Job Discussion Forums

[alwaystuesday]

Hi everybody, I'm very new here and this is my first post. I'm an American and a soon-to-be CELTA graduate (my class ends on Thursday) and I'm looking to start teaching soon. I really want to go to Peru and I'm hoping to take the plunge in June.

My question is, how likely am I to line up a job in June? I've read the forums and Naturegirl's Ultimate Peru List, and it sounds like I'd be jumping in in the middle of the school year. I know this isn't ideal timing, but I'd really like to go sooner rather than later. I had initially hoped to secure a position before going, but from what I've read this is not the best bet in Latin America. So if I head to Peru with a CELTA but no experience and I just start knocking on doors, am I likely to get a job? Is this the way it's done?

For what it's worth I have to be back in the U.S. in October for a wedding. I guess my success (or lack thereof) in Peru would determine whether I return after the wedding or whether I move forward. So there's a possibility that what I'm looking for is short-term work, though I'm open to a more long-term situation. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

[naturegirl321]

Actually any time is good for institute work, except major holidays. YOu could get enough hours at a couple institutes within a couple of weeks

I hate to burst your bubble, but the CELTA; or any TEFL Cert for that matter, don't really carry a lot of weight here. FIve yeras here and no one has asked to see mine.

Yep, just knock on doors, you'll probbaly have to work at a couple of insittutes to get enough hours. THink of making 500 to 800 usd a month. Rent will be your biggest expense.

Remember to ask for 180 days when you arrive in Peru. NO probs if you have to return in Oct, but I wouldn't say that during the interviews. Here in Peru, wedding invites are usually sent out a month in advance, so I'd tell my employer in Sept.

[alwaystuesday]

Thank you so much Naturegirl, I knew you'd be the first to reply! You are so helpful and informative on this site and I really appreciate it. My plan to go to Peru came slightly out of nowhere recently but it's so tempting and it seems really doable... it's a relief to know that job-searching will still be a possibility.

[naturegirl321]

Yep, just bring comfy shoes, you'll be knocking on doors. Oh, put your photo on your CV too. And try to tailor it to teaching, don't put waitressing, etc down.