Frequently Asked Questions
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BEFORE THE COURSE
What do you mean the TESOL/TEFL course is ‘accredited’?
Why INTESOL PERU and not one of the other TESOL/TEFL courses?
What’s the difference between the onsite and the hybrid TESOL/TEFL course?
TESOL? TEFL? TESL? TEAL? ELT? TESL? What’s the difference?
Can I get a job without a TESOL/TEFL certificate?
Does INTESOL PERU provide trainees with an internationally recognized qualification?
If I decide to bring my family, can you help with accommodation?
Do you have a maximum number of trainees per course?
When do I need to arrive for my course?
Is accommodation included in the course fee?
DO I NEED TO…?
have a university degree?
know the language of the country I plan to teach in?
be a native English speaker to take the course?
have previous teaching experience?
have knowledge of English grammar?
have a visa or work permit?
DURING THE COURSE …
What is the cost of living in Cusco, Peru?
How much work is involved with the course?
What is the age range of the trainees on the course?
Is attendance required? Can I miss any of the classes?
Who are the trainers?
Who are the practice students?
How will I be assessed?
What pass rate do you have?
AFTER THE COURSE…
How much will I earn if I stay and work in Cusco, Peru after the course?
Will I get a job?
How do I apply?
When will I receive my TESOL/TEFL certificate?
What do you mean when you say your course is accredited?
For TESOL and TEFL courses to have international recognition they need to be validated and accredited by an official external body. The British Council is the organization that sets and safeguards the minimum standards that TESOL and TEFL courses must meet to be acceptable qualifications to teach English as a foreign or second language. The British Council recognizes UK universities, UCLES, Trinity College, and The College of Teachers as valid accrediting bodies. Your success in finding a job can be seriously hindered if your teaching qualifications are not accredited, especially if you aspire to teach in reputable schools where the minimum requirement is usually an accredited TESOL/TEFL certificate.
Why INTESOL PERU and not one of the other TESOL/TEFL courses?
If you want to teach English internationally, INTESOL PERU is the best program you can choose. First and foremost, INTESOL offers an accredited TESOL/TEFL certification. The certificate is recognized by The British Council as a valid teaching qualification. As well, INTESOL PERU’S teacher trainers and executive team hold high-level qualifications in TESOL/TEFL training and have years of experience. Another very important part of INTESOL PERU’S course is that at the end of the course you will have 25+ hours of practical teaching and observation experience – this is 3 to 4 times more than any other TESOL/TEFL program.
What’s the difference between the onsite and the hybrid TESOL/TEFL course?
Both courses lead to the exact same qualifications. Which course is right for you depends on your own personal circumstances. The 4-week/150-hour onsite course is very intensive and many people argue that there is simply no substitute for face-to-face learning. Others, however, prefer the flexibility offered by the hybrid program, where they can learn the theoretical side at their own pace, while still benefiting from actual teaching experience during the 2-week onsite student teaching module.
TESOL? TEFL? TESL? TEAL? ELT? TESL? What’s the difference?
These are various acronyms used throughout the industry. In short, they are all essentially the same thing. The various acronyms are used to describe the teaching of the English language to those that do not speak the language. The primary difference is the country where the teaching takes place. TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Second or Other Languages) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are standard terms for English language teaching in non-English speaking countries. TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) and TEAL (Teaching English as an Additional Language) are normally related to English teaching among immigrant and refugee communities in English-speaking countries. Therefore a certificate in TEFL and a certificate in TESOL are exactly the same thing and employers all over the world will accept either as a suitable qualification for a teaching position.
Can I get a job without a TESOL/TEFL certificate?
Yes. It is possible, in some countries, to find teaching jobs without a TESOL/TEFL certificate, but those schools willing to hire people without teaching credentials are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
A TESOL/TEFL certificate demonstrates that you have committed yourself to teaching, and that you have the fundamental tools required to deliver effective, professional lessons.
Does INTESOL PERU provide an internationally recognized qualification?
Yes. INTESOL PERU offers an accredited TESOL/TEFL certification. The certificate is recognized by The British Council as a valid teaching qualification, and INTESOL PERU is accredited and recognized by the College of Teachers. At the end of the course, each trainee receives a Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL from the College of Teachers (with the option of becoming a Member of the College of Teachers). As well, each candidate also earns the INTESOL certificate in the Methodology and Practice of English Language Teaching.
If I decide to bring my family, can you help with accommodation?
Yes. We are happy to host both you and your family. With a full range of accommodations available, we can make all the arrangements, so that you and your family are comfortable during your training period.
Do you have a maximum number of trainees per course?
Yes. We don’t allow groups larger than 12 people. Occasionally, due to high demand, there may be two groups at the institute – these are run in parallel as two distinct courses. So, you will never find yourself in a group which is too large for you to get all the attention you need. Please note that courses can fill up quickly especially in the summer months; so, we highly recommend you pay your deposit as soon as you are accepted on the course in order to secure a place in the class.
When do I need to arrive for my course?
We recommend you arrive in Cusco at least two days prior to the start of the course. You need to adjust to Cusco’s high altitude and settle into your new home. This will ensure you are well rested and prepared to begin an intensive 4 weeks of study and teaching.
Is accommodation included in the course fee?
No. Housing is paid separately from the course tuition. Most of the time, you will pay all housing fees directly to INTESOL PERU and we will manage any all housing matters for you.
have a university degree?
A university degree is NOT required, but it is strongly recommended if you plan to teach English internationally. The TESOL/TEFL course will thoroughly prepare you for teaching English, but due to the competitive nature of the business, a Bachelor’s degree is looked upon very favourably by prospective employers; and a Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite in some countries to teach English and to gain a work visa.
know the language of the country planning to teach in?
No. The INTESOL program trains teachers in the universally accepted Communicative Approach. With this approach, the target language (English) is spoken at all times in the classroom, and at all levels. By the end of the TESOL/TEFL course you will be able to teach English in a wide range of environments with or without any knowledge of the native language(s) of your students.
be a native English speaker to take the course?
No. However, those applicants for whom English is a second language must demonstrate competence in all skills (Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening) in order to attend the course. Competence can be demonstrated via exam scores (i.e. TOEFL, IELTS) or via successful completion of a university degree in an English-speaking country. If these are not available, then you will be interviewed by one of INTESOL PERU’S executive team members to determine your suitability for the course.
have previous teaching experience?
No. INTESOL PERU provides each trainee with more than 25 hours of real teaching experience in front of real students – this is 3 to 4 times that of other TESOL/TEFL programs. By the end of the course, you will be well prepared for teaching English internationally.
have knowledge of English grammar?
The TESOL/TEFL course thoroughly acknowledges that most native English speakers do not remember the rules of grammar. Indeed, the course includes 3 to 4 full days of grammar review.
have a visa or work permit?
INTESOL PERU encourages those that plan to teach English internationally to check with the embassy or consulate of the country they wish to work in. The www.embassyworld.com website is a good place to start.
What is the cost of living in Cusco, Peru?
Your cost of living in Cusco will decrease after the course. If you stay on in Cusco or elsewhere in Peru after the course, you will be able to sign a long term housing contract and this alone will significantly reduce your costs.
Some typical prices in Cusco (€):
Shared flat (including electricity and water): €85.00 to €200.00
Private flat (including electricity and water): €150.00 to €250.00
Lunch in a restaurant: €0.75 to €10.00
Bottle of Beer at a bar: €0.75 to €2.25
How much work is involved with the course?
The 4-week/150-hour onsite course is very intensive and requires a strong commitment by the trainee. You can expect to be in class for 5 hours per day with 1-3 hours of homework most evenings. INTESOL PERU recommends that trainees do not have other personal or professional commitments outside the course during the four weeks of training. The hybrid course, due to its flexibility, usually feels less intensive as you study the first half of the course at your own pace.
What is the age range of the trainees on the course?
The age of trainees varies from course to course. Most of our trainees tend to be in their twenties and early thirties although more often than not we get a good mix of different age brackets and backgrounds including early-retirees, and senior citizens.
Is attendance required? Can I miss any of the classes ?
Attendance at all classes and teaching practice sessions is required in order to be awarded your TESOL/TEFL certificate. In case of illness, you will need to make up any sessions you have missed. This is usually arranged between the trainee and the trainer or course director.
Who are the trainers?
Your lead teacher-trainer will be supported by a team of 1 to 2 other trainers. They will be responsible for leading lectures, input sessions, and observing and supporting you throughout the program. INTESOL PERU’S trainers are all qualified TESOL/TEFL teachers with years of experience, and all have experience in teaching English in at least 2 different countries. See our Executive Team here.
Who are the practice students?
At INTESOL PERU, the English students you will be teaching are REAL non-native speakers, and you will be teaching REAL classes, NOT just ‘volunteer classes’ like other TESOL/TEFL programs. You will get to choose from a large mix of various levels and ages, and you will be encouraged to teach at various levels and/or various ages in order to develop your teaching skills. In all cases, your classes will be strictly limited to no more than 12 students.
How will I be assessed?
Trainees receive two grades – one for the theoretical side of the course and the other for the practical teaching component. Your final grade is an average of the two grades.
A1 - Distinction
A2 - Excellent
B1 - Very good
B2 - Good
C - Pass
What pass rate do you have?
Even though it is an intensive and challenging course, the majority of trainees (around 95%) pass the course. Of these, 75% are awarded a B1 or B2 grade, 5% an A1 or A2 grade, and 15% a C grade.
How much will I earn if I stay and work in Peru after the course?
The average salary for a certified English teacher in Peru is between €250.00 and €500.00 per month if you work for a private language school. Depending on your life style, this salary will permit you to live very comfortably and have all the fun Peru has to offer. However, in the national school system, salaries are lower and average only €175.00 per month. In the capital – Lima – salaries are correspondingly higher.
Will I get a job?
Yes. All trainees find work within 0 to 30 days following the TESOL/TEFL program. Graduates who devote time to their résumé/CV and to really looking for work will undoubtedly find good teaching positions. There are literally hundreds of language schools in most major cities around the world, as well as schools located in smaller towns and villages that are constantly looking for certified English teachers. As well, INTESOL PERU makes 2 to 4 employment offers every month to its TESOL/TEFL trainees to join INTESOL PERU as an English teacher.
INTESOL PERU also provides all of its TESOL/TEFL graduates with lifetime job-finding assistance, so when you are ready to move onto another teaching position simply contact us for assistance.
How do I apply?
Complete the online application form.
When will I receive my TESOL/TEFL certificate?
On the last day of the course (or last day of your student teaching module if you are doing the hybrid course) – providing you have passed both the theoretical and practical components of the course – you will receive the INTESOL Certificate in the Methodology and Practice of English Language Teaching; and you will receive a reference letter directly from INTESOL PERU’S Executive Director. The College of Teachers (CoT) Certificate of Educational Studies (COES) will be mailed to you a few weeks after the end of the course.
What do you mean the TESOL/TEFL course is ‘accredited’?
Why INTESOL PERU and not one of the other TESOL/TEFL courses?
What’s the difference between the onsite and the hybrid TESOL/TEFL course?
TESOL? TEFL? TESL? TEAL? ELT? TESL? What’s the difference?
Can I get a job without a TESOL/TEFL certificate?
Does INTESOL PERU provide trainees with an internationally recognized qualification?
If I decide to bring my family, can you help with accommodation?
Do you have a maximum number of trainees per course?
When do I need to arrive for my course?
Is accommodation included in the course fee?
DO I NEED TO…?
have a university degree?
know the language of the country I plan to teach in?
be a native English speaker to take the course?
have previous teaching experience?
have knowledge of English grammar?
have a visa or work permit?
DURING THE COURSE …
What is the cost of living in Cusco, Peru?
How much work is involved with the course?
What is the age range of the trainees on the course?
Is attendance required? Can I miss any of the classes?
Who are the trainers?
Who are the practice students?
How will I be assessed?
What pass rate do you have?
AFTER THE COURSE…
How much will I earn if I stay and work in Cusco, Peru after the course?
Will I get a job?
How do I apply?
When will I receive my TESOL/TEFL certificate?
BEFORE THE COURSE
What do you mean when you say your course is accredited?
For TESOL and TEFL courses to have international recognition they need to be validated and accredited by an official external body. The British Council is the organization that sets and safeguards the minimum standards that TESOL and TEFL courses must meet to be acceptable qualifications to teach English as a foreign or second language. The British Council recognizes UK universities, UCLES, Trinity College, and The College of Teachers as valid accrediting bodies. Your success in finding a job can be seriously hindered if your teaching qualifications are not accredited, especially if you aspire to teach in reputable schools where the minimum requirement is usually an accredited TESOL/TEFL certificate.
Why INTESOL PERU and not one of the other TESOL/TEFL courses?
If you want to teach English internationally, INTESOL PERU is the best program you can choose. First and foremost, INTESOL offers an accredited TESOL/TEFL certification. The certificate is recognized by The British Council as a valid teaching qualification. As well, INTESOL PERU’S teacher trainers and executive team hold high-level qualifications in TESOL/TEFL training and have years of experience. Another very important part of INTESOL PERU’S course is that at the end of the course you will have 25+ hours of practical teaching and observation experience – this is 3 to 4 times more than any other TESOL/TEFL program.
What’s the difference between the onsite and the hybrid TESOL/TEFL course?
Both courses lead to the exact same qualifications. Which course is right for you depends on your own personal circumstances. The 4-week/150-hour onsite course is very intensive and many people argue that there is simply no substitute for face-to-face learning. Others, however, prefer the flexibility offered by the hybrid program, where they can learn the theoretical side at their own pace, while still benefiting from actual teaching experience during the 2-week onsite student teaching module.
TESOL? TEFL? TESL? TEAL? ELT? TESL? What’s the difference?
These are various acronyms used throughout the industry. In short, they are all essentially the same thing. The various acronyms are used to describe the teaching of the English language to those that do not speak the language. The primary difference is the country where the teaching takes place. TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Second or Other Languages) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are standard terms for English language teaching in non-English speaking countries. TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) and TEAL (Teaching English as an Additional Language) are normally related to English teaching among immigrant and refugee communities in English-speaking countries. Therefore a certificate in TEFL and a certificate in TESOL are exactly the same thing and employers all over the world will accept either as a suitable qualification for a teaching position.
Can I get a job without a TESOL/TEFL certificate?
Yes. It is possible, in some countries, to find teaching jobs without a TESOL/TEFL certificate, but those schools willing to hire people without teaching credentials are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
A TESOL/TEFL certificate demonstrates that you have committed yourself to teaching, and that you have the fundamental tools required to deliver effective, professional lessons.
Does INTESOL PERU provide an internationally recognized qualification?
Yes. INTESOL PERU offers an accredited TESOL/TEFL certification. The certificate is recognized by The British Council as a valid teaching qualification, and INTESOL PERU is accredited and recognized by the College of Teachers. At the end of the course, each trainee receives a Certificate of Educational Studies in TESOL from the College of Teachers (with the option of becoming a Member of the College of Teachers). As well, each candidate also earns the INTESOL certificate in the Methodology and Practice of English Language Teaching.
If I decide to bring my family, can you help with accommodation?
Yes. We are happy to host both you and your family. With a full range of accommodations available, we can make all the arrangements, so that you and your family are comfortable during your training period.
Do you have a maximum number of trainees per course?
Yes. We don’t allow groups larger than 12 people. Occasionally, due to high demand, there may be two groups at the institute – these are run in parallel as two distinct courses. So, you will never find yourself in a group which is too large for you to get all the attention you need. Please note that courses can fill up quickly especially in the summer months; so, we highly recommend you pay your deposit as soon as you are accepted on the course in order to secure a place in the class.
When do I need to arrive for my course?
We recommend you arrive in Cusco at least two days prior to the start of the course. You need to adjust to Cusco’s high altitude and settle into your new home. This will ensure you are well rested and prepared to begin an intensive 4 weeks of study and teaching.
Is accommodation included in the course fee?
No. Housing is paid separately from the course tuition. Most of the time, you will pay all housing fees directly to INTESOL PERU and we will manage any all housing matters for you.
DO I NEED TO…?
have a university degree?
A university degree is NOT required, but it is strongly recommended if you plan to teach English internationally. The TESOL/TEFL course will thoroughly prepare you for teaching English, but due to the competitive nature of the business, a Bachelor’s degree is looked upon very favourably by prospective employers; and a Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite in some countries to teach English and to gain a work visa.
know the language of the country planning to teach in?
No. The INTESOL program trains teachers in the universally accepted Communicative Approach. With this approach, the target language (English) is spoken at all times in the classroom, and at all levels. By the end of the TESOL/TEFL course you will be able to teach English in a wide range of environments with or without any knowledge of the native language(s) of your students.
be a native English speaker to take the course?
No. However, those applicants for whom English is a second language must demonstrate competence in all skills (Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening) in order to attend the course. Competence can be demonstrated via exam scores (i.e. TOEFL, IELTS) or via successful completion of a university degree in an English-speaking country. If these are not available, then you will be interviewed by one of INTESOL PERU’S executive team members to determine your suitability for the course.
have previous teaching experience?
No. INTESOL PERU provides each trainee with more than 25 hours of real teaching experience in front of real students – this is 3 to 4 times that of other TESOL/TEFL programs. By the end of the course, you will be well prepared for teaching English internationally.
have knowledge of English grammar?
The TESOL/TEFL course thoroughly acknowledges that most native English speakers do not remember the rules of grammar. Indeed, the course includes 3 to 4 full days of grammar review.
have a visa or work permit?
INTESOL PERU encourages those that plan to teach English internationally to check with the embassy or consulate of the country they wish to work in. The www.embassyworld.com website is a good place to start.
DURING THE COURSE…
What is the cost of living in Cusco, Peru?
Your cost of living in Cusco will decrease after the course. If you stay on in Cusco or elsewhere in Peru after the course, you will be able to sign a long term housing contract and this alone will significantly reduce your costs.
Some typical prices in Cusco (€):
Shared flat (including electricity and water): €85.00 to €200.00
Private flat (including electricity and water): €150.00 to €250.00
Lunch in a restaurant: €0.75 to €10.00
Bottle of Beer at a bar: €0.75 to €2.25
How much work is involved with the course?
The 4-week/150-hour onsite course is very intensive and requires a strong commitment by the trainee. You can expect to be in class for 5 hours per day with 1-3 hours of homework most evenings. INTESOL PERU recommends that trainees do not have other personal or professional commitments outside the course during the four weeks of training. The hybrid course, due to its flexibility, usually feels less intensive as you study the first half of the course at your own pace.
What is the age range of the trainees on the course?
The age of trainees varies from course to course. Most of our trainees tend to be in their twenties and early thirties although more often than not we get a good mix of different age brackets and backgrounds including early-retirees, and senior citizens.
Is attendance required? Can I miss any of the classes ?
Attendance at all classes and teaching practice sessions is required in order to be awarded your TESOL/TEFL certificate. In case of illness, you will need to make up any sessions you have missed. This is usually arranged between the trainee and the trainer or course director.
Who are the trainers?
Your lead teacher-trainer will be supported by a team of 1 to 2 other trainers. They will be responsible for leading lectures, input sessions, and observing and supporting you throughout the program. INTESOL PERU’S trainers are all qualified TESOL/TEFL teachers with years of experience, and all have experience in teaching English in at least 2 different countries. See our Executive Team here.
Who are the practice students?
At INTESOL PERU, the English students you will be teaching are REAL non-native speakers, and you will be teaching REAL classes, NOT just ‘volunteer classes’ like other TESOL/TEFL programs. You will get to choose from a large mix of various levels and ages, and you will be encouraged to teach at various levels and/or various ages in order to develop your teaching skills. In all cases, your classes will be strictly limited to no more than 12 students.
How will I be assessed?
Trainees receive two grades – one for the theoretical side of the course and the other for the practical teaching component. Your final grade is an average of the two grades.
A1 - Distinction
A2 - Excellent
B1 - Very good
B2 - Good
C - Pass
What pass rate do you have?
Even though it is an intensive and challenging course, the majority of trainees (around 95%) pass the course. Of these, 75% are awarded a B1 or B2 grade, 5% an A1 or A2 grade, and 15% a C grade.
AFTER THE COURSE…
How much will I earn if I stay and work in Peru after the course?
The average salary for a certified English teacher in Peru is between €250.00 and €500.00 per month if you work for a private language school. Depending on your life style, this salary will permit you to live very comfortably and have all the fun Peru has to offer. However, in the national school system, salaries are lower and average only €175.00 per month. In the capital – Lima – salaries are correspondingly higher.
Will I get a job?
Yes. All trainees find work within 0 to 30 days following the TESOL/TEFL program. Graduates who devote time to their résumé/CV and to really looking for work will undoubtedly find good teaching positions. There are literally hundreds of language schools in most major cities around the world, as well as schools located in smaller towns and villages that are constantly looking for certified English teachers. As well, INTESOL PERU makes 2 to 4 employment offers every month to its TESOL/TEFL trainees to join INTESOL PERU as an English teacher.
INTESOL PERU also provides all of its TESOL/TEFL graduates with lifetime job-finding assistance, so when you are ready to move onto another teaching position simply contact us for assistance.
How do I apply?
Complete the online application form.
When will I receive my TESOL/TEFL certificate?
On the last day of the course (or last day of your student teaching module if you are doing the hybrid course) – providing you have passed both the theoretical and practical components of the course – you will receive the INTESOL Certificate in the Methodology and Practice of English Language Teaching; and you will receive a reference letter directly from INTESOL PERU’S Executive Director. The College of Teachers (CoT) Certificate of Educational Studies (COES) will be mailed to you a few weeks after the end of the course.
