Job Discussion Forums

[BradS]

I'm pretty much decided to teach in Peru in 2006 (planning ahead!) but my family and friends keep telling me it's so dangerous and that I'll be killed.

What's the real story?

[moonraven]

They should not be too worried; the guerilla group Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) was pretty well dismantled years ago.

[mesmerod]

peru is extremely safe.

[naturegirl321]

It' safe, but you can't walk alone and have to be careful. I think that CHina is much safer.

[BradS]

I thought so. Thanks for the replies all!

I've heard horror stories about China... though from Japanese people who think being yelled at at the station makes an area dangerous.

[Flo]

Peru is not extremely safe. It is doubtful that you will be killed, but you will definately be a victim of theft, personal abuse, and other bodily assult if you are there for any extended length of time.

[rideshare123]

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[BradS]

Thanks for the info! I'm just a bit naive I think having been born in Australia which is very safe and now living in Japan which is moreso.

[rideshare123]

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[BradS]

Haha... You're twins!!! I have to admit I've made the same mistake in Japan though with the locals, but normally with students I havn't seen for three months and only once at that.

[Carina_Cisneros]

It is a BIG place! Depends where you live, and where you work, and when you commute, and how you commute, and what you chose to do while not teaching, and .... well, maybe 100 other things, etc. Peru, for a teacher, who dresses like a teacher, and acts like a teacher, and doesnt engage in any "peculiar activities", you life will be quite normal, and quite safe. As with any country, especially a Latin Country, depends if you are in the capital, or a port city, or a tourist center, or free-trade zone, or rural area. Places are very different. There is no reason to think you life in many Peruvian cities is any more dangerous than in other Latin Countries, or many big cities in parts of North America.

[in a lil while]

You'll be fine in Peru, people who tell you that you'll be killed don't know what they're talking about. I left Peru in '87 when I was very little (I am Peruvian) because of the terrorism there, but it has significantly lessened and is now relatively safe.

Of course, don't wear an expensive watch or have your wallet sticking out of your pants and remember to negotiate everything you buy because the first price is never the real one. But as for shootings, that's highly unlikely. The dangerous part about Peru is people in the streets trying to rob you, and people trying to rob you if you're driving in a car. Let me know if you want to know how they do the latter and how it can be usually avoided. Of course, don't walk around by yourself in sketchy neighborhoods and what not.. use your common sense.

Generally, Peruvians are friendly and cheerful people, and there's nothing like Peruvian food! Try ceviche, chupe de camaron, and papa a la huancaina.. they're must haves, even if they look weird. Everybody should visit Peru, it is an amazing place. The beaches are to die for, the desert is beautiful (with hidden villages sporadically placed throughout it), and the rainforest is so cool. Don't even get me started on Machu Picchu. E-mail me if you have any specific questions, I love talking about Peru.

Tamara

[BradS]

Tamara, you've sold me! That's exactly what I wanted to hear (most of it common sense really).