How much can I earn teaching English in India?

India is currently undergoing an economic boom in many areas including information technology and customer service outsourcing, which are two areas that provide opportunities for TESOL qualified teachers. Despite English being an official language in India, the level at which it is taught in mainstream schools is generally very poor. Because of this, there is a strong demand for ESL teachers in many areas of business across the country.

What are TESOL salaries in India?

Unlike many other countries in Asia, good salaries are thin on the ground in India. Many people opt for volunteer positions that often provide accommodation and meals and the chance to gain some classroom experience, while also providing some much needed English language skills that help people get into better jobs. Paid positions do exist, although the average salary of $150 to $1,000 per month is not high by Asian standards. To receive an income at the higher end of this scale you will need to have plenty of experience and qualifications to offer and you will probably need to negotiate hard. A bachelor?s degree is usually expected by employers and a TESOL certification will also help you in your job search.

Who are the main employers of English language teachers in India?

If you have a full teacher?s licence from the UK, Australia or Canada, you may be able to get a job in an international school in one of the big cities. This type of job pays very well by local standards, but positions are small in number and the competition is likely to be very strong. Most teachers tend to look towards the private sector as there are a large number of companies who employ native English speakers to teach conversational English to their employees. Call centers are big business in India and employ thousands of people who often need help refining their accents in order to deal with British or American customers.

If you are looking for volunteer options, you will find many to choose from across the country. Often these positions involve some classroom teaching on top of other work in areas such as orphanages or women?s welfare groups. As there are so many different projects, each with different requirements and time scales, it is recommended that you do plenty of online research to identify those that would best fit your plans. Although these positions are voluntary, they will provide a great deal of experience that will stand you in good stead when applying for paying jobs in the future.

What is the recruitment process for English teachers in India?

Paying jobs are mostly located in big cities such as New Delhi, Jaipur, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Often jobs can be found online which allows you to get your visa and other paperwork sorted from within your home country. You can start your job search via online teaching and recruitment sites, and you should also take a look at major Indian newspapers such as the Times of India and the Telegraph who both have large job sections online. It is usually possible to complete the recruitment process via email and an interview conducted over the phone or by webcam. Most teaching contracts in India are for six months or one year.

What is the cost of living for English teachers in India?

Average salaries for teachers in India are generally quite low, so you are unlikely to save a great deal during your stay. However, as the cost of living is also low in many areas, how much spending power your income gives you is dependent on where you choose to live and work. Many jobs are located in Mumbai, which is well known for having some of the most expensive property in the world. If you find a job here you will probably need to look for accommodation away from the city center where rents can be very high. In some cases, employers will provide help with housing costs which can make a big difference to your budget. Other expenses such as groceries and health care are very affordable by western standards. The bottom line is, India can be a very cheap place to live as long as you can negotiate a reasonable salary.