TEFL FAQ's

FAQ

1. What does the tuition for the program cover?

The total tuition fee is 55,000 INR + 18% GST as applicable for pursuing TEFL course in Bangalore. It includes an initial deposit/ booking payment of 25,000 INR which is non-refundable and the rest of the amount which includes the tuition and moderation fees are to be paid 7 days before course commencement. The fees do not cover the airfare and cost of food. Accommodations are offered against a payment between 13,000 INR - 25,000 INR.

2. What is the mode of payment for the course?

The initial deposit payment of 25,000 INR can be paid online either through credit card or through bank transfer.

3. Where in Bangalore do ACT’s TEFL classes take place?

ACT is situated in Lalbagh, Bangalore. Our address is :
208, Royal Corner,
1 & 2, Lalbagh- Richmond Road,
Bangalore- 560 027.
Phone : + 91 9739615888

4. How do I get to Bangalore?

Reaching the guest house/our centre is quite easy as it is very well connected to the rest of the country. Bangalore (Lalbagh) is well connected by all the means of transportation. We have paid Airport pick up from nearest International Airport to the guest house. Please Email at admin@asiancollegeofteachers.com / tefl@asiancollegeofteachers.com tto know more about the details.

Luxury, Semi-luxury coaches and tourist taxis can also be hired.

5. Can I have the contact details of ACT's representatives in case of any problem?

If you face any problem you can contact us at: + 91 9739615888 or email us at admin@asiancollegeofteachers.com

6. What is the climate of Bangalore like?

Bangalore has a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Due to its high elevation, Bangalore enjoys a more moderate climate throughout the year, although occasional heat waves can make the summer season somewhat uncomfortable. The coolest month is January with an average low temperature of 15.1 °C (59.2 °F) and the hottest month is April with an average high temperature of 35 °C (95 °F).

7. What is the average schedule for the program?

The classes usually begin at 9.30 in the morning and continue till 5.00 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 (TP) and preparation of lesson materials.

8. What is the average student strength for the program?

The usual class strength is 12-18 and the participants are a mix of native English speakers from America, Britain, Canada and Australia and non-native English speakers with high proficiency of English language. Lot of Indian students are also enrolling for the course in the recent time.

9. 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 groups.

10. Can I have things shipped or mailed to me at the school?

Yes you can do so. However, before sending any mail, please confirm with the concerned person.

11. 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. Hence carrying a dongle will come handy. Moreover, a number of internet cafes are also there near the guest house.

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The Job Market

1. What is the TEFL job market in India and the Asia Pacific countries 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. ACT 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 Asian College of Teachers 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 Asian College of Teachers does not provide any job guarantee to its graduates; however we provide 100% 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.

4. What is the average salary like?

The average salary in India for TEFL educators is about 15,000 to 30,000 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, especially in the international schools following international curriculum. TEFL graduates can even work in NGOs and other non-conventional teaching institutes.

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 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 going to Singapore and Thailand (Bangkok) take 4 days to 6 days to collect their 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 is possible though the requirements for working in ESL or TEFL in many western countries are different; and gives preference to those with TEFL/TESOL degree.

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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 8,000-15,000 INR, depending on the place. 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 stay. 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 INR while a TEFL teacher at the same school can expect to earn 15,000 –20,000 INR per month and higher. While this may not sound a lot by international standards, however with this salary you can live quite comfortably in India.

2. What kind of clothing will I need to bring?

Clothes are quite inexpensive in India, so you may want to travel fairly light. However branded goods have their own price for their goods and merchandise. You will also need to have in hand some really smart clothing.

For Men: formal attire preferred though not a suit and tie, but something other than jeans. Button-down shirts, nice formal etc., something you would wear to a job interview- 'dressy-casual'.

Women: Shoulders should be covered; (sleeveless shirts are acceptable, though not recommended) No low-cut necklines or very short skirts. Bare midriffs are not acceptable, even when lifting arms up. However, 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, all the cities in India have a number of very good hospitals and clinics with well-educated, helpful doctors. Some of the best hospitals and clinics are situated in Bangalore itself. In case of any emergency situation, please inform the Course Co-ordinator or any of the staff and transportation will be provided to Hospital for treatment.

4. Do I need vaccination before travelling to India?

Vaccinations for cholera, meningitis, tetanus and diphtheria, typhoid and gamma globulin should be considered. It may be a good idea to get a complete check-up before departure.

5. What is 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.

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What to do before departing for India

1. What documents do I need to bring?

You need your passport and 5 copies of your 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.

2. What else should I bring with me?

If possible, bring a voice recorder, pen, pencil, colour 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.

3. Are internet cafes and telephone booths available in and around the center?

Bangalore enjoys high speed internet connectivity through the biggest service providers in India like Reliance, BSNL, Bharti Airtel. Several Internet cafes and communication centers are available in and around Lalbagh. Visitors only have to find a place they are most comfortable in to use the facilities to keep in touch with their friends and families. 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.

4. 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.