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Teach English in Peru

Teach English in Peru

Sundrenched beaches, ancient Incan sites, and plenty of job opportunities – here’s everything to know about teaching English in Peru.

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Known for its rich history and UNESCO heritage sites, Peru is an amazing country to teach English. While Latin America in general is a strong choice for TEFL teachers who want cultural immersion and plenty of opportunities, Peru’s dramatic geography, unexpected cuisine, and indigenous cultures make it an extra special place to call home.

For first-time English teachers, Peru is an ideal spot to kick off your teaching career. Finding a job teaching English is easy, even if you don’t have a degree. While you likely won’t leave the country with padded pockets, Peru is budget-friendly and offers the chance to immerse yourself in a fascinating culture while also brushing up on your Spanish.

From the cost of living to visa requirements, here’s everything you need to know about teaching English in Peru. 

What you need to teach English in Peru

Peru is one of the most accessible countries in the world when it comes to teaching English. Newbies will find plenty of entry-level roles, while old pros will be pleased at the variety of experienced positions available at international schools and universities, too. 

A TEFL certification is all you need to start teaching English in Peru, although some positions may require additional qualifications.

Here’s everything you need to know about what’s required to start teaching English in Peru.

TEFL certification

The most important piece of the puzzle for teaching English in Peru is getting a 120-hour TEFL certificate from an accredited provider. A proper TEFL course will give you the classroom management skills, theory, and lesson planning abilities needed to have a successful teaching career in the “Land of the Incas”.

Because Peru’s tourism industry is growing so rapidly, adding a Business English certificate is also a great way to boost your resume.

Degree and experience

You don’t need a degree to find entry-level English teaching jobs in Peru, although it’s often preferred. Overall, countries in South America are a great option for TEFL teachers who don’t have a bachelor’s degree. Those who do have a university degree will find it easier to secure higher-paying jobs. 

Previous teaching experience is another asset that will make it easier to find a job as a TEFL teacher in Peru, although it isn’t essential.

Visa requirements to teach English in Peru

Most English teachers in Peru work on a tourist visa. If you’re from Canada, the U.S., or the U.K., you can secure this 90-day visa upon entering the country. Toward the end of your initial 90-day period, you’ll be able to extend the visa for another 90 days, totalling 180 days in all.

Some teaching jobs in Peru may sponsor your work visa, which allows you to stay in the country as long as you’re employed. The two main work visa types are the Trabajador Temporal (temporary work visa) and the Trabajador Residente Dependiente (resident work visa). Usually, these visas are given to permanent employees at international schools.

For either work visa, the following documents are required:

  • Overview of job responsibilities and salary
  • Academic and professional certificates (including your TEFL qualification)
  • Employment contract
  • Passport (original and scanned copies)
  • Passport-size photos 

Types of English Teaching Jobs in Peru

From entry-level roles in local language schools to being a professor at a local university, these are the types of English teaching jobs you can find in Peru.

Language schools

Language schools are common in Peru, especially in the capital of Lima. From international names like Berlitz to classes in community centres, these opportunities run the gamut.

At the most basic level, you’ll need a TEFL certificate to teach at these institutions. Previous teaching experience, intermediate Spanish, and strong communication skills are also desirable.

Download our teaching English in Latin America guide

Where to Teach English in Peru

Lima

Peru is one of the best TEFL destinations in South America, and its crowning glory is Lima. The largest city in the country, Lima, has endless opportunities to find work as an English teacher, from language schools to universities and private tutoring. Tucked along the coast, you can spend your weekends discovering the city’s famous food scene, surfing in Miraflores, and visiting ancient sites like Huaca Pucllana. 

Cusco

Known as the “Belly Button of the World” for its proximity to the equator, Cusco is the cultural heart of Peru. Like Lima, Cusco offers TEFL teachers plenty of options, from teaching at language schools like ICPNA to volunteer opportunities in and around the city. When you aren’t busy in the classroom, you can spend your free time exploring ancient Inca sites like Machu Picchu, Saqsayhuaman, and Ollantaytambo.

Arequipa

A colonial mecca surrounded by volcanoes, Arequipa is the second-largest city in Peru. Due to its size, there are plenty of options for TEFL teachers to find work here, including in private language schools like Lord Byron. The “White City” is a great home base for outdoor lovers, with Colca Canyon and El Misti volcano right on your doorstep. 

Trujillo

Tucked on Peru’s northern coast, Trujillo is one of the best places in the country to volunteer. Several different programmes, including Vive Peru and Peru Vivential, are based here. You’ll discover a different side to Peru in Trujillo, with nearby Chan Chan ruins built by the Chimu people, and stretches of the Huanchaco coast to explore.

TEFL Salary and Cost of Living in Portugal

TEFL salaries in Peru vary from around S/1,675 - 3,358 (£385 - £743 / $500 - $1,000) a month, depending on where you’re teaching and your qualifications. 

Here’s a breakdown of typical monthly salaries and the cost of living in Peru.

English teaching salary in Peru

English teachers employed by a basic language school in Peru can expect to make between S/1,675 and S/2,600 (£385 - £575 / $500 - $773) per month. Salaries at international schools are often higher and can exceed S/5,035 (£1,114 / $1,500) a month.  
Tip: Curious about how much you can earn as a TEFL teacher in South America? Check out our Salary Guide, which highlights real salaries from hundreds of recent job listings worldwide.

Cost of living in Peru

The cost of living in Peru is fairly low by Western standards. For example, a cup of coffee will cost less than £2 / $2.50, and a ticket on local transportation is just £0.40 / $0.50. Of course, the cost of living will depend on where you live. For example, Lima is one of the most expensive cities in the country.

In Peru, the average monthly cost of living for a single person is S/1,808 (£400 / $538), excluding rent. The average rental price for a one-bedroom apartment in Lima is S/2,405 (£532 / $715). In Cusco, a smaller, southern city, a city-centre one-bedroom apartment costs far less: on average S/1,100 (£246 / $323) per month. Utilities average to about S/154 (£34/$45) a month, while a monthly travel pass on public transportation is around S/54 (£12/$16) per month.

At the end of the day, most TEFL teachers break even, and salaries are just enough to cover expenses with some wiggle room. Teaching English in Peru certainly isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme! You’ll likely be trading a growing savings account for the experience of living in South America.

Restaurants
PEN
USD
GBP
Inexpensive restaurant meal
Domestic beer (0.5 litre)
Regular cappuccino
Water (0.33 litre)
Markets
PEN
USD
GBP
Regular milk (1 litre)
Loaf of white bread
Regular eggs (1 dozen)
Apples (1 kg)
Transportation
PEN
USD
GBP
One-way ticket (local transport)
Monthly pass (regular price)
Taxi start (normal tariff)
Gasoline (1 litre)
Utilities
PEN
USD
GBP
Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage (for a regular apartment)
Regular prepaid monthly mobile tariff with 10GB+ data
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)
Clothing and shoes
PEN
USD
GBP
Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or something similar)
Summer dress in a chain store
Nike running shoes (mid-range)
Men's leather business shoes

How to Find a TEFL Job in Peru

Although it might sound counterintuitive, the easiest way to find a job teaching English in Peru is to search with boots on the ground. Most language schools will want to meet with you in person for an interview. Peak hiring season is from February to March.
If arriving in Peru without having a job secured sounds too risky, you can contact language schools directly to ask about job openings. You can also try your luck with employers like the Brittany English Group or consult this list of Peru’s International Language Schools. The TEFL Org Jobs Centre is another great place to look for placements ahead of time.

Life and Work Culture in Peru

From hora peruana to dressing nicely, Peruvian customs and culture might be very different from what you’re used to. Here are a few things to know about life and work etiquette in Peru.

Build trust

Relationship building is an important part of Peruvian culture. Confianza (trust) is earned by making time for colleagues, using positive body language, and respecting seniority. Friendly banter is central to confianza - just keep it work-appropriate.

Hora Peruana

While Peruvian culture is often seen as laid-back and relaxed, you need to be serious about your work and show up on time for meetings. 

In 2007, the Peruvian government asked its citizens to drop the habit of keeping to hora peruana (Peruvian time), which often meant arriving an hour late.

Land of Languages

Peru’s 4 million indigenous people are divided into around 55 distinct groups. Peru is home to approximately 47 indigenous languages, although Spanish is the most widely spoken language nationwide.

Is Peru Right for You?

From volunteering in rural communities to becoming an educator in the bustling capital of Lima, Peru has so much to offer TEFL teachers. If you’re trying to decide if teaching English in Peru is right for you, keep these factors in mind:

  • Average Salary: Teachers can expect to earn between S/1,675 - 3,358 (£385 - £743 / $500 - $1,000)
  • Requirements: Having a 120-hour TEFL certification is crucial. High-level positions at private schools or universities will generally require a bachelor’s degree, while entry-level positions will often accept a TEFL certificate alone.
  • Visas: Most TEFL teachers will utilise a tourist visa, although some schools may provide help getting an official Work Visa.
  • Insider Tip: The best time to look for a job teaching English in Peru is from February to March.

If you’re ready to start your teaching career in Peru, the first step is to check out our 120-hour online TEFL course. You’ll have 24/7 access to coursework from anywhere in the world, a dedicated online tutor, and the ability to reference the materials indefinitely.

More on teaching English in Peru

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. Do I need a degree to teach English in Peru?

    You can teach English in Peru without a degree, although this is changing rapidly. Higher-level positions at universities and private schools will require a degree.

  • Q. What is the average salary for English teachers in Peru?

    The average entry-level English teacher salary in Peru is S/1,675 - 3,358 (£385 - £743 / $500 - $1,000) per month 

  • Q. Can I teach in Peru as a non-native English speaker?

    Yes, you can teach English in Peru as a non-native speaker, as long as you have a recognised English proficiency certificate.

  • Q. What are the visa options for TEFL teachers in Peru?

    Many TEFL teachers choose to work in Peru on a tourist visa. Some language schools will provide an official Work Visa, which allows teachers to live in Peru as long as they’re employed by the school.

  • Q. Is Peru safe and affordable for first-time teachers?

    Yes, Peru is a safe and very affordable country to teach English in. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, is common in large cities like Lima, where you’ll also need to be wary of which neighbourhoods you’re visiting.