Teaching English in Cusco Peru: Megan’s Story

Teaching English in Cusco Peru gives you the chance to step into a completely different way of life while building real-world teaching experience. In this story, Megan shares how she went from the United States to living and working in Peru—and what she learned along the way.

Her journey shows how teaching abroad isn’t just about travel, but about adapting, growing, and building a life in a completely new environment.

PERSONAL PROFILE

What is your name, age and nationality?

Megan, 25, USA

What is your education level and background?

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Colorado Mesa University.

Have you traveled abroad previously, and if so where?

I lived in Okinawa, Japan for two years where I worked for the US military. After returning to the States, I went on a mission trip to Tallinn, Estonia where we volunteered with a program helping women leave sex trafficking.

I’ve also travelled to Paris, Morocco, and Egypt. In Morocco, I rented a car and did a six-day road trip, rode camels into the Sahara desert, and camped overnight. Then we flew to Egypt to visit the pyramids and museums.

What motivated you to teach abroad?

I wanted to teach but couldn’t get a job in the US without a specific teaching degree. So I decided to take a TEFL course to get a taste of teaching while also travelling.

Living abroad also appealed to me because it’s completely different from travelling. You experience life as locals do. Learning Spanish was also a big factor in choosing where to go.

What did you want to personally achieve with this experience, and have you succeeded?

I wanted to live independently in another country, break away from old habits, and become fluent in Spanish. Living abroad has definitely helped me grow and move towards those goals.

Did you apply for the program with a friend or on your own?

On my own. All my friends back home had families and couldn’t travel, so going solo was my only option—and it worked out well.

Did you know anyone who had taught abroad before you?

Yes, a friend’s brother started teaching in Vietnam years ago and ended up staying, getting married, and building a life there.

What were some of your concerns before you began teaching abroad?

I was worried about budgeting since the pay is lower than in the US, and also about feeling lonely due to the language barrier. In reality, I’ve been able to live comfortably and have built a strong group of friends here.

TEFL PROGRAM INFORMATION

What made you decide to do a TEFL course and choose TEFL Heaven?

I came across TEFL through an article about getting paid to travel. After researching TEFL Heaven thoroughly, I decided to go for it—especially since my previous job was ending and I was about to graduate.

What made you choose a face-to-face TEFL course over other options?

I wanted to get away from online learning and experience something more practical. Being face-to-face also helped me meet people and build connections quickly.

Which TEFL program did you do?

TEFL Heaven Cusco, Peru Program.

What did you enjoy about your TEFL course?

The energy was very positive, and the trainer created a comfortable environment from the start. We were given lots of useful teaching resources and every day felt different and engaging.

How prepared did you feel for your teaching position?

I felt confident in teaching techniques, but I would have liked more practical teaching time. That said, I’ve continued learning on the job, especially when it comes to grammar.

How long have you been teaching in Peru and how long do you plan to stay?

I’ve been in Peru for five months already and may stay for another year.

How did you secure your English teaching job?

I was offered a job during my TEFL course after the school observed my teaching practice.

What does a typical working week look like for you?

I work Monday to Friday starting at 7am for a few hours, then have a long break until the afternoon. I teach again from 4pm to 9pm. Split schedules like this are very common here.

What age group or range do you teach?

Most of my students are adults aged 17 to 55+, with one youth class aged 11–16.

What do you most enjoy about teaching your students?

I enjoy being someone my students can rely on. They respect teachers and bring a lot of energy to the classroom.

How did you get your work visa?

A work visa wasn’t required for my position.

How did you find somewhere to live and what is it like?

I found my apartment through a local newspaper with help from a coworker. There were plenty of options and the process was straightforward.

COUNTRY INSIGHT

Cusco is a tourist-friendly city, but local traditions and culture are still very strong. The food is a big highlight, from ceviche and trout to rotisserie chicken and local drinks like chicha morada.

Nightlife is lively, with plenty of clubs playing reggaeton, salsa, and bachata. There are also great day trips, like hiking to Cristo Blanco for panoramic views of the city.

Transportation is cheap and accessible, and travel to nearby cities is very affordable.

What are your monthly expenses?

Rent: $165
Food: $150
Utilities: $35
Social life: $40
Transportation: $20
Phone: $5–10

Would you say you are able to live comfortably on your monthly salary?

I can live comfortably day-to-day, but it’s harder to travel frequently on my salary.

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS

What advice would you give someone thinking about teaching abroad, and would you recommend teaching English in Peru?

Do it—but be prepared for a different lifestyle. Poverty is more visible, and things are more basic than in the US.

If you’re flexible, open-minded, and willing to adapt, you’ll have an amazing experience. Learning some Spanish will help a lot, and embracing the slower pace of life is key.

Teaching English in Cusco Peru is not just about the job—it’s about adapting to a new culture, building independence, and experiencing a completely different way of life.

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