Teaching Jobs in Cusco, Peru

While Lima is the political capital of Peru, Cusco holds the spirit of Peru on its streets, skylines, and history. Since the city is the major stopping point for tourists in Peru, there is a high demand for English language skills. However, don’t expect to jump on a plane and be hired in the Plaza de Armas. Below are some tips as to finding the best teaching situation to fit your needs:

Public schools vs. universities vs. tutoring centers. While education is something many Peruvians have prided themselves in, the educational system in Peru suffers some problems due to poverty and lack of resources. Have those in consideration while researching. Your best bet in finding yourself at the head of a classroom will be in private schools, where pay also tends to be a bit more generous. Language academies offer a chance to teach in varied academic settings. You can find yourself teaching anything from young children to adults. Curriculums are individualized to student demands; be ready to apply your lesson planning skills, think on the fly, and have some Spanish skills to be fully effective in the classroom. 

Short-term vs. long-term and job structure. Generally speaking, the longer you stay, the more fulfilling of an experience you will have. It’s tough work to create a classroom dynamic that is productive for both you and your students, so despite your fears of long term commitments abroad, consider signing at least a year-long contract. On the flipside, if you choose a three-six month short term position, be ready to hit the ground running and make the most of your experience teaching English in Cusco, Peru.

Teaching English vs. teaching other subjects. The easiest and most in-demand teaching job to find in Cusco are TEFL positions. Most positions are looking to be filled by individuals who are adept at explaining the complex grammar rules of the English language, but you can also find some positions for teaching math, science, and other subjects.