Experiences of an English Teacher in Peru

Peru is a multicultural country that values language learning and is attracted to people who have teaching experience in English. The demand for learning English in Peru has been increasing and the Peruvian government is making it a top priority. Teaching English can be an overwhelming experience as it requires patience, adaptability, and cultural competence. In this blog post, we will share with you the art of Teach in Peru, its challenges, and how to make the most out of your experience.

Understanding Peruvian Culture

Peru has a unique blend of indigenous and Spanish roots, which is reflected in its people’s customs and traditions. Peruvians are known for their warm and hospitable nature, so building relationships with your students will be essential. Understanding their beliefs, culture, and values will help you tailor your teaching methods to meet their needs and connect with them on a personal level. This will also ensure that you can effectively teach values such as respect, empathy, and tolerance.

Language Barriers and Challenges

Peruvian students’ exposure to the English language may vary from basic proficiency to none at all. You will encounter challenges such as teaching students who may have never heard the language or have difficulty learning new vocabulary. Be prepared to adapt your teaching style to embody visual aids such as videos, songs, pictures, and games that make the class more interactive. Organizing activities that keep students engaged such as debates, group discussions, and role-playing activities to reinforce the language learnt will keep the class interesting.

Cultural Exchange

Teaching English in Peru is an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange, which will allow you to learn about the country’s history, traditions, and food. By incorporating these topics in your curriculum, you will avoid monotony and encourage the students to share their experiences and cultures with their peers. This will help your students see that the English language is a tool that will help them connect with people from around the world.

Communicating Effectively

Teaching English in Peru means that you will encounter different accents and dialects of Spanish. Additionally, the use of Peruvian slang poses a communication barrier. Adopting these phrases and colloquialisms in your lesson plans will show your students that you are trying to understand their language and culture, making communication easier for both parties. Using gestures and facial expressions to explain difficult concepts or navigate language barriers will help in amplifying the teacher-student relationship.

Professional Development

Being a teacher means you play a crucial role in shaping the lives of young people. It is not just about teaching them a new language but also developing their character and life skills. You will need to be an excellent communicator, an effective problem-solver, conflict resolver, and most importantly, a role model. Professional development means continued learning and career growth, so attending relevant workshops, webinars, and acquiring new perspectives in teaching will create opportunities for growth in your teaching skills.

Conclusion:

Teaching English in Peru is a unique experience that requires passion and a cultural understanding. Straying away from conventional methods by adopting visual aids and interactive classes, and relating to the students’ cultures make the experience a fun one for the students and the teacher. Students will appreciate your efforts and become more confident in communicating in English. The art of teaching English in Peru is, therefore, to expand your horizons outside the classroom by exploring Peruvian culture and developing a rapport with the locals.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *