Kolkata Program FAQs
What is an average program day like? What's the schedule?
The course is very intense, challenging and fun experience. Classes generally begin at 9:00 and run until 4:45 except on days when teaching practice is scheduled in the evenings. During the first two weeks, grammar and theory are discussed. Two next two weeks are spent doing supervised lesson planning, and teacher practice. The first class will take place Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. The course schedule for the week will be provided on Monday morning. Sessions generally run between 9:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. with appropriate breaks. Teaching Practice is often in the evenings.
How many students enroll in the course each month?
On average we have about 12 trainees enrolled in each course. Most of the participants are American, British, Canadian or Australian, although we do accept non-native speakers of English who have a high proficiency in the language.
How is the job market in India? Will I have trouble finding employment?
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, you will certainly locate work in no time, usually in the area of your choice.
What is the average teaching salary in India?
The average salary in India is about 15,000 to 20,000 Indian Rupees per month ($350-$450 USD, £180-£250 GBP). This varies depending on what type of school or company you work for and whether you work full or part-time.
That doesn't seem like much money to live on. What would my average expenses and cost of living be?
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.
Does TEFL International offer any sort of flight discounts to India?
While TEFL International is not involved directly with flights and travel arrangements we would like to recommend STA Travel for all of your travel needs. They offer competitive rates, flexible return flights, and travel insurance. Please visit them at www.statravel.com/teflcourse for more information.
What will TEFL International do to help me secure employment?
Our knowledgeable staff is available to assist you in resume preparation, interview consultation, and application procedures. Course graduates are also given lifetime access to our extensive database of job openings with contact information and details of institutions all over the world.
What are the students like whom I will doing my teaching practice with?
Our practice students are adults and children. They usually stay on from course to course and form good relationships with TEFL trainees and staff.
What's the climate like?
Kolkata is located only about 1° south of the tropic of Cancer, close to sea level. Though winters are mild, with an average January temperature of 19° C (67° F), the temperature sometimes dips to 10° C (50° F). From March through September, Kolkata is hot and humid, with an average July temperature of 29° C (85° F); in the months of May and June the temperature may rise as high as 38° C (100° F).
