India: Teaching ESL in India

India is a popular place for many ESL teachers, both for paid and volunteer teaching opportunities. However, due to the widespread use of English in India, local teachers are often already available, and this may make finding a paid ESL job more difficult for North American teachers. However, with the right skills and attitude, it is possible to find a paid teaching job in India with a TESOL certification.

Peak ESL Hiring Season in India
How to Find Jobs Teaching ESL in India
Largest Chain Schools in India
Other JobsTeaching English in India
Additional ESL Resources
Tips for ESL Teachers in India
Teaching Requirements for Canadians in India
Embassy and Consulate Information for India

Peak ESL Hiring Season in India

The ESL market in India is limited. The majority of schools do not have the funds to hire native-speaking English teachers, and thus many positions are strictly volunteer. Qualified local English instructors are also widely available, thus the demand for foreign teachers is low. Most of the paid English teaching jobs in India are found in the private sector. The peak hiring season for teaching English in India has not been set to any particular time in the school year; this is due to the diminished role that the school system has in the Indian ESL market. However, volunteer opportunities may be found year-round.

How to Find Jobs Teaching English in India

Most of the English teaching jobs in India are offered without any wages attached to them. With English being an official language in India, there are plenty of Indian citizens who are qualified to teach English. Although difficult, some ESL teachers have managed to find paid teaching opportunities. Below is a list of online English resources that may be of use to ESL teachers hoping to teach English in India.

• Oxford Seminars' English Language Schools Directory
• The Times of India - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
• The Telegraph - http://www.telegraphindia.com/
• Craigslist India - http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/in
• Foundit India - https://www.foundit.in/
• Dave's ESL Cafe - http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/
• Indeed India - https://in.indeed.com/

Largest Chain Schools in India

The British School, New Delhi

Students at the British School, New Delhi are offered programming from kindergarten through to Grade 13. The private school first opened in 1963 and currently has a student base of over 1,300.
http://www.british-school.org/

Daly College

Arguably known as one of India’s premier private schools, Daly College has been in Indore since 1869. The school has been recognized with multiple educational awards.
http://www.dalycollege.org/

The International School Bangalore (TISB)

Since its beginnings in 2000, the International School Bangalore has become one of the most prestigious and expensive private schools in India.
http://www.tisb.org/

Other Jobs Teaching English in India

In-Company School Teacher

Some ESL teachers have found work teaching English as an in-company teacher. These positions are usually located within call centres. The main purpose of these ESL jobs is to help Indian workers have a Canadian accent on the phone.

Additional ESL Resources to Help Teach English in India

There is an abundance of ESL resources for teachers to help teach English as a second language; therefore, finding resources that meet specific teaching needs may be difficult. Some examples of the available teaching resources are listed below.

• Oxford Seminars' ESL Teaching Resources
• Lonely Planet (India) - https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india
• Wikipedia (Article on India) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India

Tips for ESL Teachers in India

• In many regions of India, religion plays a large role on how a group functions. It is important for English teachers to dress and act conservatively.
• There are very few paying ESL jobs in India, but plenty of volunteer opportunities. Sometimes it is best to simply visit an Indian school and meet the staff and students. This could be an excellent way to find a position.
• Due to the small TESOL market, many English teachers will need to save some money before they plan on going to India.
• Indian weather can sometimes get hot, but wearing shorts in public is frowned upon. Typically, men are only expected to wear shorts when jogging; women should wear jogging pants.  Local tailors markets are great places to buy light, cotton pants that will help you keep cool in the warmer months.
• Special care should be taken not to wear shoes indoors. Never point the tips of feet at another person, and wash hands immediately after making contact with feet.
• Consult a doctor about the vaccinations recommended to travel to India.

Teaching Requirements for Canadians in India

ESL teachers traveling to India will require an Indian visa. Filing for an Indian visa can be done at an Indian embassy or consulate office before leaving home. Both electronic and paper visa applications are available. E-visa/paper visa application materials can be accessed and downloaded from the Government of India Visa portal at: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/. Applicants also have the ability to track the processing of their visa application in real time via the website.

Types of Indian Visas:

• Employment Visa – ESL teachers will need an employment visa to teach in India. This visa is meant for those wishing to work abroad for an Indian business.
• Tourist Visa – This visa is designed for people planning on visiting India, but not teaching there. The visa will expire after six months.
• Business Visa – Those wishing to make a short-term business trip to India will need a business visa.
• Student Visa – The student visa is meant for foreigners wishing to live in India to pursue their studies.
• Transit Visa – Traveling throughout India will require a transit visa.

In addition to the visas listed above, there are visas for people of Indian origin. Please check with your local embassy or consular office for current visa processing times and fees.

Items to Submit With an Indian Employment Visa Application (please confirm with local embassy/consulate before applying as changes can occur)

• You will need the following:
• A completed application which can be picked up at an Indian embassy or consulate office. The form can also be downloaded online (see above)
• A tourist visa that is valid for six months
• Photocopy of passport
• Two identical passport-sized photos (color or black and white acceptable)
• Home address information
• Letter of stating an intention to hire from an Indian school
• A letter stating that a teaching contract was offered
• Current resume
• Registration information of the Indian company the ESL teacher will be working for;  please check with your regional embassy or consulate for current fees.

Please note that the Indian visa application information was current at the time of publication, but regulations and fees are subject to change. Please refer to https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ for the most current information.

Embassy Information for India

Canadian Embassy Office in India

High Commission of Canada in New Delhi
7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi - 110021
City: New Delhi
Phone: 91 11 4178 2000
Fax: 91 11 4178-2020
Email: delhi@international.gc.ca
Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/india-inde/new_delhi.aspx?lang=eng
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:45 pm

The United States of America Embassy Office in India

Embassy of the United States in New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi - 110021
City: New Delhi
Phone: 011 91 2419 8000
Fax: 011 91 2419 0017
Email: ndwebmail@state.gov
Website: https://in.usembassy.gov/

Australian Embassy Office in India

Australian High Commission in New Delhi
1/50 - G, Shantipath
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 21
P.O. Box 5210
New Delhi - 110021
City: New Delhi
Phone: 91 11 4139 9900
Fax: 91 11 2688 7536
Email: ahc.newdelhi@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.india.embassy.gov.au/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm

British Embassy Office in India

British High Commission in New Delhi
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi - 110021
City: New Delhi
Phone: 91 11 2419 2100
Fax: 91 11 2419 2491
Website: http://ukinindia.fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Irish Embassy Office in India

Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi
Embassy of Ireland
C17 Malcha Marg
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
City: New Delhi
Phone: 91 11 4940 3200
Fax: 91 11 2469 7053
Website: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/india/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm

New Zealand’s Embassy Office in India

New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi
Sir Edmund Hillary Marg
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021, India
City: New Delhi
Phone: 91 11 4688 3170
Fax: 91 11 4688 3165
Email: nzhcindia@mfat.net
Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/kr/countries-and-regions/asia/india/new-zealand-high-commission/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm 5:00 pm

Embassy Information Outside India

High Commission of India in Ottawa
10 Springfield Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1M 1C9
City: Ottawa
Phone: (613) 744-3751/2/3
Fax: (613) 744-0913
Email: hicomind@hciottawa.ca
Consular Services Email: cons.ottawa@mea.gov.in
Website: http://www.hciottawa.ca/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Indian consulates in Canada can be found at: http://www.hciottawa.ca/

Embassy of India in Washington D.C.
2107 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.,
Washington D.C. - 20008
City: Washington D.C.
Phone: 1 (202) 939-7000
Fax: 1 (202) 265-4351
Visa Services Email: visa.washington@mea.gov.in
Website: https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/index
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm

Consulate general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Indian consulates in the US can be found at: https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/pages/MTc,

Other East Asia / Southeast Asia Countries: