie. appliances, furniture, kitchenware, etc.
 Notice: Although contracts are made for a fixed term, you are expected to give
notice in case that you decide not to continue with the apartment after the
contracted period is finished. The usual time for this is three months, so it is
important to let the agency or the owner know in advance that you will not continue
with the apartment or else the contract will be automatically renewed.
 Ending Contract before the contracted period: You could be liable to pay a three
month penalty charge for ending the contract before the stipulated time.
 Deposits: You will be expected to leave a deposit with the agency for public services
such as gas, water and electricity after the contract is over. This will be made
through an estimate of the average of the last three bills.
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Regarding Ministry of Foreign Relationships (Unidad Administrativa Especial
Migracion Caribe)
Although the Ministry of Foreign Relationships (Unidad Administrativa Especial Migracion
Caribe) is the one in charge of issuing visas and also the entity in charge of regulating
the stay of foreigners in the country.
During your first visit to this entity, you will provide them with your personal
information. In case this information changes, you will need to let them know
immediately. You have up to a month to let them know of any change of address,
change of work, new visa, etc. If they are not informed, then you could be liable to pay
a penalty.
It is also the entity in charge of issuing the ‘cédula de extranjería’ which will be your ID
while living in Colombia.
In order to stay in Colombia you must have a visa. Your visa is valid only as long as you
are employed by the school. This means that if you wish to continue in Colombia after
your contract with the school, you will need to obtain a new visa.
Regarding payment of salary:
1. The payment you receive is divided into three parts which are:
 Basic Salary
 Housing Allowance
 Transport Allowance
2. It is paid every fifteen days like this:
 On the 15th of each month: 50% of the basic salary and 50% of transport
allowance.
 On the 30th of each month: 50% of the basic salary, total housing allowance
and 50% of transport allowance..
3. The amount to be paid is deposited in a savings account that the employee must
open in Bancolombia once the cédula de extranjería has arrived (Bancolombia will
not open an account with your passport). In the meantime, the school will pay with
a check on the above mentioned days
4. It is important that you are aware that legal deductions are made from your
payment which are:
 Contribution from the employee to the Social Security System in Colombia:
 Health E. P. S.: 4% of basic salary.
 Pension. A. F. P.: 4% of basic salary.
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 Pensional Solidarity fund. F. S. P.: 1% of basic salary.
 Income Taxes (Retención en la fuente): They are calculated over the totality
of the income.
5. There



are also other deductions that you authorize to be taken from your salary:
Rent and all expenses related to housing (maintenance)
Cafeteria (approximately $6.000 per lunch at school)
Other payments that you authorize.
Current exchange rate £1= 2,819-oo Col.pesos. (5th March, 2012)
The school also provides health cover throughout the time you are in Colombia.
Cost of living
It is estimated that living costs here are approx. 60% that of that UK. (Cartagena is,
however, a tourist city and there are opportunities and temptations to live less frugally).
An fairly liberal example of monthly costs are as follows: rent £530; electricity £54;
water £45, food £150.
Other costs: meal out £8; beer £0.88; bus fare £0.64; local taxi £1.80; maid service
£11.00 per day.
Commencement Arrangements
The school will provide detailed written advice on the necessary documentation, along
with flight reservations, travel insurance options, and the arrangement of visas.
Necessary expenses in obtaining documents will be
accommodation will be provided on arrival for one week.
refunded.
Temporary
New teachers fly to Cartagena in the last two weeks of July. There will be an initial
training and adaptation for one week, before the start of teaching year in mid - August.
Necessary Documentation
The following is a brief guide to the paperwork and preparations you will need to make
before travelling to Colombia. We will inform you at a later date of exact requirements for
your Visa, etc. All document legalisation expenses will be reimbursed by the school
(please keep receipts).
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 Copy of University Degree Certificate and Education/Teaching Certificate.
 Signed Contract with the CBC (Spanish and English version).
 General medical certificate. (This should state that you do not suffer any mental or
contagious illnesses).
 Four colour photos with white background, 3cm x 4cm
 Police check
Note. Some documents require authentication / verification.
This is done by a
notary/solicitor who will verify that, to the best of his knowledge, each original document
or photocopy is a genuine article. The Colombia consulate is usually helpful and willing to
give general information. All documents needs to be translated into the Spanish by the
Colombian Consulate official translators. Please contact:
Colombian Consulate
3rd Floor
15-19 Great Titchfield Street
London W1P 7FB
Tel. (4420) 7637 9893
Fax: (4420) 7637 5604
Medical Insurance and Injections
You will be enrolled in the Colombia Social Security system and with a pre-paid medical
scheme, to which you will have to make a small contribution when you need medical
attention. The scheme does not cover medicines.
Note. In Cartagena you can buy most medicines over the counter but if you want to know
if a specific drug is available, please write to us.
We suggest that you are up to date with polio and tetanus injections and that you have
typhoid, yellow fever and hepatitis. There is no malaria in Cartagena. You will only need
malaria tablets when you visit certain regions e.g. Amazon/tropical forest regions.
For reliable health information, malaria drugs, yellow fever vaccination, you can visit a BA
Travel Clinic (there is one in every major city), or the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in
London (4 St Pancras Way, London NW1 OPE). Other vaccinations can be given by your
G.P.
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What To Bring
Cartagena is very warm (25-38C day/night all year round, and often humid), so it is
preferable to bring cotton and light clothes only for Cartagena. You do not need a jumper
or a jacket in Cartagena, but will do so for travel in the mountains, colder regions, Bogotá,
etc.
The school does have a small library, and if you have any good children's paperbacks that
you would like to donate to the library, these would be very welcome.
Information about Colegio Británico Cartagena (CBC)
The School Site
The principal school site, Anillo Vial, is located in a pleasant and peaceful countryside
location, 12 kilometres (30 minute ride) away from the central area of Cartagena de
Indias. There is also a pre-school site located in Bocagrande; in the residential area of
the city of Cartagena.
Our Vision
Colegio Británico de Cartagena projects itself as a school in continuous improvement,
ensuring a holistic education with high national and international standards.
Our Mission
We are a school that offers students a high standard education, based on social and
environmental responsibility. We promote a bilingual international framework, provided
by the best interdisciplinary staff.
Our Objectives
(i.e. to be achieved within the next 3 to 5 years);
 To be one of the top 50 schools for ICFES.
 To focus on raising English language levels, particularly for young learners: have a
minimum 90% pass rate for the KET and PET exams.
 To obtain IGCSE, A to C pass rates of:
60% for English (as a second language),
75% for Extended Maths
40% for Core Maths
75% for Coordinated Science
40% for Combined Science
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 Response to Parental Survey; a minimum of 95% of parents to be satisfied with

academic levels.
100% of graduates to be accepted into University
Student Profile
The students at CBC generally come from a higher socio-economic status. Some are
pampered at home, or are used to being looked after by maids and other service staff.
Most are sincere and open, and often quite talkative.
In general, be understanding and you will soon gain their respect.
Avoid the use of negative words, i.e. idiot, stupid etc. as these may have different
connotations here. Avoid shouting or showing any aggressive behaviour. Make students
accountable and responsible for their behaviour. Be guided by the CBC School Charter.
Dress Code and Standards
Teaching uniform requirements are as follow;
School Activity
Uniform
General Teaching
Male: white short-sleeved shirt with collar + school crest
(or polo shirt + school crest); khaki Bermuda shorts or long
trousers; white or green socks; brown belt; brown leather
shoes.
Female: white sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt with collar
+ school crest (or polo shirt + school crest); khaki skirt,
Bermuda shorts or long trousers; green socks;
white/black/brown, low-heeled leather shoes.
Physical Education
White COLBRICA t-shirt (or polo shirt + school crest); green
shorts; white tennis shoes/trainers; white socks.
Teachers will be expected to wear the designated uniform throughout the school day
and during all academic and extra-curricular activities organised by CBC, as appropriate.
All material for uniform, except shoes and socks, is provided on arrival.
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Teachers should take pride in their appearance; they should avoid wearing excessive
make-up or jewellery, and should ensure high levels of personal hygiene at all times.
All teaching staff should aim to project a positive and professional image of the school,
and set a good example for students.
Additional Information for Arrival
Health and Medical Insurance
The school subscribes to a private medical service called “Colmedica”, and can arrange
health coverage for the duration of your time at CBC. This is a service the school offers
to all foreign staff. The service provides a comprehensive health package. It does not
cover the cost of medicines.
To receive medical care, once you are affiliate to "Colmedica", it is necessary to
purchase "bonos" (tickets). One "bono" is needed for a general check-up or
consultancy; two "bonos" for more specialist consultancies. Each "bono" costs approx.
25,000-oo Col.pesos.
The CBC Administration Office has lists of doctors, hospitals, clinics, chemists and
ambulance services, along with emergency telephone numbers and addresses. The best
hospitals are Hospital Bocagrande and Hospital Naval.
Accommodation
It is recommended to live in an area that is within walking distance of a school bus
route. The CBC Administration Office will assist you in finding suitable accommodation
on your arrival.
The following areas are recommended because of their proximity to school bus routes, a
general sense of “quality of life” and costs:
 Crespo: One of the areas in the city that is closest to the school. Crespo is
generally quiet, close to good beaches, close to the airport, and other areas. It has
good bus and taxi services. It is not as expensive as Bocagrande. There is one good
supermarket, and a few other smaller shops. There are also eating places and a
chemist.
 Marbella / Cabrero: This area is also recommended. It is close to Crespo, near
the sea and near El Centro. Numerous buses and taxis run along Avenida Santander
(one of the city’s main roads). A number of CBC teachers live in the area. There are
a few stores and some restaurants here.
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Zona Norte: One of the areas in the city that is closest to the school. This is the
most modern area of Cartagena. Generally, living costs are sometimes higher.
El Centro: This area is within the city walls. It can be hot and boisterous during
working days, but quieter at weekend. It is the oldest part of the city and has a wide
array of accommodation. Parts of El Centro are not recommended for walking late at
night, but in general it is a popular and vibrant area for living. Many shops,
restaurants, bars, chemists and museums are found in El Centro area. It has an
active night-life and many cultural events during the year.
Bocagrande / Castillogrande/ Laguito: This is one of the most modern areas of
Cartagena. Generally, living costs are sometimes higher. However, there are
apartments and rooms that are less expensive. All three areas are close to the sea
and bay areas. Bocagrande has the greatest concentration of hotels, restaurants,
shops, casinos, bars and supermarkets, in the city. These are the main tourist areas
of Cartagena.
Manga, Pie de la Popa, others: These neighbourhoods are pleasant; they offer
certain advantages and have good public transport.
Banks
Banking in Colombia is different from banking in the US, Canada, or Europe. Banks are
generally small. As more of the longer international banks are appearing throughout
Colombia, banking services will continue to improve.
Remember to keep a close tally of all transactions as mistakes do very occasionally
occur. This is more evident with credit card transactions and use of automatic cashpoint machines. Cheques have to be bought, and cheque transactions have a cost
depending on the bank. Credit Card interest rates are high.
Bank hours are generally: 8:00am - 11:30am; 2:00pm - 4:00pm. There are additional
extended hours which are bank-specific, and Saturday morning banking is also possible
in some banks.
Cartagena: the "Jewel of Colombia"
Colombia is a diverse and colourful country, the size of France and Spain combined.
People are friendly, sociable and generally interested in getting to know you if you are
friendly and open- minded.
Recommended Reading: Colombia, a Travel Survival Kit (Lonely Planet Press).
Cartagena de Indias is a small, historic, tourist city and naval port -a world heritage siteon the north-west Caribbean coast. It comprises beautiful Spanish colonial architecture,
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many picturesque squares with bars and restaurants, museums, beaches and nearby
Rosario islands.
There are many beautiful and exciting things about Cartagena that you will discover:
moonlit evenings in El Centro or along the beach, the ocean breeze, trips to the Rosario
islands, an exciting nightlife, a varied cuisine, diving and other water/sports, fun and
easy-going local people.
Shopping
There is a wide array of shops, stores and supermarkets to obtain food, clothes and
other goods. Depending on your sense of taste and budget constraints, they range from
the pricey and “exclusive” boutiques and shops of Bocagrande to the earthier and
cheaper Bazurto market area.
The better supermarkets are: Carulla, Olimpica (in the Bocagrande area), Exito (El
Centro), Carrefour (Pie de la Popa). The assortment of goods and foodstuffs are
adequate but may require a trip with a local person to identify some of the local fruits,
etc. Colombian fruits and vegetables are varied and generally of good quality. There is
also a plentiful supply of meats, fish, poultry, breads, pastas, cheeses and other
foodstuffs. Some national products are often as good as or at times better that imported
items.
Clothing is generally expensive and the selection is not limited. However, tailor-made
clothes are not so expensive and could be an interesting option. El Centro and
Bocagrande are full of clothes shops.
If you need electrical appliances, or imported foods and alcohol, visit “San Andresitos”.
These stores can be found in the El Centro-Arsenal area and around Bazurto. It is
recommended to visit with a local person who can bargain on your behalf. Household
goods, sheets, pillow cases, towels, etc can be found in Carrefour or Exito stores, or in
cheaper shops around the town.
The CBC Administration Office will give you advice on where to shop, depending on
what items you are looking for, and can provide local maps if needed.
Restaurants, Bars and General Entertainment
The best sources of information are: CBC colleagues, the local newspaper “El Universal”,
and any recent travel survival guides.
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The local cuisine in Cartagena is supposed to be the best in Colombia. There are many
restaurants, the range of foods available includes: US-style fast food, pizzerías, Italian,
Chinese, Indian, French, local cuisine, gourmet.
There is also a wide range of general entertainment on offer. Films can be seen at the
Cinema in the Caribe Plaza or San Felipe shopping centre. Films cost about 10,000-oo
Col.pesos.
Note: When you are enjoying the local restaurants or entertainment, please refrain from
being involved in scandals, drunken brawls, etc. Cartagena is a relatively small
community, and being a foreigner you will be easily noticed. Please avoid giving the
school a bad name. Try to be a good role model to our students at all times and in all
places, above all, use your common sense.
There are many cultural and sporting events going on in the city during different times
of the year. Keep informed, check the local newspaper or ask around.
You can find a baseball, basketball and football teams, swimming pools and tennis courts/
aerobics gyms. Water sports are in abundance, both in and around Cartagena and the
near by Rosario Islands. There is windsurfing, surfing, body boarding, water skiing and
diving. If you have a snorkel, mask and fins - bring them. Cycling is very popular in
Colombia and you can buy relatively good bicycles.
There are a series of Cable TV companies that provide good services and a selection of
channels in English and in various languages. Costs vary according to services offered.
Local Transport
Buses and taxis are relatively plentiful and cheap. Virtually all buses pass close to or
around the El Centro area. Bus fares range from Col.pesos 1500 for the cheaper buses
to 1800-oo Col.pesos for the air-conditioned buses that cross town, and those which go
from bus terminal to airport.
Taxis (yellow or white) are common and again relatively cheap. The fares will range
from are about 5,000-oo Col.pesos. Late-night hour rates are generally higher. There
are no 'taxi-meters' and it is a good idea to agree on rates with the driver prior to using
a taxi. The CBC Administration Office can help you to assess usual taxi prices.
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General Information on “life in the tropics”
Culture Shock
It is natural to experience a series of feelings - including anxiety - when arriving at a
new place and commencing a new job.
People from the Caribbean area of Colombia tend to use a loud tone of voice; they are
talkative and often inquisitive. It’s a general cultural trait, so do not take it personally.
Culture shock is a common problem and can cause depression, anxiety and boredom.
Talk with friends and colleagues to help get over this. Be aware that you come from a
different culture and that certain things which are appropriate in the UK (Canada, USA)
may be viewed differently here. Take notice of cultural characteristics such as body
language, physical space between people, body contact, eye contact, cosmetic use,
dress, etc. Ask colleagues and local people for any guidance. Also take account that
local customs vary between the coast and inland Colombia.
Personal Safety
BEWARE of and avoid drugs. Illicit drugs are quite common in this society, they are
inexpensive, accessible, but are illegal. Being a foreigner, all types of complications will
occur if you are caught in possession of any drugs: expensive fines, remand without
access to a lawyer, prison sentences, and even deportation.
Always be streetwise, alert and attentive. If you feel uncomfortable in any area or
around certain people, you should trust your instincts and leave. Try to avoid carrying
too much cash, wearing obvious jewellery, and walking alone at night. Beggars and
street vendors are common and can be bothersome. Again, just say “no gracias” or
ignore them, and they will generally leave you in peace. Always lock bicycles and
motorcycles and street doors. Do not leave valuable things lying around even in your
own apartment.
As in most tourist areas, there are frequent 'confidence' men and women. Be especially
careful when exchanging dollars / pounds into pesos, if you are not using a reputable
bank. There is an increasing problem with counterfeit money in Colombia.
The above information is only a very rough guide to life in Cartagena.
Please feel free to ask questions. Everyone at school is willing to help.
¡Bienvenidos!
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ACTUALIZACIONES
FECHA DE
MODIFICACION
PARTE
MODIFICADA
Jefe de Recursos
Humanos
NUMERO DE
VERSION
Representante de la
Dirección
MODIFICACIONES
Rector y /o Director
Administrativo