Job Discussion Forums

dragon450900 · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 26

Hello Everyone,
I have a very high interest in teaching in Peru or maybe Ecuador for a year. Is there anyone on here who is working there now or have been recently? There is so little current information on these countries from a teachers perspective. I have a BBA and wish to take a TEFL course there and then hope to find employment. My biggest concern is cost of living and i know that differs from person to person but can one support themselves on the current salaries offered? This concerns me most of all. I have been researching teaching abroad for several weeks and looked into asia but my heart wants to take me to Latin America. I would love to hear from anyone who could point me in the right direction on this topic.

Terry

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

I having been living in Peru for a wihle. I can support myself. Make more than the locals. I work at a private uni, most work at language schools.
But I-m pretty sure that in both places you can support yourself, or else people wouldn-t live there.
PM me if you have specific Qs.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 5:48 pm Post subject:

It's not exactly life styles of the rich and famous, but I'm comfortable here. When are you thinking about coming down?

dragon450900 · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 26

Hi Justin,
Planning on arriving in late November or early December. I don't expect a "rich" lifestyle, I just want to exp. another culture. I am very flexible and laid back kind of person and from what I have read about Peru it sounds like something I'd enjoy, besides i will never know for sure unless I go! I was wondering though if my age will be a problem with employment, I am 41 y/o? I don't drink does this limit my entertainment? I was considering Thailand at first but from what I read it seems if you don't drink or pursue prostitutes you'll be fairly bored Smile

Now add "bird flu" and i don't think it's where i want to stay.

keepwalking · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 194 Location: Peru, at last

Hi

I've been in Peru for a couple of months now and have found work easy to find and live fairly comfortably. It's not beer and eating out every night, but I'm not counting the soles either.

Within Lima salaries are higher, as are costs. There are plenty of schools/unis/institutes to teach at.

Outside Lima salaries are lower, but so are costs. The main centres are Arequipa, Cusco and Trujillo. Cusco is well-established on the gringo trail and not the greatest of places to experience another culture - well, not Peruvian culture anyway. Arequipa is a sophisticated city, mountains, clean air and plenty to do in terms of theatre, museums, walking and meeting places like bars/clubs. Trujillo vies with Arequipa for the title of 2nd city. It is in the north and has plenty of places to teach like unis and institutes.

I'd recommend geting TEFL before you arrive, to be sure you get one worth the paper it's written on. I have had no shortage of offers once I arrived. I had one offer lined up before I came here, and have had 5 since, some paying very well, others giving a living wage.

If you want any specific info on Trujillo, pm me

Hilary

dragon450900 · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 26

Thank you Hilary great info! I was thinking of getting the TEFL when I arrive in country, should i rethink this? If not can any of you recommend a good course in Latin America?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 10:42 pm Post subject:

The School for International Training TESOL cert in Quito sounds really good to me. (I am not an unbiased source, if you were to do the cert here, we'd be sure to meet.)

Justin

Perpetual Traveller · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 651 Location: In the Kak, Japan

You mean your school is offering a TESOL certificate JT? Wy didn't you say anything earlier? Can't believe you haven't mentioned it before... Razz

PT

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 6:14 pm Post subject:

Oh, Darn! Had I forgot to mention that? Golly, I'm sorry! PM me if anybody wants details.

Justin

PS- You guys have no idea what I'm in for if the course doesn't fill up. Rolling Eyes

clean_sanchez · Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 6:18 pm Post subject:

I already have the cert... how about a job... Laughing

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 7:45 pm Post subject:

Was that directed to me? If so, PM me for the application form.

Regards,
Justin

dragon450900 · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 26

So what's a good school in peru to take a TEFL course? I have seen a few schools on the web and i kinda like the price of this one Vive Peru Cross-Cultural Educational Centre do any of you have any info on this one? So if a person wanted to teach in iquitos are there any places to look into there? I've always wanted to see the amazon would this be a good place to look for work? Thank you all for your help so far you guy's are really helping me out!

Terry

sarc1 · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 6:02 pm Post subject: Jobs

I'm thinking of moving to Peru, maybe Cuzco from what I've heard. I've done a preliminary search for jobs looking at various sites but haven't come up with anything too promising.

I don't have a TEFL but I do have 1 year to teaching experience as I taught english in China for a year.

If I don't have prearrange a job, how difficult or easy would it be for me to find a job that can sustain myself when I arrive? Thanks

dragon450900 · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 26

One thing i didn't ask about was visa's do you do border runs or does the employer get one for you?

keepwalking · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 194 Location: Peru, at last

Border runs seem to be the norm in Peru - for those in the north, Ecuador beckons, from Cusco Bolivia or Chile is the way to go.

In terms of fixing up something before you leave, it is worth a try. Use the online yellow pages to seek out schools and universities with 'centro de idiomas' and send your CV off. Don't worry if you don't get anything. Once you are in a place, you will see schools amd institutes everywhere - just go in and hand over your CV.

I'd be careful in Cuzco. From what I've heard there are a lot of schools there who don't pay well, expect long hours and are in it for the money with no regard at all to their students or teachers.

Arequipa is a good alternative if you are set on the mountains - nicer place than Cuzco too. Still Peruvian, rather than Gringo-ville.