Details
Demand
High
Busiest
Mar-Dec
Academic Year
Currency
S/.
Peruvian Nuevos Soles (PEN)
Contract
3-36 months
Normally
Taxes
Moderate
- Summary
- The tourist market is important here, so for the locals learning English means getting a good job.
- Main TEFL regions
- Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Trujillo, Surco
- Types of teaching
- In-company: General English, Business English Private language schools: General English, Business English State primary & secondary schools: General English, English for Younger Learners State universities: General English
- Accommodation
- Employers will rarely provide accommodation, but they will often help you find a place. A small apartment of your own will cost about US$100-200 per month, but you can share for as little as $50.
- Flight reimbursement
- Not common
- Salary
- US$350-$850 per month (in private schools). Fledgling teachers shouldn’t accept less than US$400 per month. Pay is commensurate with your qualifications and experience.
- Taxes
- Approximately 15% of your salary will be paid as income tax.
- Cost of living
- The cost of living is low here. Meals in local restaurants are less than US$2, while fresh produce from the local markets is cheap and tasty.
- Potential to save money
- Although the cost of living is low, wages are only just enough to cover your daily expenses so you’re unlikely to save any money.
- How much TEFL training is recommended?
- You can get a job without any TEFL training at all, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to keep it! There have been many instances of teachers’ contracts being cancelled because they weren’t up to scratch. A good-quality TEFL qualification such as those offered by i-to-i will give you a good chance of securing and keeping a job.
- Common teaching conditions
- A full-time contract will involve about 25 hours of teaching each week, but there are only a few private institutes will guarantee that many hours, so you’ll probably end up working for multiple schools. The main issue teachers face (not just in Peru) is working split shifts, with lessons starting as early as 7am, a lull in the middle of the day, then more lessons in the evening which can finish as late as 9pm. At least it gives you the chance to have an afternoon siesta!
Be aware…
Peru has a reputation for robberies, pickpocketing and scams. Be wary and always look after your bags.
