How to Teach English in Pakistan

The nation's rich history and placement in current world events has made this nation an intesting place for many to visit and teach.

Pakistan is a nation rich in history--it borders India and the Middle East. Its unique culture has attracted many travelers who wish to vacation "off the beaten path." Pakistan has been swept up, like so many other nations, into globalization, and its young people are being encouraged to learn English at an even earlier age. Although English is one of the official languages of Pakistan, it is only spoken by 1 percent of the population--the elite and the ministry. English teachers are now in high demand in Pakistan

Instructions

1. Become TEFL certified. Certification can be gained online or in classroom courses. They range in price anywhere from $300 to $1,500. Online courses tend to be less expensive. The important part about finding a TEFL course is looking at what agencies the schools are aligned with, which can help in job placement. Most TEFL certification courses belong to schools that are connected with agencies that will help make the job search a little easier upon completion. Pakistan is a hard region to find a job without the proper networking.

2. Look for a job. Go through agencies and online postings to help find a job. Some places that you can look for positions are the British Council Pakistan. They look for certified English teachers and place them in appropriate areas in need of English teachers. You can also contact the Society of Pakistan English Language Teachers (SPELT) where they work to train Pakistani nationals as English teachers. They hire certified native English speakers to help in their training program.

3. Acquire any paperwork requested by your new employer or by the government. Upon accepting a job, your employer will go to the Board of Investment for the Government of Pakistan and petition to the government to have you work with them. So, your employer as well as the government may request paperwork to help speed the visa application process. The visa application will be processed in a matter of four weeks.

4. Buy a plane ticket and look for accommodations. Employer-provided living amenities are rare. Unless you are working with a university you will have to find your own apartment and purchase your own plane ticket.

Tips & Warnings

• Due to recent world events the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning June 12, 2009, and renewed it Jan. 7, 2010. If you are interested in teaching in Pakistan make sure to register with the State Department before leaving the United States. This ensures the State Department knows your current whereabouts and can help in an emergency.

References

• Your Dictionary: English as a Second Language in Pakistan
• BOI, Government of Pakistan: Visa Section
• CIA: World Factbook, Pakistan