Job Discussion Forums

[sarahb12345678]

Hello everyone. I am pretty sure I'm heading to Cusco, Peru this December to take a TEFL course with Bridge Linguatec. I have a few questions before I embark on my teaching adventure- I'd like to make sure I make practical decisions without being blinded by my excitement. After reading some postings where people discuss how surprisingly difficult it is to land jobs in their country of choice (e.g. Ecuador), I'm getting a little worried about what I should expect in Cusco. If I complete a TEFL course, will it be difficult to find work in Cusco? Will i even want to live in Cusco? I've heard its such an amazing and beautiful city. But I've also heard that its full of Gringos and not the ideal place to get immersed in Peruvian culture. Whats it like outside the city- any towns with paying teaching jobs? I've also heard that it is quite difficult to get work visas in Peru. Does that mean its nearly impossible? If so, is there a legal way to work without one? And one last thing, if anyone can tell me if they are able to earn a living teaching in Peru, that'd be great. Thanks for all your help, in advance (I realize I've asked a lot of questions). -Sarah

[Alitas]

I think some of your questions only YOU can answer. For example, how does anyone besides you know if you will want to live in Cusco? Go and find out. Same with making a living. People's "living" depends on their financial needs.

Good luck to you. My advice is to get as much education and practical experience as you can.

[naturegirl321]

Yes, you can earn a living, but most likely you will be working split shifts. I sent you a PM, maybe it will help you. Also check out the job links below.

I've also heard taht Cusco is more like living in the USA than Peru, but it could be a bridge for you.

Legal work is difficult, but can be found. I've been here legally for two yeras. But most employeers want you to have degrees and experience to get you a legal visa.

Anymore questions, PM me.

[RyanS]

i wannna goto peru waaaa

[JZer]

[Dr Disco]

I know this is off-topic, but it is on Peru.

Has anyone traveled or worked in the Cajamarc area? How is it to live there? How is the internet there ( I need it to finish my MA degree).

Just curious.

[Justin Trullinger]

Two comments-

Cuzco is a tourist hell, but only in tourist neighborhoods- if you get out there and try to integrate, it can be done.

Two- Who in their right mind would say that it's hard to get teaching work in Ecuador? Jobs for foreign English teachers grow on trees here. If somebody said it's hard to get a GOOD job here, that would be about right...

Best,
Justin

[naturegirl321]

To the original poster,
have you decided whether or not you're coming to Peru?

[tomteacher]

I lived in Cajamarca for 8 months last year mate. Great place.
I recommend you work either at Davy College or you find some private classes with mineworkers or their children. It's easy enough to find and once you have one happy client you can find many more.

For Davy College you need a lot of experience and professional qualifications. Any other job over there probably isn't worth it.

The girls over there are fantastic also, you get a lot of attention, some of my dates were absolutely stunning. Any questions just ask.

Good luck.

[tomteacher]

The availability of the internet is fine. There are many internet cafe's and places where you can plug in your laptop. Cost around 40 cents an hour I think. Good restaurants, OK nightlife if you like Latin pop and dancing with hot girls.

[tomteacher]

Davy College is a highly professional institution, and only goldmine workers and a few other people can afford to send their kids there ($200 a month I believe). Your age will actually be an asset if you decide to go there. I never worked at Davy but I thought the other teachers (indeed many foreigners) cut themselves off from the general population. I never saw Davy teachers out and about in town or socialising with Peruvians. What, are they too good for ordinary Peruvians on the street?

If you put the effort in I'm sure you'll meet a nice lady in Cajamarca as foreigners are very desirable to them.

Cajamarca is a safe enough place by Peruvian standards but it is very poor also. Like everywhere in Peru, I think, there is a lot of corruption and people are often highly dishonest and criminalistic in their day-to-day affairs. The locals use their discretion and try to stay away from those kinds of people.

Within the confines of the school and the teachers accommodation their is no such problem I'm sure. I expect they are very thorough with security. But they are also shut off from the fantastic culture, the parties, the babes and all the fun.

Enjoy it.

[JZer]

[tomteacher]

I understand your comment about the chicks only being after the money JZer but I disagree to a certain extent.
We are attractie to them because we are foreign, I think part of it is to do with the odious machista culture of the local males in Latin America. They women think that foreigners are less likely to cheat on them or generally mistreat them and more likely to give them a secure future, a nice house in a nice area, good education for the kids etc.

I think you are right that money plays a part in Latino/Western marriages.
Part of it is also a chance to get out of there and to follow their man abroad. Sounds pathetic to say but I don't mind if women are attracted to me for this. As an asside marriage until quite recently had always been about gaining financial security as far as the women were concerned. It is only recently in the west that this has changed and the idea of marrying men for money has been looked down upon.

[JZer]

[virgo]

Hi Sarah,

I was in Peru a couple of months ago looking for teaching while travelling. There are good schools around especially in Lima. Cuzco is indeed an amazing and beautiful city which is full of Gringos. However, there is plenty of Peruvian culture around the outskirts, for example; the Sachsaywaman Inka ruins, the Sacred Valley and of course Machu Picchu. Just go there and see for yourself. If you don�t have any luck in Cuzco, try Arequipa. It�s another beautiful city and there are language schools there. The most important thing you can do is LEARN Spanish. Don�t make the same mistake as the majority of tourist idiots who come to South America and expect everyone to speak English. The ignorance of many tourists never ceased to amaze me. I loved Cuzco despite the mass of tourists who flock there every year. If you're smart enough, you can avoid the tourist bars and clubs and go to the same places as the locals. Just be brave enough to do your own thing and don't follow the crowd. Most visitors don't bother to do this, so not become the exception rather than the rule. Tomteacher is right. The girls are stunning in Peru and they're very friendly ;o) However, despite what Jzer says, Peruvian girls are not sluts!! Watch your mouth mate. My Peruvian girlfriend certainly isn't. Difficult to get work visas? If a school really wants you to teach there, it may sponsor you.

As far as I know there�s no legal way to work in Peru without a Visa. As for the wages... Well, they�re very low. The exchange rate is 3 Soles to 1 US1. So Sarah, I'd say this this to you. If you have no financial commitments in your country and don�t mind substituting low wages for the experience of lifetime, then go for it. You won�t regret it. I�d love to go back to teach there, but at the moment I can�t afford to.

Hope this answers your queries

Good luck!!

virgo