Job Discussion Forums

lizzle · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 14

Hi Everyone,

I am currently planning an extended trip to Ecuador, Peru, or both beginning in September and am hoping to find teaching work while there. Although I am not certified, I have quite a bit of teaching experience (including ESL) and an undergraduate degree.

Currently, I have a job lined up in Chiclayo, Peru, but I'm trying to keep my options open. Does anyone have experience in one or more cities in Peru or Ecuador? What would you recommend? I am looking for a medium or large city, such as Quito, Arequipa, Cuenca, or, perhaps, Lima. I'm open to suggestions, though, and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Another main question of mine is the likelihood of finding a job once I arrive. Many people say this is the best way to go - that most schools hire on the spot - but I can't help but worry. Can anyone suggest specific schools, perhaps ones where they have worked, that I might look into?

Again, any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thank,

Liz

Flo · Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 112

I don't having any teaching advice about Chiclayo, but the city is awesome. It is my favorite city in all of Peru. If you can find a job, I would recommend living in Chiclayo over any other city in Peru. The people are super nice and it is close to the beach.

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

In Ecuador, I would recommend Cuenca. Very manageable place, and it seems they are usually looking for ESL teachers. Quito is very polluted and has become a high-crime spot. Stay away from Guayaquil.

lizzle · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 14

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm still flip-flopping on Chiclayo, but I think I'll try it out for the three months of my position (starts at three with the option to extend) and see what happens. Why is it your favorite city in Peru?

As for Cuenca, how easy is it to just show up, go to various school, and find teaching jobs? Again, I'll be arriving in late-September. Would you recommend any school(s) in particular?

Also, has anyone heard of the El Britanico school in Arequipa, Peru? It's not affiliated with the other El Britanico schools throughout the country - the ones hiring volunteer teachers and advertising regularly on sites like teachabroad.com. I've been in touch with some staff members there and am just trying to figure out how legitimate the school is.

As always, any advice or information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Liz

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

In Cuenca, ask for the university. When you get there, ask about their ESL program--it's a semi-autonomous operation and they hire fairly frequently, I believe. I don't remember it's name, sorry.

nomadder · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 10:42 pm Post subject:

Sorry but I can' t imagine why anyone would like Chiclayo so much. It's a chaotic desert town with a slightly interesting market and a few museums. Maybe for 3 months.

Flo · Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 112

Chiclayo has the most friendly and helpful people I met in Peru. It is the only place in Peru where no one attempted to rob or take advantage of me. The food is delicious, the weather is dry and not too hot. There are almost no zancudos. The beaches are close (but Pimentel is terribly dirty), there are nice parks for the children, and of course there is decent shopping and the market.

Above all, the musuems are a must see.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I'm in Piura, Peru. It's ok, smallist town, but pure spanish and the people are nice.

lizzle · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 14

Hmmm, always more food for thought in the discussion forums!

After several months of flip-flopping and, most recently, questioning my decision to pick up and move to South America indefinitely, this is the day I buy my ticket and really get the ball rolling. Oddly enough, though I have a job lined up in Peru I'm going to get a ticket to Ecuador, try my luck there, well, see what happens. I'm not sure why I'm so set on Ecuador, necessarily, but I'm just going with the feeling.

If anyone has additional suggestions for schools, organizations, or other useful contact, please let me know. I'm toying with both Quito and Cuenca, but, that said, I'm totally open to suggestions.

Liz

Flo · Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 112

I visited Vilcabamba in Ecuador, and it is, hands down, my favorite place in South America. It is a small, very small, touristy town about an hour south of Loja. It is in the mountains and absolutely beautiful. When I was there earlier this year I saw several postings for people wanting English teachers or private lessons. If you want more details, PM me.

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

While you're in Ecuador, don't miss spending a few days in Ba�os de Agua Santa--in the sierra about 40 minutes from Ambato. Not only are there hot springs, but also decent massage therapists and the ONLY really good food I ate in the 4 months I was in Ecuador!

nomadder · Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2004 4:01 pm Post subject:

This time I agree with Flo. Had a great time in a nice hostel on the hill with a weird name-maybe started with I. Think it was the name of a famous inca leader. Great food, very new place and relaxing. Also got a massage in that town.

I liked Peru better than Ecuador overall.

Caroline · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 29 Location: USA

To Liz,

If you decide to try to work in Quito, try KLS (Key Language Services). I enjoyed working there about seven years ago and have continued to hear positive things about them.

I also liked the Cuenca area. Check on internet or in the Jobs Information Journal - there's a Cuenca school that offers the CELTA and seems pretty professional (forgot the name).

If you are definitely not going to work in Peru, don't forget to tell the people at the job you "lined up", okay? (Some teachers forget this - but it's professional courtesy.)

Good luck in South America. I loved it there.

jhogan · Joined: 12 Sep 2004 Posts: 1

Hi Liz,

I'm working out a contract with a school in Chiclayo (I'm assuming it's the same one as you. Details of it are below.) and was just wondering if you worked there and if so is it a good place to work. I can't find any information on this school anywhere on-line.

Any info would be helpful.

Thanks,

Jason

Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano
Bi-national Center,
Chiclayo � Peru

From: Majid Safadaran Mosazadeh-Kohan
Academic Director
ICPNA Chiclayo � Peru

TrekleaderTim · Joined: 25 Mar 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Terra Firma

You seem to have some strong opinions about conditions in various places in Ecuador. You were only there for four months...is this true? If so, you might want to preface the fact before you give information. Just so we know....sorry.