TEFL Jobs in Peru
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Teaching English in Peru: jobs, salaries and how to get hired
Peru has steady demand for English teachers in language institutes, bilingual schools and businesses, from Lima's coastal districts to Arequipa and Cusco in the Andes. Here's where the jobs are, what they pay, and which TEFL qualification gets you hired.
Where the English teaching jobs in Peru are
Private language institutes are the largest employers, in Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Trujillo. They teach children, teenagers and adults, often in evening and Saturday classes, and hire year-round with peaks in February–March and July–August. New teachers often start with 15–20 hours a week and pick up more as they settle in.
Bilingual and international schools (colegios bilingües) are a growing market. They pay more than institutes and may help with your visa, but usually ask for a degree and some experience. Most recruit in October–November for the school year starting in March.
Business English is in strong demand in Lima, especially in the corporate districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Classes run early morning, at lunchtime or in the evening, often at company offices.
Private tutoring and online teaching are how many teachers in Peru top up their income. Exam preparation and conversation classes are popular, and an online timetable can add a useful second income in US dollars.
English teacher salary in Peru (2026)
| Role | Typical pay | Hours | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language institute | S/1,800–S/3,000 a month (about US$500–$1,000) | 20–30 a week | New teachers with a 120-hour TEFL |
| Bilingual or international school | Above institute pay; varies by school | Full-time, March–December | Graduates with a TEFL and some experience |
| Business English | Monthly contract or hourly rate, similar to institutes | Split shifts | Teachers with a Business English specialism |
| Private tutoring | About US$10–$20 an hour | Flexible | Anyone building extra income |
| TEFL UK Peru internship | Local salary plus bonuses, up to US$600 a month | 3–6 month placements | First-time teachers who want support |
Figures are typical market ranges and vary by city, employer and experience. Lima pays the most but is the most expensive city; Arequipa and Cusco are noticeably cheaper. See our guide to how much you can earn as a TEFL teacher.
Do you need a TEFL to teach English in Peru?
Yes, in practice. A 120-hour TEFL certificate is the first thing language schools in Peru look for, and it's usually needed for the formal work visa process too.
The good news is that Peru is one of the more accessible countries for new teachers. A degree helps, especially for bilingual schools, but many institutes hire TEFL-qualified teachers without one. You don't need to speak Spanish to teach, as classes are taught in English.
- 120-hour TEFL: the standard requirement
- Degree: preferred, but not always required
- Native or near-native English
- Spanish: helpful for daily life, not for teaching
Get TEFL certified for Peru
Get qualified before you apply and save 20% on either course with code PERU20.
120-Hour Professional TEFL
The qualification Peruvian language schools ask for. Covers lesson planning, grammar, classroom management and teaching children, all online and at your own pace.
- Certified in as little as 3 weeks
- No degree or teaching experience needed
- FCDO-legalisable certificate for visa paperwork
- Free job placement support
150-Hour Advanced TEFL
Everything in the 120-hour, plus specialist modules for exam classes, large groups and a wider range of learners. A strong choice for bilingual school applications.
- Teach exam classes, including IELTS
- Ready for large and mixed-level classes
- More training hours to strengthen your CV
- FCDO-legalisable certificate with job support
Adding Business English for Lima's corporate market? See the 70-hour Business English course or compare all TEFL courses.
Prefer to start with support in Peru?
If you'd rather not job-hunt on your own, two TEFL UK programmes take care of the training, the logistics and your first teaching role in Lima and Arequipa.
Peru TEFL internship
- 3–6 month paid placement in Lima or Arequipa
- Local salary plus bonuses up to US$600 a month
- 170-hour combined TEFL and free Spanish lessons
- Airport pick-up, orientation and in-country support
On-site TEFL course in Peru
- Train in person in Miraflores, Lima
- Real classroom practice in Arequipa
- Accommodation arranged and Spanish lessons available
- Route into paid teaching with partner schools
Visas and the right to work in Peru
To work legally in Peru you need a work visa, which is normally arranged once you have a job offer and contract. Employers, especially bilingual schools, often help with the process, and a legalised TEFL certificate and degree may be requested as supporting documents.
Many teachers travel to Peru first and interview in person, as a lot of institutes hire face to face. Make sure you switch to the right visa before you start working. Rules and fees change, so check the latest requirements with the Peruvian consulate before you go. Our FCDO legalisation service can prepare your certificate if it's needed.
How to get a teaching job in Peru
Get your 120-hour TEFL
Finish it before the February–March or July–August hiring peaks.
Choose your route
Go independently, or join the Peru internship for a placement and support.
Prepare your CV
Use our TEFL CV guide and add a short video introduction.
Apply and interview
Apply online or in person in Lima, Arequipa or Cusco, and check our jobs board.
Sort your visa and paperwork
Work with your employer on the work visa and get your certificate legalised if asked.
Life as an English teacher in Peru
Teaching salaries in Peru are modest, but the cost of living is low, so most teachers live comfortably and still travel. A typical week mixes evening and Saturday classes with free mornings for exploring, Spanish lessons or private students.
Weekends and holidays put some of South America's best trips within reach: Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, the Colca Canyon near Arequipa, Lake Titicaca and the Amazon. Lima is also one of the world's great food cities.
Learning some Spanish makes everything easier, from renting a flat to making local friends. Our partner Preply offers 50% off your first Spanish lesson, and you can read more in our guide to TEFL internships in Peru.
Teaching English in Peru: frequently asked questions
Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English in Peru?
Yes, in practice. A 120-hour TEFL is the standard that language schools in Peru look for first, and it is usually needed for the formal work visa process. Bilingual and international schools may also ask for a degree and teaching experience.
How much do English teachers earn in Peru?
Language school teachers in Peru typically earn around S/1,800 to S/3,000 a month (roughly US$500 to US$1,000). Private tutors charge about US$10 to US$20 an hour. Pay is modest, but the low cost of living means it stretches a long way, especially outside Lima.
Can I teach English in Peru without a degree?
Yes. Peru is one of the more accessible countries for teachers without a degree, particularly at language institutes and in private tutoring. A 120-hour TEFL certificate matters more to most employers than a degree.
When is the best time to look for teaching jobs in Peru?
Language schools hire year-round, but hiring is strongest in February to March and again in July to August. Bilingual and international schools usually recruit in October and November for the school year that starts in March.
Do I need to speak Spanish to teach English in Peru?
No. Classes are taught in English and employers do not expect you to teach in Spanish. Basic Spanish makes daily life, renting a flat and dealing with paperwork much easier, and many teachers take lessons once they arrive.
What visa do I need to teach English in Peru?
To work legally you need a work visa, which is usually arranged with the help of an employer once you have a contract. Rules and processing times change, so check the latest requirements with the Peruvian consulate before you travel. TEFL UK's Peru internship includes support with the visa process.
Where are the best places to teach English in Peru?
Lima has the most jobs, especially business English in districts such as Miraflores and San Isidro. Arequipa offers a lower cost of living and a large number of language institutes, while Cusco suits teachers who want to live close to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Is there a TEFL internship in Peru?
Yes. TEFL UK's Peru TEFL internship places teachers in Lima and Arequipa for three to six months, with a 170-hour combined TEFL qualification, Spanish lessons, orientation, airport pick-up and a local salary with bonuses of up to US$600 a month.
Ready to teach in Peru?
Get certified in a few weeks, then apply independently or let our team place you in Lima or Arequipa.
