Job Discussion Forums

ripple · Joined: 24 Aug 2006 Posts: 11

well not exactly. But I did just call Bridge Linguatec to see what my chances of getting a job were in Cusco following a month long, two thousand dollar TEFL course. She informed me that the best I could hope for in the city was three hours per week (if i'm lucky enough to get any work at all). I think she meant this for all of Peru, not just Cusco. Her reason was that this is not peak hiring season, and that id have to wait til march to get any real work down there. i was under the impression that peruvians were dying for esl teachers year round. wtf, mate?

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

You can find work, might have to work spolit shifts and at different schools. Funny I've never been denied hours here, just been asked to do more, especially private lessons.

Don't worry about what the woman told you, she's dead wrong

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

Yep, I can second that. There are 'peak' times like March but the job flow never dries up completely. I arrived in Peru on the strength of 3 classes a month (about 15 hours a week) and within 2 weeks had more work thani could handle, through three different institutes.

The Cusco perspective is probably based on their experience of back�ckers deciding they want to teach a bit and then doing a few classes and disappearing off. They might be reluctant to offer a lot of classes at first, wanting to check you out, before they commit to you. I'd try to talk to other teachers who are in Cusco, see what their experience is. Otherwise, there are other places! Good places to start the search are Arequipa (also in the mountains) Trujillo (on the coast) Piura (near the coast) and Lima. I've also heard that Chachapoyas is developing into a TEFL and tourism hotspot - that is in the mountains, near the jungle which has to be a good bet!

Don't give up hope of your dream. $2000 sounds a hell of a lot for a TEFL cert. You can do it cheaper elsewhere - Bridge-Linguatec do have a bit of a reputation for overcharging then not following thru on work offers. If you are set on Cusco, try Maximo Nivel.

Good luck with it, stick to what you want, don't let one person put you off.

nineisone · Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Posts: 187

Ripple,

Surprising to hear this. All indications I have from those here and on the ground in Peru indicate a fairly lively job market with a need for teachers. I think this would be especially true if you are willing to work under the table. Some employers may not want to sponsor you for the Visa if they are uncertain as to your intentions.

I can't believe the lady gave you that information. They want your money so they usually don't discourage you. You can always do a cert in Cusco and then move on to the beautiful and big mountain city of Arequipa.

As Naturegirl mentions there are obstacles like working for two or more schools, picking up teaching hours where you can get them, but everyone tells me that if you are a dedicated teacher, it doesn't take long to build a reputation and increase your work load.

Good luck

tomteacher · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 34 Location: Changwon Korea

I certainly found it ridiculously easy to find work when I was doing under the table tutoring in Cajamarca, Peru.

nineisone · Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Posts: 187

Good point Tom, and you would think that a smaller city like Cajamarca might have fewer employment options, but you apparently did well.

I think a lot of this is concern by many newbies, myself included, that it is going to take a long time to build up enough teaching hours in order for us to make a modest living.

But it seems that if you have any type of acumen for teaching and take a serious thorough approach to your classes this will likely show through and opportunities will abound.

Everything worthwhile always requires an effort.