TEACH ENGLISH IN PERU

About Teaching English in Peru

In order to teach English in Peru, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is preferred but not required. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Peru is about $500 - $1,000 USD per month.

TEFL certified teachers can live very comfortably in Peru while also indulging in extensive travel. From the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu to the headwaters of the Amazon, Peru's historical and natural offerings are second to none. Lima, the national capital, is home to 9 million people and has blossomed into one of the largest job markets for teachers in South America.

Those seeking to teach English in Peru typically find work in February and March, and then again in July and August. While some schools will interview in advance over the phone and via email, most English teachers are expected to interview in person once they arrive in Peru.

The English teaching job market in Peru for TEFL Certified teachers is strong and is only continuing to grow. A solid hourly wage combined with a very low cost of living allows those teaching English in Peru to live comfortably. Teachers typically work about 20-30 hours per week, leaving you plenty of time for travel. Major TEFL markets in Peru can be found in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa.

It is not common to obtain a work visa in this country. English teachers typically work under the table on a tourist visa. It is common practice, but it is not technically a legal work visa. Should you choose to work under the table, it is your responsibility to be informed of the potential consequences of working on a tourist visa.

How to Teach English in Peru: Requirements

TEFL Certification for Peru

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Peru. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired.

Most schools and recruiters interview prospective teachers face-to-face in Peru, so students can take their TEFL certification class online before moving abroad or onsite in one of our courses in Latin America.

Go further: What are the requirements to teach English in Peru?

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Peru, however, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is typically preferred but not always required.

Degree Requirements for Peru

Can you teach English in Peru without a degree?

Please note that while a Bachelor’s degree is not required to secure a job in this country, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search.

How to Find TEFL Jobs in Peru

English Teaching Jobs in Peru

The most common teaching jobs in Peru consist of:

• Teaching adults in English language schools.
• Private tutoring adults.
• Teaching Business English to adults.
• Teaching English Online.

TEFL in Peru: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Peru can expect to find jobs during the peak hiring months, February-March & July- August. 

Teachers in Peru typically teach on a tourist visa. For American English teachers, no paperwork is required to get this tourist visa, it is just a stamp in your passport that you get upon arrival in Peru. That stamp in your passport means gives you 90 days to work. Once in-country, you are able to submit an application to extend your 90-day tourist visa up to a maximum of 180 days total (6 months).  

Read More: What Type of Visa Can I Use to Teach English in Peru?

Work as an English Teacher in Peru: Hours

English language schools in Peru offer approximately 20-30 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

Teaching Peruvian Students

It is most common that your students will be adults and business professionals. 

Teaching English in Peru Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $1,000 - $1,500 USD (3,300 - 4,900 PEN). These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Peru until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

English Teacher Salary in Peru

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Peru. English teachers in Peru can expect to make $500 - $1,000 USD (1,650 - 3,300 PEN) per month. It is common for teachers in Peru to also teach English online to supplement their income.

There are no flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent.

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $500 - $1,000 USD (1,650 - 3,300 PEN) per month.

English teachers in Peru can expect to break even month over month. This means you can cover your rent and bills, support yourself, live comfortably, and enjoy your life abroad to the fullest, but you shouldn't expect to save money at the end of the month. If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.