How do I get a job teaching English in Peru?
Peru is one of the biggest countries in Latin America and it is home to a significant market for TESOL qualified teachers. Many teachers are attracted to the country by its fascinating and unique culture and major world sites such as the 15th century Inca citadel at Machu Picchu. The relatively low cost of living is also an attraction, as is the low level of requirements for teaching jobs when compared to many other countries around the world.
What are the requirements for teaching English in Peru?
To be eligible to apply for most ESL jobs in Peru all you really need is an internationally recognised TESOL certificate of at least 120-hours duration. A small number of employers might prefer their candidates to be a native English speaker with previous experience and a degree, but typically these are not necessary. As the demand for teachers often outweighs the number of applicants available, Peru is a good option for first-time teachers looking to gain experience in the classroom.
Also read: Should I take a TESOL course online or in a classroom?
What are the visa requirements for teaching English in Peru?
As official work permits are not easy to obtain in Peru most teachers simply work with only the standard 90-day tourist visa they were issued with on arrival in the country. This initial visa can usually be extended for a further 90-days without any fuss. Once this extension has run out you will need to cross into a neighboring country and back again to gain a new visa on arrival. Although this might seem a bit unusual, it is standard practice in many countries including Peru.
What TESOL course is best for teaching English in Peru?
Most employers will insist on you having completed a minimum of a 120-hour TESOL course with a reputable company such as ITTT. Our 120-hour TESOL certification course provides all the theory of teaching required by new teachers and you can even add some additional practical training that can be completed in the location of your choice.
Also read: How should I approach my first day in an ESL classroom?
While our online course is a good option for many people, we also provide a very popular in-class TESOL course that offers the most comprehensive preparation possible for teaching English abroad. Many trainees feel that being taught in-person by highly qualified and experienced teachers is the best way to start their teaching career. The good news is that we have an in-class TESOL training center located in Cusco, which is known as the Historical Capital of Peru. With this option you get to spend four weeks acclimatizing to the local environment before starting work in your first teaching job. The extensive local knowledge of our training staff in Cusco will also be a bonus when it comes to finding a suitable job in the immediate area or elsewhere around the country.
Check out our in-class TESOL training center in Cusco, Peru.
What is the best way to apply for English teaching jobs in Peru?
As the majority of language schools in Peru are relatively small, most do not advertise overseas and rely on hiring locally. The best approach is to contact as many schools as you can find in your preferred area via email before departure to arrange a meeting or interview for when you are in the country. The demand for TESOL qualified teachers is high enough that most are able to find a suitable position within a week or two of arrival. The heart of the job market is the capital Lima which is home to around 10 million people. Many other smaller towns and cities have a limited job market if you prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of the capital.
Also Read: How does the lifetime job support service work?
