| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teach in Peru | 1,519 PEN £314 GBP $404 USD | March | Preferred | Sometimes | under 70 |
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Peru is best known for its Inca ruins, which are a major tourist attraction, but there is so much more to see in this varied and vibrant country than just Machu Picchu. Traditional Peruvian culture remains important to this day, and while a modern lifestyle has been embraced, the country has woven together the old […]
Peru is best known for its Inca ruins, which are a major tourist attraction, but there is so much more to see in this varied and vibrant country than just Machu Picchu. Traditional Peruvian culture remains important to this day, and while a modern lifestyle has been embraced, the country has woven together the old and new to create a unique and immersive experience for foreign travellers.
While in Peru you’ll find activity and culture aplenty, whether you want to sample fine cuisine in the cities or feed macaws from a rainforest riverboat. Climb the peaks of the Andes, then cool off with a swim in the Pacific. Or you can just get caught up in some of the citywide festivals, many of which last for days. No matter your preference, life in Peru will offer a great deal, and the income from a TEFL position will be plenty to satisfy your needs and your curiosity.
Demand for TEFL has risen in recent years, as Peru has experienced sustained economic growth since 1993. If you want to teach kids, there are plenty of TEFL jobs in Peru , such as at international schools, that are on the lookout for experienced TEFL teachers. Meanwhile, TEFL newbies interested in teaching English abroad can look to voluntary positions in the rural mountains. Business English is growing in popularity, and the tourist industry means that many Peruvians want to brush up on their language skills. In addition to global businesses and exports of natural resources, TEFL in Peru has also been on the rise due to the increasing presence of conservation efforts keen to preserve the remaining expanses of rainforests. In total, the atmosphere has proven to be very open to new TEFL instructors, making Peru an excellent place to begin your TEFL career .
Key Facts
- Popular locations for TEFL jobs : Lima, Cusco, Sullana, Arequipa, Trujillo
Average salary for EFL teachers : In Peru, EFL teachers earn an average of 1,800 PEN-3,600 PEN ($480-$960 USD / £385-£770 GBP) per month. Salaries vary depending on teaching experience, qualifications, and location within Peru. Public schools offer stable contracts, while private tutoring jobs can boost your income. ( Source: Glassdoor & Oxford Seminars )
- TEFL qualification requirements: To teach English in Peru, you'll typically need a TEFL certificate with at least 120 hours of training. While a bachelor's degree is often preferred, it's not always mandatory. You should be fluent in English, though native speaker status isn't required. Citizenship of English-speaking countries is sometimes a plus, but not essential. Be sure to research visa requirements before you head out!
- Term times : March - December
- Currency : Sol (PEN)
- Language : Spanish
- Teaching programmes : Freelance, Voluntary, International Schools, Business English, Private Language Schools
- Age restrictions: None
- Previous teaching experience: Not usually required
With tourism being a major industry in Peru and countless visitors flocking to Machu Picchu every year, many of your TEFL students will be adults hoping to improve their English for work. You’ll find your students warm and friendly, with great emphasis being placed on community and the family unit. Peruvian dress is modest, especially in the rural communities where you’ll find people more reserved. Students in Peru who are keen to learn English can sometimes find it difficult to respect boundaries and will blur the line between teacher and friend – it isn’t recommended that you give your personal mobile number to your students, otherwise you might be plagued with grammar questions at all hours of the day. While Peruvians are hardworking, they can often be quite relaxed when it comes to timekeeping! However, as a teacher you should always be on time.
Teaching freelance in Peru can be lucrative but doesn’t offer the stability of a full-time paid position. For those who are in Peru on a backpacking holiday or have free accommodation, acquiring a few freelance students can be a great way to make a little extra money as they travel. If you want to make more of a career of freelancing, you’d be wise to offer students a discount to buy lessons in bulk, and make sure to include a clause about cancellation fees – as a freelancer, you lose out when students cancel if they didn’t pay in advance .
Requirements for teaching English in Peru
Living Costs
The cost of living in Peru is cheaper than in 75% of countries in Latin America, and cheaper than in 83% of countries in the world, making it a top destination for TEFL newbies travelling on a budget. Many teaching positions in this beautiful country are voluntary, and while you’ll be provided with food and somewhere to stay, you might not have much in the way of disposable income to spend in your free time. However, there are plenty of things to do that don’t cost a penny. If you love a party, in Peru there is no shortage of festivals for you to enjoy with newfound friends. The rich history and culture of this country makes it a great place to visit museums and archaeological sites. Peru is known for its beautiful beaches, and surfers flock to the Pacific coastline for its epic waves. You don’t need to stick to the ‘Gringo Trail’ when it comes to seeing the sights – seek out the unbeaten track to discover amazing views and breath-taking experiences.
| 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 |
More on teaching English in Peru
TEFL Experiences: Teaching English in Peru, Mexico, Spain…
My first job was in Peru. I worked for a private language school teaching children age 6 and over as well as teaching basic and advanced adults. It was challenging and nerve wracking but at the same time rewarding and I got to meet loads of people from all over the world.
Teach English in Latin America
Perusing the ruins in Peru, getting up close to the wildlife in Ecuador or dancing the night away in Brazil - if you're looking for an adventurous teaching abroad experience with a different beat, nowhere does it better than Latin America.