Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) has become one of the most popular ways to travel the world, experience new cultures, and make a living at the same time. Peru, a country known for its ancient Inca ruins, stunning landscapes, and cultural diversity, is an excellent place to teach English. This blog post will share my personal experience Peru TEFL, the challenges I faced, and the rewards I reaped.

When I first arrived in Cusco, Peru, I was overwhelmed. The language barrier, cultural differences, and different teaching methods made me feel like a fish out of water. However, after a few weeks of settling in, I started to appreciate my new surroundings. I was working for a local school that supported children in underprivileged areas, which helped me to make a difference in the lives of these students.

One of the biggest challenges I faced as a new TEFL teacher in Peru was the language barrier. Although I had a basic understanding of Spanish, I soon realized that communication was much more complicated in real life. For instance, the students pronounced words differently than what I had learned in my Spanish classes. The students also used a lot of slang and colloquial expressions, which made it hard for me to understand them. However, I learned to adapt, and my students also helped me to improve my Spanish.

Another challenge was the difference in teaching methods between Peru and my home country. In Peru, the teaching style was more traditional, with rote learning and memorization being emphasized over critical thinking and problem-solving. At times, I felt like I was fighting against the system, trying to introduce new and more innovative teaching methods. However, I discovered that taking baby steps and introducing small changes could make a big difference.

Despite the challenges, teaching English in Peru was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Seeing the students’ faces light up when they finally grasped a difficult concept or when they realized that they could communicate in English boosted my morale and gave me a sense of purpose. I felt like I was making a difference in their lives, and they were making a difference in mine.

Not only did teaching English in Peru give me a sense of cultural immersion but also the opportunity to explore the country. I visited the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, explored the Amazon Rainforest, and tasted the delicious Peruvian cuisine. I also made friends with the locals and learned more about their customs, music, and dance.

Conclusion:

Teaching English in Peru provided me with an incredible TEFL experience, one that taught me more than I ever imagined. Although it wasn’t easy, the rewards certainly outweighed the challenges. I came to understand the importance of adaptability, resilience, and patience, qualities that I still carry with me today. So if you’re thinking of teaching English in Peru, I’d say go for it. It’s an adventure that you’ll never forget, and you’ll come back home enriched and transformed.