This article, which is the result of the author’s ongoing doctoral studies, analyzes the teaching of English as a Foreign Language (efl) in rural schools in Colombia and its conditions, which are, at the same time, opportunities and challenges. In this way, a historical review is made to illustrate significant events in the consolidation of English as a Foreign Language (efl)in the world, in Latin America, and in Colombia, as well as its relationship with Latin American development. Also, the article analyses the positioning of English regarding bilingual policies in the country and their impact on rural education. Based on the literature review and the author’s experience as a single teacher in rural schools, some of the challenges of teaching English in rural schools of the public sector in Colombia are discussed, in relation to teacher training in didactics, the need for greater communicative competence, and pedagogical and technological materials. Finally, it concludes with some ideas to address the mentioned challenges.