Extreme Superior English in Arequipa, Peru

[livedream]

Generally, the students in Arequipa are great. By the same token, you do get a mixture of rich and lazy students who expect to be handed a passing grade, regardless of their participation and English improvement.

I worked at Extreme English (another teacher told me recently that the owner may be changing the name of the school to Via Lingua or American Linguistics). At first, I was excited and the institute appeared organized. But as the months progressed, it became obvious that the owner was disconnected with the school, teachers, staff, and students. And he makes it apparent that he doesn’t want anything to do with his workers by his attitude when you see him. He never gives you a greeting, will say socially awkward comments (often sexist or racist or nationalistic), and doesn’t crack a smile. At the beginning of every month, you will have to change class rooms several times and student enrollment will often be filled beyond the actual class room size, hence making your teaching and the student’s ability to learn more cumbersome. This is a result of the disorganization of the administrative management and the staff. Making money is the owner’s concern; not the student’s education or teacher’s support. Thus, if you are an advocate for education, another institution with better support from management would be better for you.

You are also limited on photo copies per month with 150. So when you have three classes with 12-15 students, you can only make 3-4 copies for each student per month. I’m not a huge fan for giving worksheets, but this limit will restrict your ability to produce the best students possible. There were a couple of months where halfway through the month we weren’t allowed to make any more copies because the school went over the number of copies in the rental contract (the school rents the photocopier and has a contract that gives a limit to how many copies can be made). And the Outlook series material Extreme uses with the curriculums is poorly written. Also, whenever you request to use the one TV and DVD player, you have to get permission from the owner because he wants to confirm it’s in your lesson plan and coincides with the Unit (another tactic in reduction of your power and respect as a teacher at Extreme). The school often feels like the military, which isn’t surprising considering the owner is an ex-air force serviceman and makes it abundantly clear.

The pay is sufficient and much better than most institutions in Arequipa. You will get paid on payday, even though you may have to wait an hour because of the poor pay process. I’m not sure why after a few years they haven’t figured out an efficient procedure to pay the employees. Likewise, you should be careful of the sketchy contract that is offered. Several of the clauses are unfair and may force you to shift your plans after working there.

Provided that you want a boss who is only concerned with profits, gives you little or no support as a teacher, rarely involved and socially awkward, Extreme is an appropriate place to teach for six months. Wanting some teaching freedom and being appreciated for the work you put into lesson plans and the classroom may be found elsewhere.

[TeachingAbroad]

I'm not sure where this person was working. I have been teaching at Extreme English for nearly 3 years. Granted, I am a mature adult with many years of professional work experience in the USA. However, after taking an early retirement, I came to Arequipa to try my hand at teaching (TEFL). I enjoy working at Extreme very much. I have never had problems with the owner. I find him to be very well informed. Sometimes, the front office seems to need better organization, but Extreme is still much better than what I have seen in other schools. As far as racists comments, I really don't understand that comment. The owner has adopted African-American children and I've never heard any racists or sexist comments from him.

My experience is that young American college graduates come to Peru, having been spoiled by their parents, and expect the third-world to be like the USA. I have been disappointed by many of the immature teachers who have come down to drink, go to parties, not dedicating their time to lesson planning. I highly recommend Extreme and having nothing bad to say about the owner or the present manager.

[LAenglish]

First of all, I would guess that anyone writing "racists comments" twice publicly is probably not a native English speaker. I wouldn't be surprised if the owner forces his secretaries to reply to negative comments posted online, it's definitely not above him based on what I saw as an employee. Michelle, Liz, is that you? I sure hope not. If that was a genuine post from a teacher I am very, very surprised.

I worked at Extreme English several years ago and admit I had some wonderful students who are still dear friends today. However, a boss who frequently makes inappropriate comments to female staff & students compounded by a lack of teacher support (yet CONSTANT heavy criticism, despite never sitting in on a class) were enough to drive me out of the place.

Leaving had nothing to do with my immaturity, background, or love for the field of education... actually, I've remained in the field of education and used Extreme as my example for "this is the type of job I DON'T want" during other job searches in Latin America and the U.S.

Whoever made the first post told a very accurate account of what the daily life of a teacher at Extreme is like. You get paid on time, your students are ok, the city is ok... but the administration could be better. And yes, the blonder and more blue eyed, the more likely you'll be hired. No, you probably won't jive with the director, but that doesn't mean you can't learn anything. And yes, watch out for that contract. There's some sort of clause that says you have to pay the owner $5000 if you leave before your contract is up or find another English teaching job in Peru? Just ignore it.

Good luck with your job hunt, be wary of false online posts!