Volunteer as an English teacher in Peru, where your language skills create lasting educational impact for children who face significant limitations in accessing quality English instruction. Your contribution directly addresses critical gaps in Peru’s education system, where schools operate with minimal funding and often lack qualified English instructors or adequate support for existing teachers.
English instruction, while officially required in the curriculum, frequently goes untaught or is delivered at inadequate levels due to insufficient resources and teacher training. Local educators often lack the specialized knowledge and confidence needed to teach English effectively, leaving students without access to language skills that could transform their future opportunities. Your volunteer teaching fills this crucial void, either leading English classes independently or supporting local teachers who need assistance with pronunciation, conversation practice, and interactive teaching methods.
English proficiency opens doors to Peru’s thriving tourism and hospitality industry, which dominates Cusco’s job market and provides some of the most accessible pathways to economic advancement for local youth. By teaching English or supporting English instruction, you’re providing students with practical tools for accessing better employment opportunities and connecting with the global community that visits their historic city.
The classroom experience benefits you as much as your students, developing your teaching abilities, cultural awareness, and adaptability while immersing you in daily Peruvian life. Working within the local education system provides authentic cultural exchange and deep community connections that extend far beyond typical volunteer experiences. Your English teaching creates ripple effects that reach families and communities, as students share their new language skills and enthusiasm for learning with those around them.
Successful English teaching volunteers should possess basic Spanish conversation skills to effectively communicate with students, local teachers, and school administrators. While fluency isn’t required, the ability to explain concepts, give instructions, and connect with children in their native language significantly enhances the teaching experience and classroom management. This foundation helps build trust with students and allows you to better understand their learning challenges and cultural context.
Professional appearance and behavior are essential, as volunteers serve as role models within the school community. The dress code requires modest, conservative clothing – no shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing attire – and excessive tattoos should be covered when possible. These standards reflect the formal educational environment and cultural expectations in Peruvian schools, where teachers are respected community figures who represent positive examples for young people.
Beyond appearance, volunteers must demonstrate patience, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity when working with children from diverse backgrounds and varying English proficiency levels. The ability to create engaging, interactive lessons using creative teaching methods helps overcome language barriers and keeps students motivated. Previous teaching or tutoring experience is valuable but not mandatory, as enthusiasm for education and genuine care for student development often prove more important than formal qualifications.
Reliability and commitment are crucial, as students and schools depend on consistent volunteer presence throughout the program duration. Volunteers should be prepared to work within the existing school structure, collaborate respectfully with local educators, and maintain professional boundaries while building meaningful connections with students and the broader school community.
Working as a volunteer in the Teaching English Project in Peru, you will work 4-5 hours per day, Monday through Friday. Depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of the local staff, daily activities involve:
The full package contains donation to the school and Nativos services, i.e., 20 hours Spanish group lessons, airport pickup and full support during the stay, homestay with 2 meals per day, and extra activities.
First week: $450
Each following week: $225
Your local coordinator will provide you with all school and placement information on the day of your arrival. On your first working day, your coordinator will accompany you to your project and make sure you arrive well and safe. Your local coordinator will provide telephone numbers and directions as well.
The students you will be instructing range in age between 6 – 17 years old
There are about 150 students at the school with the 18 – 28 students per class.
You will be teaching alongside a local teacher. Depending on your Spanish language level you may teach some days independently, this depends on your interaction and engagement with the students.
Yes, there is a teaching curriculum that teachers need to follow. Ideas for teaching methods or teaching content are very welcome though. There is a high demand for native English speakers to work as teachers in Peru.
You will teach about 4 hours a day on average.
The school has their own books; however, English teaching volunteers are welcome to bring additional books, school supplies or anything else that they feel may be a beneficial to their students.
Teaching is only available during the school year. Peruvian schools are closed between December 15th – March 10th and July 30th – August 18th.
It is important to respect that in Peru the teaching methods may vary from those that you are used to at your home country. Teachers may know less English than you would expect from an English teacher in your home country. Lessons are taught often in a repetitive and slow way. It is important to support the teacher in motivating the students for learning English. In Peru, especially in Cusco about 80% of all jobs are in tourism. It is critical for students to learn English for their future professions, which may very well be in tourism where the English language is vital to receive a well-paying job.