Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

I've got about ten emails this week about coming to Peru and teaching. I think that's great that there are so many people interested in coming here to teach. HOpe to see you posting on the board. Many of you ask the same questions. Feel free to post. Other people are in similar situations. I personally think that posting is better than emailing me, that way everyone can see the responses and you can share info.

Basically here's some info that will help. First of all, please read the Ultimate Peru List, lots of info is there.

Where to go
Many people want to go to Cusco. Keep in mind that there are lots of tourists and is similar to Europe, so if you want the real Peru experience, I would advise against Cusco. Smaller towns are an options. Piura and Chiclayo are close to the famous beaches. Trujillo is a uni town. Lima is the centre of everything. Arequipa is famous for its volcano. Puno has snow. Iquitos is in the jungle. Do some research, what appeals to some many not appeal to others.

Short-term
If you want to come here for a short-time it's difficult to get a job and a visa before you get here. Many people simply come here and work the pavement handing out CVs. YOu will probably make about 5 USD an hour, but keep in mind this is illegal. Many people do it though and chances are slim that you will run into problems.

YOu get 90 days upon entry and then can extend it three more times, each time for 30 days, so you can get a total of six months here. Some places that hire on tourists visas in Lima are Multilingua, World Communications and Master Business English. Expect to get around 7-10 USD the hour.

Placement services
YOu can go through placement agencies. The best I know of are www.innovative-english.com and www.teachperu.com You will have to pay a placement fee for their service.

Answering adverts
YOu can also apply to adverts. See www.teachabroad.com and www.volunteerabroad.com Again you may have to pay for these programmes. www.livinginperu.com/classifieds occassionaly has adverts for English teachers. Also, you can find adverts here http://groups.yahoo.com/group/perujobbulletin/

Long-term
If you want to come here long term, it will be easier to get a job and visa. Look at the LA Job List. Schools are more likely to get you visas, however some unis such as the University of Piura and The National University of Trujillo also get you visas.

Cold calling
Go to the LA job list on the General Latin American forum for lists of schools.Applying to schools can be discouraging. Many places won't reply. This may be because they usually hire in Jan or simply because they would rather have you come in person before they hire you. DOn't give up though.

Private lessons
Another option is coming and teaching private lessons. Try posting at private schools and universities. You can also try posting your advert at www.lonelyplanet.com www.expatperu.com and www.livinginperu.com/classifieds. Also www.expatperu.com has a Listserv, you will have to join first, but around 1000 people, expats and Peruvians read it. So consider posting your advert there. You can also post in the local paper. Privates outside of Lima pay around 5-10USD the hour. In Lima they can pay 20 USD an hour.

HOpe this helps you. And please don't be afraid to post. I started the Peru forum to help and share info.
Sharon