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Teaching English in Peru
In Peru, there is an urgent need for English teachers, especially in Lima, Peru’s capital. The numbers of available positions are abundant. Bigger companies have in-house instruction, but most people have to arrange their own lessons privately. Based on what previous experienced teachers have recorded, one must be careful about perks and salaries that are promised by some employers and not actually delivered. Salaries generally are $5.00 US per hour in an institution; private lessons are $10.00 US per hour. Cost of living is very low so depending upon how much the teacher wants to work will depend on how well he or she will do financially.
There can be an array of possibilities. One can choose from age groups and settings as to what ones would be best suitable. Lima may have positions for those who want to just teach in a business setting, public schools and language institutions. If one is interested in teaching in remote areas there are even ecotourism positions that may be available. The smaller metropolis of Cuzco, for instance, may offer positions from primary aged children to specialized adult learner classes. Some schools may offer furnished accommodations. Local people are considered to be very helpful to the foreigner who seeks a place to stay so one may not have to worry too much and make plans as you go along.
Traveling to Peru
Peru is divided geographically into three zones. The pacific coast line is barren due to the Andean environs, more in-land, and the very high altitudes house extreme terrain with profound valleys and lastly to the east the country slopes into the lush Amazonian lowlands. The medium sized land mass is surrounded by many countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador.
The population of Peru is estimated at just fewer than 29 million. Lima is the largest metropolitan area with an estimated 8.2 million people. 45% are Amerindian, 37% are Mestizo (Caucasian mix), 15% Caucasian, and the rest are Black or Asian. Peruvian history is rich, as it was the site of the great Incan Empire which evidently was based upon natural, intellectual, as well as, deeply spiritual values. The country has in recent history been plagued by an array of guerrilla militia factions. These rebel warriors were responsible for an enormous loss of human life. Through many internal struggles somehow, though not perfect, democracy has managed to survive in Peru. Economically, though rich in natural resources and growing industries, a high percentage of Peruvians live below the poverty line.
The currency is the “nuevos soles”, which is approximately $3.27 to $1 US dollar. Peru has a 91% literacy rate which is testimony to a nation of resilient people. The landscapes throughout the Andes are some of the most beautiful in South America. Keen mountain climbers come from the world over to explore. The mountains are home to millions of Quechuan people who maintain their traditional way of life. For people with the true explorer spirit there are guided tours through the Inca trail to the all important Machu Picchu village ruins. The vistas from this wonder of the world situated at the basin of the Amazon River, are unprecedented. Truly the mysterious Inca tribe that disappeared without a trace, was a fascinating, advanced civilization.
One could spend days in Machu Picchu and still feel that there is more to its historical significance than modern man will ever be able to fathom. Lima, the largest city shows the sharp contrast between the well to do and the poor. It is a city with a slow yet steady pace of life. The people demonstrate a genuine openness and kindness to visitors. The city is known as the dream city as from May through October there is a natural fog that settles over it. There are many attractions in Lima such as the “Gold Museum” where visitors can see some very fine Incan artefacts. The city has some fabulous intricate colonial architecture with many places to join in on the cafe culture; it also has sprawling handicraft markets, bullfighting arenas, parks and soccer stadiums. Just south of Lima there are some much undeveloped white sandy beaches, one called El Silencio which is just as the name suggests, serene and not overwhelmed by tourists. Peruvian climate is generally spring-like and especially in Lima, it is almost always sunny from December to May. From June to November, the weather is humid and cloudy. Temperatures range from highs of 75 °F to lows of 50 °F.
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