English has now become a global language, and it doesn’t belong anymore just to English speaking countries.
I am from India, and with this thought in mind, I decided to take a TEFL qualification and teach English as a Foreign Language in India.

In this article, I am giving some advice to the ones of you who are attracted to our culture and will be looking for a teaching job in India in order to stay here for a while.

Britishers ruled India for quiet 250 years, leaving a tremendous influence of English in India.
Since then, elite and urban societies used English as a language to speak with people.
Earlier, English was treated as a foreign language or the second language, but now it is considered the most important language because it is one of the official languages in India.

In India there are many opportunities for TEFL Teachers from a foreign land, to teach English in schools, colleges and universities.

Today in India, 90% of educational centers and schools have mandate English as compulsory, that’s the reason why there’s a tremendous demand for teachers to teach English in India and other developing countries. 

What You Need To Know to teach English in India

In India, English teaching has always been a prominent part of the curriculum.
As a result of numerous English teachers with a strong command over the language are teaching in Indian schools.

After getting my TEFL qualification from Gallery Teachers, I was able to find an English teaching job in a Private School. 

Basic Requirements To Teach English In India

A TEFL certificate is mandatory and considered globally accepted qualification for all ESL teachers.
I believe that a TEFL certificate opens comprehensive options for them to teach English abroad or in India. 

In India having only a degree is not enough to entitle you to be ready for employment.
Although there are many possibilities to teach English in India, there is a limited number of International schools, colleges and universities that can afford foreign teachers to teach English to their students. 

In my experience a TEFL (or TESOL) certification is something that can get you noticed by employers.
Also, if you show some prior teaching experience, then your chances of getting recruited become much higher. 

Get a Visa for TEFL Jobs in India

Visiting India on tourist Visa doesn’t entitle you to stay here for more than six months. 
A tourist visa will not allow you to take up jobs.
However, you can still look up for voluntary work at Non- Profit Organizations (NGOs), schools and universities for a month. 

For example, in the past, I voluntary taught underprivileged children.

I recommend all the potential teachers to look for an Indian Employment Visa when on the lookout for more employment opportunities in India.

Best Places to find Teaching Jobs in India

Nowadays, private schools are gaining popularity as they understand the demand for skilled and licensed teachers who can teach English. 

Metropolitan cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata demand for excellent English teachers who can offer fluent English speaking and writing skills to the students, so you must primarily focus on what these schools require for getting a definite yes. 

Popular schools I recommend in India:

I worked in an NGO, which brought me a full-time job opportunity at an international school in Mumbai as they were impressed by my teaching methods (pedagogy).

Photo: Pixabay

Find English Teaching Jobs in India

Don’t worry if (unlike me) you don’t have any experience of visiting or working in India, or you don’t have any prior contacts with employers.

To find out about job opportunities that might suit you, visit some of the most popular, and useful, job board websites, like:

Effective Alternatives to find Teaching Jobs in India

  • Look or visit the individual school website and the careers section to upload your CV.
  • Find ESL tutoring opportunities in big organizations that require TEFL coaches to train students for GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
  • Gain English teacher training for primary secondary, language institute, corporate houses and higher secondary schools.

Salaries and Accommodation Costs in India

TEFL teachers are paid $6,000 to $12,000 (sometimes $15,000) yearly.
The good news is that the pay scale offered is sufficient to provide you with a conventional lifestyle.

Surprisingly, India will offer you excellent, cheap and affordable accommodation options in comparison to New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.
The CNN report of 2018 stated that India’s top expensive cities don’t even make it in the top 100 in the World.

Booking.com

Indian Students and Classrooms

The communication between Indian students and Teachers is different compared to what you might expect.
For some foreigners, it will take some time to understand our learning methods. 

In my opinion, India is a mix of cultural diversity.
When I say this, it means that the students’ behavior and attitude varies depending on which part of the country they belong to.

In the past few years, I have noticed that there are different variations in local English accent.
In metropolitan cities, students are more proficient and have a good grasp of grammar, writing and dictation, but students from small towns need more help.  

My teaching methods in the Indian classrooms primarily focus on introducing flashcards and friendly gestures.

Why Choose India to Teach English?

Having worked in India and abroad, I still prefer India as my first choice, because it welcomes teachers and visitors from the US and Western cultures. 

As I mentioned earlier, India offers an affordable lifestyle in comparison to the other Asian countries.

Especially if you are passionate about India and you really want to teach English, working with Indian students, then India will be more than happy to serve you. 

In India, paid opportunities can be acquired by first taking up volunteering work at NGOs, schools and universities for quick and efficient recognition.

Patience pays!
Trust me; soon, you will be recognized for your hard work and quickly build a profile for your dream job. 

If you are a school or organization currently recruiting in India, please contact us at [email protected] to get a discount code on our job posting services.

Choosing the right TEFL course provider can be a tough one.
Take a look at Gallery Teachers TEFL Courses and find the most suitable course for yourself. Never stop learning!
Do you already have your TEFL qualification? Check our available jobs here!