FAQ FAQ TEFL Certificate Course India, Teach English India, ESL Jobs India

• ATI India FAQ
• The JOB market and teaching in India
• Questions about living in India
• What to do before departing for India
• A Few Ethics and Etiquette

ATI India FAQ

1. What does the tuition for the program cover?
The total tuition fee is 950 USD for Kolkata Kerela and Ahmedabad. It includes an initial deposit/booking payment of 500 USD which is non refundable and USD 450 which includes the tuition, certification and moderation fees. The fees do not cover the airfare and cost of food. Accommodations are offered against a payment of 200 USD to 400 USD.

2. What is the mode of payment for the course?
The initial deposit payment of 500 USD can be paid online either through credit card or through bank transfer.

3. What is the average schedule for the program?
The classes usually begin at 9 in the morning and continue till 4.45 in the afternoon. This program schedule also includes mid morning, lunch and afternoon breaks. The first two weeks are devoted to learning and the last week involves the teaching practices and preparation of lesson materials.

4. What is the average student strength for the program?
The usual class strength is ten-fifteen and the participants are mix of native English speakers from America, Britain, Canada and Australia and Non native English speakers with high proficiency of English language are also accepted. Lots of Indian students are also enrolling for the course recently.

5. What are the teaching practice students and classes like?
The teaching practice classes are conducted in government or private schools. The class size is usually 30-40 students or maximum 50-60 students in case of larger group.

6. Can I have things shipped or mailed to me at the school?
Yes you can do so in the below mentioned address. But before sending any mail, please confirm with the concerned person.

7. Can I bring in my laptop?
Yes, you can bring your laptop but the internet connections may not be available in the accommodation provided to you. You can avail the internet connection via cable for which you have to pay a separate charge. Lots of internet cafes are also there near the guest house.

The job market and teaching in India; Paperwork and documentation

1. What is the TEFL job market in India like? Will I have trouble getting a job?
The TEFL job market in India is excellent at the moment. Finding employment is only difficult if you wait until the last day of the course to begin looking. With just a little patience and our assistance, you will certainly locate work in no time, usually in the area of your choice.
However ATI TESOL certified teachers can easily find jobs anywhere in the world.

2. When do I need to start looking for work in India? Where do I start?
We suggest you begin setting up interviews and sending resumes in the second or third week of the course.

3. What would American TESOL Institute do to help me secure employment?
We can give you a list of schools in India and help you with resume and interview preparation. We guarantee job placement assistance, but please note that American TESOL Institute does not provide any job guarantee to its graduates, but ATI provides 100 percent job assistance to its trainees in every possible way to find employment.

This job placement assistance program is an integral part of the course and is available for as long as you may require it. However in government schools you can find volunteer jobs easily for short term which may get you the first hand experience teaching Indian students.

4. What is the average salary like?
The average salary in India is about 15,000 to 20,000 Indian Rupees per month. This varies depending on what type of school or company you work for and whether you work full or part-time.

5. Do most schools provide accommodations for their teachers?
No, but there are schools that do this. For example, some schools may provide a room for you, either shared or single, probably in an apartment with other teachers and it may or may not be on the school’s premises.

6. How many of the TEFL graduates actually find work in India?
Most of our course graduates who have desire to work in India will be able to secure teaching positions.

7. Do schools provide health insurance?
Once again it will depend on what type of organization you will be working with.
However, if you pay Indian income tax, you are entitled to Social Security, which gives you medical coverage at a local specified hospital.

8. Do schools provide work permits?
Your school should help you secure a work permit. In order to apply initially, you get the job offer in writing from your future employer, along with copies of his business registration and Ministry of Education documents. You can then convert your tourist visa to a Business Visa or you may leave the country and go to the nearest Indian consulate. Most people go to Singapore and Thailand (Bangkok) it takes 4 days to 6 days to collect your Business visa that you use to come back into India. It is then converted to a work permit after a considerable amount of paperwork is completed.

9. What is a typical teaching position like in India?
It varies from school to school, but you may be expected to teach a variety of courses, ranging from children to business professionals at all levels, in groups or in private sessions.

10. Can I return to my own country and teach with my certificate?
Yes, it’s possible though the requirements for working in ESL or TEFL in many western countries are different and sometimes need graduate education in ESL or TEFL.
 

Questions about living in India

1. What are the average housing and living expenses in India?
India is an affordable country to live in. For boarding and lodging per month in India would cost around 100-200 USD.

Most likely you will rent a room in an apartment or house with other teachers or with Indians, and of course it depends on where you choose to live. A pleasant, small 2 to 3 bedroom house in India is about 5,000 to 7,000 Rupees per month. Apartments are available for less. It is fair to say that TEFL teachers are very well paid by local standards in India, which means they can afford a comfortable standard of living. A local (Indian) teacher in India earns around 6,000 to 8,000 Rupees (about 130 - 180 dollars) while a TEFL teacher at the same school can expect to earn 15,000 Rupees - about $350 per month. While this may not sound a lot by international standards, it means you can live very comfortably in India.

2. What’s the climate like? What kind of clothing will I need to bring?
It’s hot and humid. The temperature ranges from 27oC to 42oC. Humidity is very high in summers. Nor’westers (strong winds) in the evenings in the month of April does bring the temperature down. Cotton, light colored clothes with light airy shoes should be worn. The climate is pleasant from late September through early March. Cold and wet temperatures range from 13oC-27oC (78oF-91oF). There are torrential rains during the monsoon months. Roads in Kolkata do get flooded and this in turn affects traffic. Remember to carry an umbrella and other rain gear.

Clothes are very inexpensive in India, so you may want to travel fairly light. Many visitors to India like to take advantage of some of the “Polo” or “Nike” goods that are so widely available.

You will also need to have in hand some really smart clothing. Men: no need for a suit and tie, but something other than jeans. Button-down shirts, nice shoes that aren't trainers/sneakers... something you'd wear to a job interview, "dressy-casual." Women: Shoulders should be covered; sleeveless shirts are acceptable, but very thin straps or tank tops are not. No low-cut necklines or very short skirts. Bare midriffs are not acceptable, even when lifting arms up. Open-toed shoes are acceptable.

3. What if I get sick in India? Are there western-standard medical facilities?
If you find yourself requiring medical attention, Kolkata has a number of very good hospitals and clinics with well-educated, helpful doctors. There are plenty of clinics and pharmacies in Kolkata.
If there is any serious injury, please inform the Course Director or one of the staff and transportation will be provided to Hospital for treatment.

4. Do I need Vaccination before traveling To India?
Vaccinations for cholera, meningitis, tetanus and diphtheria, typhoid and gamma globulin should, however, are considered. It may be a good idea to get a complete check-up before departure.

5. What’s the public transportation system like?
The public transport system in the state consists of government buses, private buses, taxis and auto rickshaws. Almost every nook and corner of the state is connected by a road network. Prices are set for standard routes. Ask before you get in. Luxury, Semi-luxury coaches and tourist taxis can be hired.

What to do before departing for India

1. How do I get to Kolkata / Ahmedabad / Kerala
Getting into any of our destination is very easy as all of them is very well connected to the rest of the country.
We have paid Airport pick up from nearest International Airport to the guest house. Please Email at admin@teflindia.in to know more about the pick up details.

2. What documents do I need to bring?
You need your passport and 2 copies of passport size picture. When you secure work you may be asked to provide notarized copies of your birth certificate, college degrees and transcripts. You might also consider obtaining an international driving permit if driving in India should be necessary for you, although the requirement of a driving license is widely ignored.

3. What else should I bring with me?
Please if possible bring a voice recorder, pen, pencil, color pens, pastels, rubber, and ruler. In the accommodation we don’t have any cooking facility; please bring your own bath towel, Adapter for mobile charge and/or laptop.

4. The availability of the internet cafes and telephone booths in and around the school/city and charges.
Kolkata enjoys high speed internet connectivity through the biggest service providers in India like TATA, BSNL, Bharti Airtel, Sify. Several Internet cafes and communication centers are available in and around Kolkata. Visitors only have to find a place they are most comfortable in to use the facilities to keep in touch with home. E-mail and Internet services are also offered by hotels.
Hotels and private communications centers provide long distance telephone facility. For calling from outside, country code for India is +91.

5. Do I need Insurance to travel to India?
While traveling abroad, a travel insurance policy that covers theft, loss and medical treatment is always recommended.

A Few Ethics and Etiquette That May come Handy in India

Indian cultural etiquettes may sometimes appear unusual to visitors. However, a handful of tips could acquaint visitors with these otherwise strange practices.
 

  • The form of greeting in India is 'namaste' performed by joining palms together which is appreciated and shows respect for Indian customs.

  • As a mark of respect Indians usually take off their shoes before entering someone's home, temple.

  • Indians generally allow an arm's length space between themselves and others. Don't stand close to Indians. Indians value personal space.

  • Public displays of affection between man and woman are not permissible.

  • Using your right hand to touch someone, pass money or pick up merchandise is the usual practice.

  • Do not touch anyone's head. The head is considered sensitive.

  • If invited to an Indian's home for a meal, it is not necessary to bring a gift, although one will not be turned down. It is not the value of the gift, but the sincerity with which it is given, that is important to the recipient.

  • It is recommended that women should dress conservatively in suits or dresses.

  • To avoid conflict photography is carried out after receiving permission from the object or person.

  • Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other women; however there are seldom handshakes between men and women because of religious beliefs. If you are uncertain, wait for them to extend their hand.

  • Indian men may engage in friendly back patting merely as a sign of friendship.

  • Apologize immediately if your feet or shoes touch another person.

  • Ask permission before smoking. It is considered rude to smoke in the presence of elders.

  • When an Indian answers, "I will try," he or she generally means "no." This is considered a polite "no."

For any further question please email us at admin@teflindia.in