The Incas built astonishing mountain temples, palaces and other buildings, all with no mortar; they constructed almost 10,000 miles of roads; engineered functional bridges, and built aqueducts to transport their water. At the zenith of the Inca's influence in 1532, the Spanish conquistadors arrived in their quest for gold and other riches; they executed the proud but over-matched indigenous Indians and their leaders like ants, captured their cities - and in a brief period of time this innovative and powerful culture was scattered to the wind and all but destroyed.
For almost three hundred years Peru functioned as a Spanish colony, but in the early 19th century native discontent and colonist revolts brought calls of independence, localized uprisings, and then, civil war in 1821, with the Spanish finally defeated in 1824. Over the next century, or so, Peru suffered through many wars, some with neighbors; brutal dictatorial rule, military coups and the subsequent political upheaval that comes with the territory. In 1980, Peru finally returned to democratic leadership, but even today, the new presidential administration is hampered by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Regardless, the future is surely bright in this one-time "Land of the Incas," as Peru has an abundant supply of natural resources, enormous agricultural potential and some of the most stunning tourism venues on the planet.
The School
Our TEFL school in Peru is located in the heart of Cusco - giving participants easy-assess to the Plaza de Armas as well as a number of archeological ruins bordering the city. The modern office is equipped with facilities such as high-speed internet and WI-FI access, snack bar, cable TV, as well as spacious classrooms and a small library.
This extensive 4-week/150-hour program includes 100 hours of classroom instruction, 25 hours of practical teaching and observation and an additional 25 hours of required self-study and research outside of the classroom. Both extensive and fun, the TEFL program provides you with comprehensive training in a professional and supportive environment.
As part of your TEFL course tuition, FREE Internet 7 days a week, as well as incoming phone service and outbound calls which can be easily made using a calling card. In addition, despite the altitude being 2 miles high in the Andes Mountains, Cusco is the tourist capital of South America - offering various, modern telecommunications [and banking] services.
Housing
Housing options and pricing are dependent upon availability and season at the time of your course. Your onsite coordinator will be able to provide more details and recommendations.
Housing
Description
Cost
The Family House Bed & Breakfast
The Family House Bed and Breakfast offers accommodations in Cusco similar to a traditional family-stay, but with more independence and privacy. Both private and shared rooms are available as are private and shared bathrooms. Your stay includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Sunday. Guests are given a key to their room and to the house and are free to come and go as they please. The house is cared for by 3 Peruvian women, including a professional cook. Laundry services are available for a small extra fee. The Family House is a 20-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from Cusco's Plaza de Armas and the school.
Approximately $500/mo (shared room)
Family Stay
Family-stays are all with pre-approved families and include breakfast and dinner Monday through Saturday. All of our host families are middle-class and live in attractive homes and areas. All family-stays include a private room and most include private baths. Many of the families have been hosting international travelers for years. Guests are given a key to the house and are free to come and go as they please, but they must respect the routine of the family. Most family-stays are within walking distance (10-25 minutes) or within a 5-minute taxi ride from the Plaza de Armas and the school.
Approximately $525/mo
Hostel
There are also many inexpensive hostels throughout Cusco and you may elect this option if you want to save money while still remaining 100% independent. We work with three different hostels - all of them clean and safe with excellent service and amenities including TV rooms, 24-hour kitchens, and more. All hostel accommodations include private rooms with private bath. All hostels are a 5 to 15 minute walk from the Plaza de Armas and the course.
Approximately $980/mo
Private Apartment
Our private apartments are all modern, very comfortable, and fully furnished. Apartments come with equipped kitchens including plates and utensils. Most apartments are a 10 to 20 minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride from the Plaza de Armas and the institute.
Approximately $275/mo
Shared Apartment
Like our private apartments, our shared apartments are all modern, comfortable, and fully furnished. Shared apartments all have 2 private bedrooms, though the bath is usually shared. The apartments are fully furnished with equipped kitchens including plates and utensils. Most apartments are a 10 to 20 minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride from the Plaza de Armas and the institute.
Approximately $450/mo
Hotel
Cusco has a great deal to offer in terms of hotels, ranging from 1-star to 5-star accommodations. We work with two 3-star rated hotels, both of which are modern and comfortable with all the necessary amenities plus breakfast included. All hotel rooms are private with a private bath. If you desire more luxurious accommodations, please request the hotel option when you register.
Transportation
Cusco can be reached by rail, air and road. The air route however, is the most convenient. Cusco is not served by any direct international flights and consequently, you have to catch a connecting flight from Peru's only international airport, the Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport. The city's two main train stations connect Cusco with Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu and Puno. You can also travel by bus from Cusco to Arequipa, Lima, Puno, and Puerto Maldonado, which is in the Amazon basin.
Cusco is a walking city and many of the city's major attractions are located within walking distance of the Plaza de Armas in the city center.
Climate
The key to packing for a trip to Peru is to pack for a variety of conditions. The best way to deal with the extremes Peru has to offer - the intense sun during the day, the cold mountain nights, and the heat and humidity of the Amazon Basin - is to dress using several layers.
Tuition Includes
Tuition Includes:
Tuition DOES NOT Include:
Course fee
Job placement assistance
Pre-enrollment and departure advice
Course materials
Accommodation and meals
Personal expenses
Travel to and from the course
Visa, if needed
Airport pickup
Medical insurance (TEFL Institute can recommend medical insurance)
Our TEFL school in Peru is located in the heart of Cusco - giving participants easy-assess to the Plaza de Armas as well as a number of archeological ruins bordering the city. The modern office is equipped with facilities such as high-speed internet and WI-FI access, snack bar, cable TV, as well as spacious classrooms and a small library.
