Country Report - Teach English in India

Teach English in India - ESL Teaching Jobs, Hiring Season, Work Visas

Why Teach in India

ESL teachers who travel to India will experience a country that has one of the most diverse landscapes in the world. India features the highest mountains on the planet, flat green valleys, busy urban streets, and vast empty deserts. India has one of the largest total amounts of land within its borders; thus, unsurprisingly, features the world’s second largest population.

Historically, India was known for its trade routes, both to and through the country. Traders from across Eurasia made their way to India, bringing Indian customs and culture back to their native countries. Fabrics and foods became especially prized commodities. When Britain established India as part of its Commonwealth, understanding the English language became a priority for many Indians. In the more recent past, many American corporations began outsourcing some of their work to India due to the large English-speaking population.

Finding work as a teacher in a school in India is not an easy task. The English language is used commonly throughout India; so much so that many native Indians are able to teach English to fellow Indians. India is a popular place for many ESL teachers to volunteer teaching English, and this may make an ESL job search in India more difficult. However, with the right skills and attitude, it is possible to find a paid teaching job in India with a TESOL certification.

What to Know About Teaching English in India

Housing

With India supporting a relatively weak TESOL market compared to other nations, there is little chance of a school offering to pay for any part of an English teacher’s accommodations. However, like in many American and Canadian cities, there are plenty of options for ESL teachers looking for an apartment in India.

Most expats new to India prefer to rent furnished apartments, allowing them the freedom to live without shipping their furniture overseas. Apartments are typically leased for 11 months. When applying to rent an Indian apartment, applicants will be asked to make a deposit; the amount varies depending on the cost of rent, the interest the apartment has generated from other renters, and its location.

Apartments in India are very similar to their North American counterparts. Many ESL teachers will notice that most apartments in India do not have a bathtub, featuring instead only a shower stall.

Expected Apartment Costs

Defining the cost of an Indian apartment can be a difficult task. An apartment in a larger city such as Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore will cost more to rent than a space in a smaller city or rural location. Renting an apartment in a central location of an urban area will also add a few rupees to the cost of living space as opposed to renting in a more remote area of the city. Another variable that can change the affordability of an apartment is its size and what appliances or furniture are included. The monthly rent for an apartment in India can range from 4,000 INR to 20,000 INR.

Airfare

One of the biggest expenses an ESL teacher faces before arriving in India is the price of their airfare. The price of a one-way ticket can vary substantially based on the airline, the season, the city of departure, and how early the flight can be booked. If the length of the flight is of little importance, it is common for flights with multiple layovers to have a slightly discounted price tag attached to them.

Health Benefits

During the second half of the 20th Century, the Indian government worked to make noticeable improvements to their healthcare system. Part of this process was to increase the amount of medical schools in India and to upgrade medical services in rural India. Although there has since been significant progress within the Indian healthcare system, it is still nowhere near the level of global leaders such France, Canada, and Britain.

Those traveling to India to teach English will want to purchase their own medical insurance that covers any expenses incurred while teaching. All ESL teachers should call their insurance provider to make certain that their insurance policy is valid for a long-term stay in India.

Retirement Age

India is a developing nation, one of the strongest reminders of this is the fact that the country has no public pension system. Those working for the government, banks, or a company with more than 20 employees pay into a mandatory government-run insurance plan which they can utilize once they are ready to retire. Otherwise, the Indian workforce must rely on private retirement plans; many are unable to plan and save for their retirement. The Indian government is currently working towards implementing a public pension plan that will be open to all Indian workers on a voluntary basis. Those with a current retirement plan are able to retire at the age of 58 regardless of their gender or profession.

Technology and Advancement

Historically, India is known for its contributions to philosophy, religion, and mathematics. Under the rule of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, the nation underwent a transformation. Nehru believed that India needed to update their technology to compete with that of the Western world. A priority was placed on the development of nuclear technologies, both for power generation and for military purposes. The Indian Institute of Technology was formed to increase the Indian education system's focus on learning skills related to technology. In today's world, technology is a huge part of the Indian economy and provides many Indian workers with employment.

Those teaching English in India may not find technology to be as current as that of America, but still very manageable. ESL teachers living in bigger cities should have little trouble finding the latest in cell phone technology, with options of purchasing phones attached to long-term plans or with pre-paid units of time. Internet connections may not be fast, as most Internet services are operating on dial-up or wireless networks. However, the Internet in India is more than capable of giving those teaching ESL in the country the ability to perform most online activities, including communicating with those at home.

American Food

Larger cities often have supermarkets which offer American products in addition to Indian ingredients.Larger cities often have supermarkets which offer American products in addition to Indian ingredients.

Many American chain restaurants opened in India have found that Indians view American food as unhealthy and lacking taste. These restaurants realized that the best way to find success in the Indian restaurant market is to create menu items which are hybrids between their staple American recipes and Indian cuisine.

Transportation in India

There are plenty of transportation options for those teaching English in India. Expats can travel in everything from airplanes to rickshaws.

A large portion of India’s national budget in the 1990s was devoted to upgrading the transportation system to a world-class level. Many Indians travel by bicycle or by foot and rickshaws are still a popular mode of transportation, especially in locations which are rural. To transport both goods and people throughout India, the country relies on the public transportation system.

Public Transportation

• Taxi

A taxi is a quick and safe way to get around an Indian city. Taxi companies face heavy competition from auto rickshaw drivers; this is one of the reasons why Indian taxi rates are some of the lowest in the world. Depending on how busy a pick-up location is, an English teacher can simply put out their arm and hail a cab, or hire one from a taxi stand. Those concerned about the comfort of their ride may want to consider hiring a White Cab. For a higher rate, these taxis are usually newer and often feature air conditioning.

• Train
  • 1A (First class AC) Up to 18 passengers can occupy a 1A-classed train car. It is usually air conditioned and carpeted. More importantly, a 1A ticket provides its riders with a much more private sleeping area.
  • 2A (AC-two tier) Travelers on a 2A train will have many of the same features that a 1A ticket holder would have, but the car is more crowded. Sleeping areas have more beds than the 1A, but like its pricier counterpart, bedding is included.
  • FC (First Class) The only difference between this and the 2A train lies in the lack of air conditioning on the FC. Depending on the season, this could be a reason for some ESL teachers to upgrade their ticket.
  • 3A (AC three tier) Another popular ticket with the Indian Railways is the 3A ticket. Similar in design to the 2A, the 3A car offers its passengers air conditioning, but the sleeping area of the 3A is much more crowded than either the 2A or the FC.
  • CC (AC chair car) Designed for short-distance commutes, the CC is the most luxurious train ride for ESL teachers making a day trip. The CC is far less crowded than other local trains, which provides its riders with more leg room. One of the biggest selling points of the CC is the fact that it also features air conditioning.
  • EC (Executive Class chair car) With rows of four seats, the EC train is a comfortable way to travel a short distance. Like the CC, an EC also keeps the Indian heat away with air conditioning.
  • SL (Sleeper class) The most popular ticket for riders of the Indian Railway is the SL ticket. This train has vertically stacked beds which are three layers high. There is not usually any air conditioning on a SL train.
  • 2S (Seater class) The 2S train for short-distance commutes holds the same amenities as the CC car, except without air conditioning.
  • G (General) Those looking to save money on their train fare may purchase a G ticket, which is the cheapest ticket on the Indian Railways. There are usually no cushions on the seats, which are made of wood. The trains are not air conditioned and typically are so crowded that there are usually not enough seats for all of the passengers.

Rail is a popular mode of transportation for those traveling long distances in-country. English teachers will be happy to know that Indian train tickets are some of the most affordable in the world. Much of the cost of people riding the train is subsidized by the transportation of goods. The Indian rail business is dominated by the state-owned company Indian Railways. In addition to linking travelers to urban and rural destinations throughout India, the rail system ventures into the railways of China, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, and to Sri Lanka via ferry.

In addition to being an excellent way to get from point A to point B, the Indian railway is a great way to explore and experience India and its countryside. Like many rail companies, Indian Railways allows riders the ability to customize their commute with various ticket classes.

• Subway

Compared to other nations, the subway in India is a fairly new commuter option. The Kolkata (Calcutta) was the first subway system in India when it was built in 1984. Today, there are Indian subway systems in Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, and Delhi. There are many future metro systems currently in the planning phases.

• Bus

Just like the train, the bus is another way to travel both long and short distances in India. There is little question that the train is more comfortable than taking a bus, but bus fares are usually much less expensive than those of the train. There are both state and privately owned bus companies. Like many governments around the world, India is encouraging its citizens to ride the bus as an affordable and clean way to commute.

Other Modes of Transportation

• Bicycle

The bicycle is another way that ESL teachers can travel short distances. Some Indian communities look at the bicycle as an excellent way to get around, while in some regions, the locals view the use of a bicycle as a symbol of lacking importance and power. For this reason, the use of a bicycle is sometimes frowned upon in Indian communities.

In addition to riding traditional bicycles, some Indians chose to ride motorized scooters and mopeds. Indians typically think of a motorcycle when they hear a direct translation of the English abbreviation “bike”.

• Motor Vehicles

ESL teachers accustomed to driving in North America will most likely find that driving in India can be stressful. The main difference that Indian expats need to account for is driving on the left-hand side of the road. Driving in a large Indian city usually means busy traffic, many bad road conditions, and little to no parking spaces. Automobile sales have skyrocketed over the last few years in India. There is a definite trend towards the purchasing of smaller, more fuel efficient cars in India. Larger luxury vehicles are shifting towards being used as taxis.

Getting a driver’s license in India is a fairly simple process. An International Driver’s License (IDL) is a valid driving license for ESL teachers in India. This document can be found at any state automobile licensing office. Once expired, an IDL card can be exchanged for an Indian license by completing a written test; occasionally, a road test will also be required.

Banking in India

India was one the first nations in the world that offered banking as it is recognized today to its citizens; thus, today’s banking world is full of Indian-based banks. ATM machines can be found throughout most major Indian cities and many businesses (especially those that cater towards tourists) will have debit machines. Banking hours in India are typically shorter than those in America: banks usually open in mid-morning, closing in the mid-afternoon.

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. Most of the English teaching jobs in India are found in the private sector. There are no peak hiring seasons for teaching English in India; this is due to the diminished role that the school system has in the Indian ESL market.

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 more than qualified to teach English. Although difficult, some ESL teachers have managed to find teaching opportunities both volunteer and paid. Below is a list of online English resources that may be of use to ESL teachers hoping to teach English in India.

• Oxford Seminars' Global ESL Schools Directory
• The Times of India - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
• The Telegraph - http://www.telegraphindia.com/
• Craigslist India - http://craigslist.co.in/
• Monster India - http://www.monsterindia.com/
• Dave ESL Cafe - http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/

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 500.
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 it’s beginnings in 2000, the International School Bangalore has become one of the most prestigious and expensive private schools in India. Tuition at this private school usually averages at $12,000 a year.
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 centers. The main purpose of these ESL jobs is to help Indian workers have an American 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) - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/india
• Official India Tourism Guide - http://www.incredibleindia.org
• Wikipedia (Article on India) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India

Preparing to Teach English in India

India has a culture that is both interesting and unique from that of North America. ESL teachers should take the time to properly understand some of the differences between the cultures of the United States compared to those of India.

General Etiquette

• Hierarchy is an important factor in Indian work and social relationships.
• The elderly are considered to be more prominent than the young.
• When leaving a room it is expected that ESL teachers will acknowledge everyone in the room with a goodbye or a handshake one at a time.
• A person’s name can vary depending on which region of India they are from:
• People from the northern region of India often have both a surname and a given name.
• Those from the south do not typically have surnames, they simply use the first letter of the father’s name in addition to their given name.
• Traditionally women incorporate their father’s name into their own names. Once married the woman usually replaces their father’s name with that of her husband’s.
• Cash is a common and acceptable gift in India.
• Dress is conservative for both men and women.
• It is common for Indians to greet with a handshake.

Eating Etiquette

• A lot of Indian cuisine can be eaten with the hands.
• When eating in India it is important to only eat with the right hand. Traditionally the left hand is viewed as unclean.
• An Indian dinner table is another example of hierarchy playing a large role in culture. The most prominent or oldest person is seated and served their meal first.
• Indian dining protocol suggests that English teachers should turn down any offer of food or drink when first asked.
• English teachers should not be offended if they are asked to wash their hands before they eat; this is a common and acceptable request.

Business Etiquette

• Like in many places, people in India prefer to do business with people they know.
• In order to have a meeting with someone it is essential to make appointments far in advance.
• Usually the final decision in a business proposal rests on the shoulders of a company’s owner or manager.
• Business cards are common and are usually offered during introductions.
• Age, education, and previous experience are all factors in business.

Language in India

Language

Hindi and English are the most used out of India’s 23 official languages. It was decided that India should incorporate English as an official language in 1963. Government services are available in both of these official languages.

Some people, especially the elderly, are not familiar with English and communicate in Hindi. Below is a list of commonly used Hindi phrases.

• My name is______.
  Meraa naam ______ hai.
• How are you?
  Aap kaisey hain?
• Where is the __________?
  ­­­­­­­­­­­_________ ­­­­kahaan hai?
• Thank you
  Shukriyaa

Eating in India

Indian Cuisine

Indian cuisine is known around the world for its generous helping of spices and herbs. The cuisine has also become a staple of vegetarian diets around the world because many Indian dishes are accompanied with rice. The food of India varies from region to region, each incorporating local ingredients. This diversity makes Indian cuisine very unique.

A large portion of Indians classify themselves as vegetarian and another large percentage of people eat limited amounts of meat. Many Hindus consider cattle to be sacred; therefore beef may be hard to find in certain areas of India. Traditionally, Muslims will not eat pork because they believe the pig to be an unclean animal.

• Curry – Those from outside Pan-Asia refer to any spicy Indian dish as curry; these meals usually feature vegetables and/or meat. Curry powder was invented by the British to replicate the taste of Indian cuisine. The powder is a mixture of various elements including heavy use of turmeric.
• Naan – Naan is a flatbread resembling a pita which is commonly used to accompany an Indian meal. Food can be stuffed into the bread or it can be scooped up with it. Naan bread is usually served warm with ghee or butter brushed on it.
• Chicken – As mentioned above, meats such as beef and pork have religious and cultural beliefs attached to them. Chicken is eaten in the majority of India, and is included in many popular Indian dishes such as Chicken Tikka and Butter Chicken.

Food Costs

Below is a list of common grocery items which can be purchased in India:

• 1L of milk
  20 INR
• Bread
  20 INR
• Typical Restaurant Meal
  45-120 INR
• 1kilo of tomatoes
  11 INR
• ½ kilo of butter
  60 INR

Climate in India

Within the borders of India, English teachers can find deserts, rain forests, and glaciers. The climate in India varies dramatically between regions. Generally, the nation has four different seasons: winter, summer, monsoon season, and post-monsoon season.

Winter

The average temperature across India has a noticeable drop with the arrival of winter. Northern regions of India do not experience snow or ice, but regions near the Himalayas experience heavy snowfall and blizzard-like conditions on a regular basis.

Summer

ESL teachers in India will experience India’s warmest temperatures during the months of April and May. Temperatures in North India can climb as high as 50°C, while cooler regions average a temperature of 25°C.

Monsoon Season

Eighty percent of India’s annual rainfall is generated during the monsoon season. Monsoons are created by heavy winds gathering weather from the Indian Ocean. Every year, monsoons play a large role in determining the success of the Indian economy. A monsoon season with little rain will hurt the agriculture sector, and therefore the rest of the country’s economy will suffer.

Post-Monsoon Season

During the post-monsoon season, the Indian landscape has a chance to dry. Light precipitations still occur however, and warm weather is typically seen throughout India.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are more frequent in India than in many other nations around the world. ESL teachers should be mindful of weather warnings and cautions from locals regarding flooding, cyclones, drought, avalanches, dust storms, and landslides near the Himalayas. Teachers living in coastal regions of India are more likely to experience a cyclone than those teaching in India’s interior. Overall, India is a very safe place to teach, but extreme weather should be respected.

Holidays in India

There are three public holidays in India (Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti), and plenty of local public holidays. Each region of India has holidays which are unique to the area; they are typically based on Hindu, Sikh, and Christian religions.

National Holidays

• January 26th – The Day of the Republic (Indian Republic Day) is a holiday used to celebrate the launch of the Indian constitution. Every year a large parade is held in New Delhi to mark the occasion.
• August 15th – Independence Day marks the anniversary of India’s independence from Britain on August 15th, 1947. Cities across India celebrate the holiday in their own way, but there are usually ceremonies centered on the hoisting of the Indian flag.
• October 2nd – Gandhi Jayanti celebrates Mahatma Gandhi on the anniversary of his birth. The holiday was adopted into the UN and is known as the International Day of Non-Violence.

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 there are some volunteer opportunities. Sometimes it is best to simply visit an Indian school and meet the staff and students. This could an excellent way to find a volunteer position.
• Due to the small TESOL market, many English teachers will need to save some money before they plan on coming 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.
• Feet are considered to be unclean parts of the body and 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.

Requirements to Teach English 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. The visa application form can be downloaded from the Internet at https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com. Applicants 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 a meant for foreigners wishing to live in India to pursue their studies.
• Transit Visa – Traveling throughout India will require a transit visa.
  • Completed application which can be picked up at an Indian embassy or consulate office. The form can also be download 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; application fees typically cost around $200.

In addition to the visas listed above, there are visas for people of Indian origin. Applications typically take five business days to process.

Items to Submit With an Indian Employment Visa Application

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://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/ for the most current information.

Embassy and Consulate Information for India

The United States of America Embassy and Consulates Offices in India

Embassy of the United States in New Delhi
U.S. Embassy
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi-110021
City: New Delhi
Phone: 91 011 2419 8000
Fax: 91 11 2419 0017
Email: ndcentral@state.gov
Website: http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/

Consulate General of America in Kolkata
Consulate General
5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Kolkata- 700071
City: Kolkata
Phone: 91 033 3984 2400
Fax: 91 33 2282 2335
Email: KolkataPAS@state.gov
Website: http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov

Consulate General of the United States in Chennia
Consulate General
No. 220, Anna Salai
Chennai-600006
City: Chandigarh
Phone: 91 044 2857 4000
Fax: 91 172 505 0320
Email: chennaic@state.gov
Website: http://chennai.usconsulate.gov

Consulate General of the United States in Mumbai
Consulate General
Lincoln House
78, Bhulabhai Desai Road
Mumbai-400026
City: Mumbai
Phone: 91 022 2363 3611
Email: webmastermumbai@state.gov
Website: http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov

Consulate General of the United States in Hyderabad
Paigah Palace
1-8-323
Chiran Fort Lane,
Begumpet
Secunderabad- 500003
Andhra Pradesh
City: Hyderabad
Phone: 91 40 4033 8300
Website: http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov

Canadian Embassy and Consulates Offices in India

The Embassy of Canada in New Delhi
7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021, India
City: New Delhi
Phone: 91 11 4178 2000
Fax: 91 11 4178-2020
Website: www.canadainternational.gc.ca/india-inde/

Consulate General of Canada, Mumbai
Fort House, 6th Floor
221, Dr. D.N. Road
Fort, Mumbai 400 001
City: Mumbai
Phone: 91 22 6749 4444
Fax: 91 22 6749 4454
Email: mmbai@international.gc.ca
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (closes at 3:00 pm on Fridays)

Consulate General of Canada, Chennai
18 (Old 24), 3rd floor YAFA Tower
Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam
Chennai 600 006, India
City: Chennai
Phone: 91 44 2833 0888
Fax: 91 44 4215-9393
Email: cheni@gocindia.org
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (closes at 3:00 pm on Fridays)

Australian Embassy and Consulates Offices in India

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: austhighcom.newdelhi@dfat.gov.au
Website: www.india.embassy.gov.au/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 with a lunch break from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Consulate General of Australia in Mumbai
36 Maker Chambers VI
220 Nariman Point
Mumbai 400 021
City: Mumbai
Phone: 91 22 6669 2000
Fax: 91 22 6669 2005
Email: austhighcom.newdelhi@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://www.ausgovindia.com/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm with a lunch break from 1 pm to 2:00 pm

Consulate General of Australia in Chennai
512, Alpha Wing, Raheja Towers
177, Anna Salai
Chennai 600 002
Tamil Nadu, India
City: Chennai
Phone: 91 44 4297 0000
Fax: 91 44 2860 4988
Email: austhighcom.newdelhi@dfat.gov.au
Website: http://www.ausgovindia.com/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm with a lunch break from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

British Embassy and Consulates Offices in India

Embassy of the United Kingdom in New Delhi
British High Commission
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110021
City: New Delhi
Phone: 91 11 2419 2100
Fax: 91 11 2687 0065
Email: web.newdelhi@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://ukinindia.fco.gov.uk/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Chandigarh
House No 751
Sector 8-B
Chandigarh 160 008
City: Chandigarh
Phone: 91 17 2464 3707
Fax: 91 17 2464 3707
Email: bto.chandigarh@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://ukinindia.fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Kolkata
1A Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Kolkata-700071
City: Kolkata
Phone: 91 33 2288 5172/2288 5173 76
Fax: 91 33 2288 3435
Email: kolkata@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://ukinindia.fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Ahmedabad
404 Kaivanna,
Near Ambawadi Circle,
Panchawati,
Ahmedabad-380 006.
City: Ahmedabad
Phone: 91 79 2646 7138
Fax: 91 79 2640 3537
Email: bto.ahmedabad@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://ukinindia.fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (closes at 1:00 pm on Fridays)

Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Mumbai
C/32 G Block Bandra Kurla Complex,
Bandra (East) Mumbai 400 051
City: Mumbai
Phone: 91 22 6650 2222
Fax: 91 22 6650 2324
Email: postmaster.bomba@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://ukinindia.fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (closes at 1:00 pm on Fridays)

Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Chennai
20 Anderson Road
Chennai 600 006
City: Chennai
Phone: 91 44 4219 2151
Fax: 91 44 4219 2322
Email: bdhcchen@airtelbroadband.in
Website: http://ukinindia.fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (closes at 1:30 pm on Fridays)

Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Bangalore
Prestige Takt
23 Kasturba Road Cross
Bangalore 560001
South India
India
City: Bangalore
Phone: 91 80 2210 0200
Fax: 91 80 2210 0400
Email: bto.bangalore@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://ukinindia.fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (closes at 1:30 pm on Fridays)

Irish Embassy and Consulates Offices in India

Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi
Embassy of Ireland
230 Jor Bagh
New Delhi 110 0031
City: New Delhi
Phone: 91 11 2462 6733
Fax: 91 11 2469 7053
Email: bto.bangalore@fco.gov.uk
Website: http://www.irelandinindia.com/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm

Consulate General of Ireland in Mumbai
Ireland Consulate
2nd Floor, Sir P.M. Road
Fort Mumbai, India
400001
City: Mumbai
Phone: 91 22 5635 5635
Fax: 91 22 5639 1945

Consulate General of Ireland in Bangalore
Biocon Limited, 20th K M Hosur Road
Hebbagodi, Bangalore, India
561229
City: Bangalore
Phone: 91 80 2852 3425
Fax: 91 80 28523 4235

New Zealand’s Embassy and Consulates Offices in India

Embassy of New Zealand in New Delhi
New Zealand High Commission
Sir Edmund Hillary Marg
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021, India
City: New Delhi
Phone: 91 11 2688 3170
Fax: 91 11 2688 3165
Email: newzealandhc@bol.net.in
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com/home.cfm?c=26
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Consulate General of New Zealand in Chennai
Honourary Consul for New Zealand
Mr L Ganesh
Rane Engine Valves Ltd
Maithri, 132 Cathedral Road
Chennai 600 086
City: Chennai
Phone: 91 44 2811 2472 ext 21
Fax: 91 2811 2449
Email: r.ramesh@rane.co.in
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Consulate General of New Zealand in Mumbai
Honourary Consul for New Zealand
Mr. Pradip Madhavji
Aashiana, First Floor
5 Altamount Road,
Mumbai 400 026
City: Mumbai
Phone: 91 22 2352 0022
Fax: 91 22 2353 0031
Email: madhavji@bom8.vsnl.net.in
Website: http://www.nzembassy.com/home.cfm?c=26
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Embassy and Consulate Information for India

Indian Embassy and Consulates Offices in the United States

Embassy of India in Washington D.C.
2107 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C.
USA - 20008
City: Washington D.C.
Phone: 1 (202) 939-7000
Fax: 1 (202) 265-4351
Website: http://www.indianembassy.org/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 12:30 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 the US can be found at: http://www.indianembassy.org/newsite/consulatesinus.asp.

Indian Embassy and Consulates Offices in Canada

Embassy of India in Ottawa
High Commission of India
10 Springfield Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1M 1C9
City: Ottawa
Phone: (613) 744-3751/2/3
Fax: (613) 744-0913
Email: hicomind@hciottawa.ca
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/counsulate.htm

* Exchange rates are subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
** Information is updated regularly, so check back for more details about teaching English in India
† The Big Mac Index is a credible, reliable, third-party cost-of-living index created by The Economist. For comparison purposes, it lists the cost of an American Big Mac at $3.54.

Check out our informative country reports offering detailed information about teaching English in the following countries:

Japan  |  Korea  |  Spain  |  France  |  China  |  Italy  |  Mexico  |  Germany  |  Russia  |  India