Teach English in
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Teach English in India

The second-most populous country in the world, English is one of India’s official languages and as such is widely spoken around the country. While many people in India are studying English, the demand for paid TEFL teachers is quite low. There are plenty of voluntary positions to teach English in India, but as few state schools can afford to hire a foreigner, only those applying to expensive international schools are likely to find paid work. However, for those who are drawn to this fascinating country, a spot of voluntary teaching isn’t too hard to find and can be a great experience for newer TEFL teachers looking for teach English abroad jobs.

Although there remain many problems facing India the country has made impressive economic gains and output in recent years. India has always been a popular destination for western travellers seeking an adventure, and teaching English in India can be a great way to give something back to a local community, even if you aren’t getting paid for it. Hindi is the official language of the government and spoken as a first language by most people in India. English is used extensively in business and administration, and it is also important in education, especially as a medium of higher education, so whether you want to volunteer teaching children or adults, there will be an opportunity for you.

India has much to offer the adventurous TEFL teacher: a cheap cost of living, bustling cities, world-famous cuisine, white-knuckle rickshaw rides, amazing wildlife, epic train journeys, shopping heaven and ancient cultural sites. While you might not be able to find paid work (or, if you do, you’re unlikely to earn and save a huge amount) India still holds appeal for many intrepid TEFL teachers.

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Key Facts

Popular locations for TEFL jobs : Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Nagpur, Shimoga, Bijapur, Nagercoli, and Bangalore
Average salary for EFL teachers : The basic monthly salary for full-time positions is likely to be in the region of 11,000 - 74,000 INR (£120 - £775 / $150 - $1,000) per month. Most positions are voluntary
TEFL qualification requirements: A 120-hour TEFL qualification will be required for all paid positions as a minimum
Prerequisite university degree: Necessary for paid positions, often in specific subjects
Term times : The school year usually starts in April
Currency : Indian Rupee (INR)
Language : Hindi and English
Teaching programmes : International Schools, Business English, Freelance, Voluntary
Age restrictions: None
Previous teaching experience: Necessary for paid positions

English is the second language in India, and it is now taught in state schools from the age of six. If you do secure a position teaching English, it is most likely to be voluntary work. Very few ordinary citizens in India can dream of affording the luxury of English conversation classes and there are also very few westerners who could manage on the low wages earned by typical local English teachers. However, there are plenty of opportunities for volunteering to teach English in India and you will have no problem in finding eager students who would jump at the chance to learn English. Expect to teach large class sizes and with limited resources.

Teaching English in India is a rewarding experience. TEFL teachers in India are generally treated with the utmost respect and Indian students tend to be hardworking. Although you can expect to live well by local standards if you secure a paid TEFL job, do not expect to be able to save a lot or get rich from teaching English in India.

Requirements for teaching English in India

Country	Avg. monthly salary	Degree required	Start of term	Teaching experience	Housing & flights included	Suitable for non-native English speakers	Age restrictions
Teach in India	25,428 INR £236 GBP $304 USD		April				None

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Living Costs

India is one of the cheapest countries in the world, but the cost of living fluctuates greatly depending on where you’re based. While it might cost next to nothing to live in a small city or town, living somewhere like Mumbai or Delhi can be hugely expensive, with rent being comparable to capital cities around the world. As most TEFL opportunities in India are voluntary, the cost of living is quite important to potential volunteers – if your position doesn’t provide accommodation and other perks such as food, you’ll need to work out your finances carefully before undertaking the trip. Some positions ask teachers to pay a participation fee.

While rent might be high in the more popular cities, the cost of food is low across India, with cheap options available across the country. Public transport might be crowded and uncomfortable, but the price is also low. It’s important to bear in mind that India isn’t a place to travel to if you aren’t interested in more earthy adventures – life in India will likely be noisy, crowded, stressful, and uncomfortable, but for some TEFL teachers, that’s half the fun!

Restaurants	INR	USD	GBP
Inexpensive restaurant meal
Domestic beer (0.5 litre)
Regular cappuccino
Water (0.33 litre)
Markets	INR	USD	GBP
Regular milk (1 litre)
Loaf of white bread
Regular eggs (1 dozen)
Apples (1 kg)
Transportation	INR	USD	GBP
One-way ticket (local transport)
Monthly pass (regular price)
Taxi start (normal tariff)
Gasoline (1 litre)
Utilities	INR	USD	GBP
Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage (for a regular apartment)
Regular prepaid monthly mobile tariff with 10GB+ data
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)
Clothing and shoes	INR	USD	GBP
Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or something similar)
Summer dress in a chain store
Nike running shoes (mid-range)
Men's leather business shoes