Peru is a country of wonders – from the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu to the richness of the Amazon rainforest, and the vibrant energy of Lima. But for me, the true beauty of Peru lies in its people. As an English teacher, I had the privilege of connecting with Peruvians on a deeper level through language, and experiencing the richness of their culture and hospitality. In this TEFL in Peru experience, I discovered so much about myself as a teacher and an individual, and I hope to share some of those insights in this blog.

Immersion in a Multicultural Classroom:

One of the most rewarding experiences of teaching English in Peru was the opportunity to work in a multicultural classroom. My students came from diverse backgrounds and cultures, each with their unique perspectives and learning styles. To accommodate everyone’s needs, I had to be creative with my teaching approach and find ways to include cultural elements in our lessons. I learned to incorporate Peruvian music, art, and literature into our English classes, and encourage students to share their own experiences and stories. Teaching in a multicultural environment pushed me to become a more flexible and empathic teacher, and allowed me to immerse myself in the beauty of diversity.

Developing Language and Cultural Competence:

As a non-native speaker of English, I could relate to the challenges my students faced in learning a new language. However, my TEFL training prepared me with the tools and strategies to effectively teach English language skills. I focused on integrating grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing and speaking to create a comprehensive learning experience. In addition to language development, I also focused on developing cultural competence – that is the ability to understand and appreciate cultural differences. Learning about Peruvian culture, customs, and social norms allowed me to connect with my students on a deeper level, and foster a mutual understanding and respect.

Building Strong Connections with Students:

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my TEFL experience was how close I became with my students. Beyond the classroom, I had the chance to get to know them on a personal level, share meals, tour the city and even join them in community service activities. These experiences allowed me to learn about their dreams and aspirations, and to be a supportive mentor in their journey. Watching them grow in confidence and language proficiency was truly rewarding, and it reminded me of the transformative power of language education.

Learning from Local Teachers and Communities:

Teaching English in Peru allowed me to engage with local teachers and communities, and to learn from their perspectives and practices. I had the chance to observe and participate in classes taught by Peruvian teachers, and to share ideas and resources with them. I also had the chance to collaborate with local organizations that were dedicated to empowering underprivileged children and youth through education. These experiences not only enriched my own teaching, but they also helped me to contextualize and appreciate the social and economic challenges faced by Peruvians.

Making a Difference:

Teaching English in Peru allowed me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of my students and the wider community. By equipping them with English language skills, I could provide them with greater access to academic and career opportunities. Moreover, by fostering a sense of global citizenship and social responsibility, I could instill in them the values of empathy, leadership, and intercultural understanding. I believe that education is the most powerful tool for creating positive change, and my TEFL experience in Peru reinforced this conviction.

Conclusion:

Teaching English in Peru was a transformative experience that enriched my life in countless ways. From the immersion in a multicultural classroom to the development of language and cultural competence, from building strong connections with students to learning from local teachers and communities, and from making a difference in the lives of others to gaining a deeper understanding of myself as a teacher and an individual. I am grateful for the privilege to have been a part of this amazing journey, and I highly encourage anyone who’s considering a TEFL experience to explore the beauty of Peru. The memories and lessons I’ve gained from this experience will stay with me for a lifetime.