Life has a remarkable way of presenting us with unexpected opportunities and pushing us beyond our comfort zones. As a 50-year-old woman with no previous travel experience, I embarked on a life-altering journey to become an English teacher in the enchanting city of Cusco, Peru. I sought to unleash my inner adventurer, rediscover myself, and contribute to the local community. This is the story of my time as a TEFL certified English teacher at Maximo Nivel and the incredible lessons I learned along the way.
Embracing the Unknown
Stepping off the plane in Cusco, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The foreign sights, sounds, and smells overwhelmed my senses, but deep down, I knew this was the beginning of a life-changing chapter. Maximo Nivel became my sanctuary and the starting point of my journey. The warm welcome from the staff and fellow teachers instantly dissolved any lingering doubts I had. Making such a huge change to my life scared the daylights out of me, but it was too late to turn back, I was in Cusco and at the mercy of these welcoming strangers to help me adapt to my new life.
Finding My Purpose
The English language has always been a passion of mine, I had always loved reading classic adventure tales such as ‘Robinson Crusoe’, ‘Around the world in 80 days’, and “On the road” teaching seemed like the perfect way to share my knowledge while immersing myself in a new culture and going on an adventure like all the protagonists in my favorite novels. Maximo Nivel provided comprehensive training, allowing me to gain confidence in my abilities as an English teacher. The gratification I felt when my students’ faces lit up with understanding was immeasurable. Witnessing their progress fueled my passion further and affirmed that I had found my purpose.
Cultural Immersion and Personal Growth
Living in Cusco meant being surrounded by a rich tapestry of history, traditions, and vibrant locals. Exploring the cobblestone streets, I discovered marvelous archaeological sites, such as Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuaman. The Peruvian people welcomed me with open arms, always eager to share their stories and customs. As I immersed myself in their way of life, my perspective expanded, and I began to see the world through a different lens. I had not expected to experience such a change in myself and the amount of confidence I gained after just a few weeks, from being overwhelmed by all the new things around me to moving through alleys and down stairways like a local.
A Community of Like-Minded Souls
Maximo Nivel became more than just a workplace; it evolved into a tight-knit community of fellow teachers and travelers from around the globe. We would gather at local cafes, sharing our triumphs, struggles, and tales of cultural immersion. The friendships forged during this journey provided support and understanding, creating bonds that will last a lifetime. Together, we navigated the challenges of teaching, living in a foreign country, and finding ourselves in the process. Without these people around me I would never have been able to settle so quickly in a new place. After living in the same city for twenty-one years I felt it was time for a change and to finally pursue my dream of a great adventure.
Self-Discovery and Empowerment
Much like Gilbert’s spiritual journey in “Eat Pray Love,” my time in Cusco allowed me to rediscover who I truly was. In the face of unfamiliar situations and cultural differences, I learned to embrace vulnerability and trust my intuition. Each step I took, from conquering language barriers, by taking Spanish classes offered at the institute I worked at, to exploring hidden gems. This adventure was a testament to my own resilience and capacity for growth. I felt empowered in ways I never imagined possible.
A Journey that Transformed my Life
Becoming a TEFL Certified English teacher at Maximo Nivel in Cusco, Peru, opened doors to experiences I had only dreamed of. It provided the perfect combination of self-reflection, cultural immersion, and professional fulfillment. My journey was one of self-discovery, personal growth, and the forging of lifelong connections. Through the lens of teaching, I discovered that true fulfillment lies in embracing the unknown, allowing ourselves to be transformed, and finding our place in the world. As I bid farewell to Cusco and Maximo Nivel, I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose, an adventurous spirit, and a profound gratitude for the transformative power of travel. My adventure has etched itself into the fabric of my life as a testament of my strength, and resilience. Now I am a confident traveler, and I am ready to take on the next adventure. It is never too late to start your adventure, I only mourn for the time I lost, telling myself that I was too old or that the time for these things has passed. Moving to Cusco for these 12 months was what I needed to realize, that my life had only just begun.