Teaching English in India

India is the third largest English-speaking country in the world, the English language is spoken throughout the nation. There are lots of voluntary positions to be found online but it is surprisingly difficult to locate many well-paid positions from internet searches. Experienced EFL teachers are encouraged to contact the British Council in India as the salaries and conditions are very good. Because of the common use of English in India, teaching opportunities are significantly less than in other Asian nations.

Salaries start as low as $500 USD per month and top out at about $2,500 USD per month at the British Council.  Since India prefers British English, native speakers from the UK will have an obvious advantage when job hunting.  A degree and TEFL certification with at least two years of experience is typically required for paid teaching positions.  It is not typically a wise choice to travel to India in hopes of finding a paid teaching position in country.  If you want to work in India as a paid teacher, it is best to arrange a contract in advance with the British Council or an international school.  If you would just like to volunteer teach during your stay in India then there are many opportunities for you.

Unless you are working for the British Council or an international school, you will probably have to enter the country on a tourist visa.  The process for obtaining a work visa is lengthy and tedious.  Few schools will go to the trouble to obtain a work visa for you.  The cost of accommodation and food in India is very low. Western food imported from abroad is generally expensive.  Salary is paid on a monthly basis. Tax is usually paid by employers.

Cultural differences between the "west" and India can cause significant strain on someone not accustomed to the way things work in India.  Patience, flexibility and endurance are qualities that you must possess to survive in this culture.  Women are especially advised to take extra care when out alone.  

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Teaching English in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an exciting place to live and work. An efficient transport network and first-class infrastructure make it one of the most popular destinations in the region for those seeking an orderly and secure place in which to live. Teachers’ salaries in Hong Kong are often very attractive indeed. Unfortunately this is necessary because of the unbelievably high rental prices across the territory. Given that English is supposed to be a national language the level of spoken English in Hong Kong is actually fairly low. There are plenty of opportunities for experienced teachers but many employers prefer to employ those who already have Hong Kong residency as the process is much easier. Sadly a workaholic mentality pervades and stress levels can be high sometimes.  If you are looking for a laid-back place to live, then you should definitely give Hong Kong a pass.

Salaries typically start at around $1,500 USD a month and go upwards to $5,000 USD a month at some of the better international schools.  There are jobs throughout Hong Kong, with no particular area offering better jobs than another area.  Typically Hong Kong schools require a degree, preferably in English or TESOL and a TEFL certification. 

Hong Kong has a very definite workaholic culture so don't be surprised if long hours and 6 or 7 days a week of working are required by your school.  Even if your contract does not call for these hours, you will be pressured to work additional hours well beyond your contractual hours.  Experienced teachers are advised to research the Primary or Secondary NET (Native English Teacher) scheme and apply well in advance at the appropriate time. Inexperienced teachers are advised to get some experience elsewhere first!

When searching for accommodation, make sure you negotiate with your agent or landlord. If they know you are a teacher with limited funds they may be willing to lessen their financial demands. Many agents seek two months rent as deposit and half a month as a fee. Given that accommodation is so expensive, this can be a huge sum in total.

If you have not been offered a job before you arrive in Hong Kong then not only will you face a rather tough search for a well-paid position but you will also have to wait many weeks for your work visa to be issued after you have signed a contract. Given that accommodation costs are so high, you will need some savings to help you through this lengthy period.  You are advised to secure a position before traveling to Hong Kong.  When your visa does arrive, you will normally take a ferry to Macau and back again the same day to re-enter with you work visa.

The cost of accommodations in Hong Kong is incredibly high. Unless you are sharing you will find it very difficult to live on Hong Kong island. The cheapest places to live are Lantau, Lamma and the furthest reaches of the New Territories. Thankfully, electricity, water and gas are all priced rather low. Transport is also very cheap – including taxis.  Eating in is cheap but eating and drinking out can be very expensive unless you know of special deals.

Income tax is paid on an annual basis and it is the employee’s responsibility. This means you need to budget and make sure you save enough over the year so you can pay off the hefty bill when it arrives. It also means you need to fill in a tax return form.  Don't even consider not paying your income taxes or not filing a tax form.  Failure to do so can mean at least deportation and at worst a hefty fine and lengthy jail time.  

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Teaching English in Ecuador

Ecuador Overview

The level of demand for native speakers is rather low but most TEFL-qualified teachers can find jobs in the capital city. Unfortunately, TEFL salaries are relatively low and despite low living costs you certainly won’t be able to save much, if at all. TEFL in Ecuador is a fun experience for a short period of time but certainly not a serious career option.

Type of Institution	Typical salary (USD/month)	Typical hours	Typical annual leave
Language centres	600 – 1,200	Various split shifts and evenings and weekends	2 weeks plus national holidays
International schools and universities	2,500 upwards	9am – 4pm Monday to Friday plus some weekend work	10 weeks plus national holidays

Main places for jobs

Quito, Cuenca.

Typical requirements

Degree, TEFL, local interview preferred.

Tips

1. It is much better to find a job before arrivingin Ecuador but in reality the vast majority of teachersarrive on tourist visas and remain on them due to the cost and bureaucracy and unwillingness of most employers to apply for proper work permits.
2. Given the low salaries, you may need to supplement your incomewith extra, private one-to-one tuition. Contacts are essential and found via word of mouth and through local adverts and websites.
3. American and Canadian teachersmay be at a slight advantage. Those who can speak Spanish will find integration much easier.

Red tape

Your employer is responsible for obtaining your work permit. However, in reality, many work illegally. Despite the flexibility this allows, this is not recommended for obvious reasons. Top employers will actually go through the troublesome process of making your employment legal. Without this, you are always at risk of being deported.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Ecuador is low.

Tax and salary information

You should expect to be paid on a monthly basis. Make sure you actually have a contract or else you may have problems when it comes to payday.

References

http://worldoftefl.com/teaching-english-in-ecuador/

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TEFL Zorritos: What could be better?  Study in a beautiful Peruvian beach town at our beach-front outdoor training centre with great accommodations available, including delicious local food.  Fully accredited 120 Hour TEFL course with a practical approach that provides you with 10 advanced certifications at absolutely no extra cost!  And a guaranteed job waiting for you when you complete the course.

Class sizes are limited, so don't wait, make your reservation today!