About Us

Our March 2016 Course

WHO IS TEFL ZORRITOS?

TEFL Zorritos is the only TEFL institute in Peru where trainees can study on the coast and outside of a major city, in the idyllic coastal town of Zorritos. It offers a truly unique opportunity for TEFL trainees to study an internationally accepted TEFL course, whilst enjoying a rich cultural experience in Peru.

 

OUR MISSION

Although TEFL Zorritos delivers its courses under the umbrella of Paradise TEFL, it is not simply another location in a huge worldwide chain. Like all Paradise TEFL institutes it takes a unique hands-on approach to the teaching and delivery of its course.

Our mission is to deliver not only a TEFL Certificate course of the highest quality, but to also allow trainees to experience Peruvian life and live like a local for a month. We keep our class sizes to a maximum of 12 trainees and offer guidance and assistance every step of the way; TEFL  Zorritos aims to create a unique experience which is not offered through the large TEFL training providers.   

Paradise TEFL is an institutional member of IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language). This membership can be confirmed by checking their website, Paradise TEFL is listed under the United States.

Our October 2014 Course 

 

HOW IT ALL BEGAN…

The Founder of TEFL Zorritos, Ellie Ryan, has called Peru home for many years and opened a TEFL training institute in unspoiled Zorritos because of its warm climate, gorgeous beaches and the rich culture which is still untouched by the tourism boom. 

As she started her teaching career many years ago when she studied TEFL in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she understands what a challenging journey it can be and wanted to open a TEFL institute which focuses on every aspect of the trainee’s experience.    

 

OUR TEAM

ELLIE RYAN – FOUNDER & HEAD TEFL TRAINER

Ellie Ryan is a highly experienced TEFL teacher and trainer; originally from Australia she has spent many years in South America studying, traveling and teaching and Peru is her second home.

Ellie’s TEFL experience is wide-ranging, from teaching Business English in Buenos Aires to delivering government funded programs for immigrants in Melbourne, Australia. The majority of her time has been dedicated to TEFL teaching and training in Peru; working with diverse student groups from preschoolers and teenagers to business professionals, tailoring personalized courses for petrol engineers to running language institutes in Arequipa and Zorritos. 

Ellie is the Founder and Head TEFL trainer of TEFL Zorritos, and since 2013 she has dedicated herself to creating TEFL training institutes that deliver highly personalized courses, preparing trainees professionally and personally for their future lives as teachers. TEFL training and teaching are her passions and they have allowed her to live and work both in South America and Australia.

Ellie currently manages the program remotely from Australia; she is responsible for enrollments and marketing and her amazing team on the ground deliver the courses in Zorritos.

 

ADAN GARCIA – TEFL TRAINER

Adan Garcia – Our Magnificent TEFL Trainer

Adan Garcia is a TEFL Zorritos graduate with wide-ranging experience both as an EFL Teacher, Trainer and Coordinator. He possesses an extensive knowledge of Peru where he has lived for many years, along with a thorough understanding of the common teaching conditions in provincial Peru. Adan’s experience has aided him greatly in his current role with TEFL Zorritos as our TEFL Trainer and Program Manager and he is responsible for the successful delivery of our courses. Adan has called Peru home for many years and plans to settle here long term.

“Adan was great to work with and learn from, I am confident in his knowledge and appreciated his feedback and assistance.” Bronte Wright, Australia, April 2018

 

“My TEFL trainer (Adan) was extremely knowledgeable in every aspect of the course. He delivered the course professionally, with clarity, and ensured the lessons were fun and informative.” Mitch King, Australia, April 2018

“The course was challenging but I was told this at the time of booking.  The Team (Adan & Yolande) is just amazing and supportive throughout.” Lynette Watson, Australia, April 2018

 

YOLANDE NAUDE – ON-SITE COORDINATOR

Yolande Naude – Our Wonderful On-Site Coordinator

Yolande is originally from South Africa however her studies and teaching experience have taken her all over the world, from Malta to Turkey, Thailand and of course to Peru. Yolande plays a pivotal role in the program as an observer of our trainees’ teaching practice classes and she is also responsible for the successful running of our job placement program in Peru. Yolande’s positive energy and attitude makes her an ideal On-Site Coordinator and the support she provides to our trainees during our challenging course is priceless. She loves living in Peru, travelling and working on her Spanish. 

“Yolande went completely above and beyond to ensure we had all the information we needed and put so much effort into finding us all job placement opportunities. The advice and feedback I received from her was extremely helpful and I appreciate all the effort she put into helping us over the past 4 weeks.” Mitch King, Australia, April 2018

“Yolande has been amazing in this entire experience, from restaurant recommendations to job and emotional support. She is worth her weight in gold!!” Bronte Wright, Australia, April 2018

 

WHAT OUR GRADUATES SAY ABOUT TEFL ZORRITOS

Read Sonya’s blog about her experience getting TEFL Certified with TEFL Zorritos

“Adan and Yolande go above and beyond to ensure you will be provided with all the knowledge and experience you need, and the 10 hours observed teaching classes are invaluable in gaining vital teaching experience. The course is held in the beautiful, quiet little beach town of Zorritos with the perfect mix of things to do without having too many distractions. I highly recommend for anyone considering making the move to become a EFL teacher to check these guys out! You won’t regret it.” Mitch King, Australia, April 2018

“Thanks to TEFL Zorritos, I have a job in Huaraz next week. I cannot imagine walking into a classroom without having the 10 hours of practice teaching that TEFL Zorritos equipped me with. There is no better way to train than in the country that you are trying to get a job in.” Molly Phillips, USA, April 2018

“I had an amazing time and will recommend to all friends. Ellie was a wonderful and passionate teacher. She showed professionalism and experience throughout the course” Jeremy Petru, USA, October 2014

“If you want to teach TEFL in South America (especially in Peru), take this course.  Ellie’s the best.  Zorritos and Sunset Club are the perfect locations for an intensive, one-month program.  The teaching practice is invaluable.  Do it.  Seriously, do it!” Adam Stengel, USA, September 2014

“This was such a great course. I can’t recommend it highly enough! The practice teaching classes were invaluable. I can’t imagine entering a TEFL classroom for the first time without having had this experience. The fact that we taught real, local students with a variety of ability levels was unbelievably helpful. If a TEFL course doesn’t offer teaching experience with real, non-English-speaking students, don’t take it! “Greg Zoller, USA, September 2014

“It was all perfect.  All the classes helped me to find my voice.  I got better with every class.  I learned that I am and forever could be an English teacher.  Thank you for this key to the doorway of the world.” Marty Bertoni, USA, September 2014

“Practice teaching is what makes a TEFL course relevant. You can sit in a classroom and learn teaching methodologies but until you are given an opportunity to implement them, it means nothing. I learned how to be confident in front of students, how to engage students of all abilities and how to deliver content accurately and insightfully. Incredible program overall and the cultural experience is worth every minute.” Rockwell Louke, USA, May 2014

“TEFL Zorritos was phenomenal, I could not have asked for more. Ellie, my instructor, absolutely went above and beyond the call of duty in every way and provided an incredibly satisfying and comprehensive course. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any and all who are interested.” Peter McGann, USA, May 2014

“The course location was great.  Having the Internet everyday was a huge advantage.  I liked being able to take some time after lunch to jump in the ocean and relax in the sun.” Nate Younker, USA, January 2014

“The practical teaching classes were excellent.  Theory in class was very good, but to put it into practice in a challenging environment was imperative.  The trainer was fantastic.  She obviously had an incredible amount of knowledge and experience and I especially enjoyed her teaching us.” George Docherty, UK, January 2014

Read more testimonials from our graduates here