Learning a language can open up a new career path and, one such option is Job opportunities for foreign language teachers, faculty, and trainers.
As globalization continues to be the trend these days, more and more people feel the need to learn at least one foreign language.
Languages are the hallmark of communication in the business world.
And with Indian companies merging into the global economic scheme of things, breaking the language barrier for better job opportunities becomes paramount.
There are so many benefits of learning a new language.
The job prospects in foreign languages are among the most popular motivators while picking a language to learn.
Your ability to speak a foreign language entails you have broken the language barrier to some degree.
Also, you’re opening yourself up for improved career opportunities in specialized fields of endeavors.
Read → (i) Language jobs in travel industry (ii) Interpretation career (iii) Language jobs in BPO (iv) Career in export sector (v) Language jobs in Embassy (vi) Language career after 12th.
Table of Contents
Career Outlook for Language Teaching in India
Do you have a flair for teaching and lecturing?
Your proficiency in a foreign language can help you land excellent tutoring and lecturing jobs in India.
The good thing about being a language educator is that you will not only be open to language job opportunities, but also open up career choices as a language trainer and mentor overseas where such proficiency is in hot demand.
Considering that there is so much, the majority of native teachers cannot teach you when it comes to an understanding of the nature of a particular foreign language.
It is because they have not done it themselves, and this is where the critical point lies.
Working in the combination of native teachers alongside learner teachers in a faculty can render useful results.
For instance, if you speak Arabic, and you work with native Arabic teachers. Well then, you will find it easier to explain the perspective and concerns to your friends or other people that they never had an idea before.
Furthermore, some critical agencies of government and many companies are always looking for foreign language teachers with proficiency in specific languages.
If, for example, you speak French or Spanish fluently, you can become a language trainer for the staff of the Indian export houses doing business in Africa or Latin America.
It is because language is the barrier in this Francophone countries and the Hispanic world for these companies.
Six Career Options for Foreign Language Teachers
Here are the top six career options for foreign language teachers.
1. Language Teachers Job in Schools
Today, there are over 1,000 Indian Schools affiliated to CBSE, CISCE, ICSE, and international schools such as Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate (IB).
Almost all have introduced international languages into their curriculum. It is taught either as a third or second language or as an elective subject.
With a growing number of students opting to study various languages, those fluent in the corresponding language are often deployed as foreign language teachers.
The job opportunities in this field are plenty – across the country.
To get a foreign language teaching job in India, you will need to be a college graduate from any field.
Plus, a higher competency like B2/C1 or degree in the corresponding language is a prerequisite (sorry but short term certificate/diploma courses won’t cut it).
In a few cases, a B.Ed degree and experience can also add surpassing value in your resume.
2. Trainer or Coaching in any private Institute
The number of candidates taking up foreign language courses in recent years has risen dramatically.
As more and more people are learning languages, the newspaper ads sections are often awash with openings for a French or German teacher – be it in India.
You might not find the pay very attractive in starting.
Nevertheless, it is an excellent place to begin your career as an instructor, and from there, move to higher opportunities after harnessing your language skills.
Over the past few years, the language learning market is accelerating at a steady pace in India.
To tap the increasing need, hundreds of language schools exist in various cities for most languages. So, as foreign language teachers, you’ll be in demand.
3. Faculty, or Lecturer in Colleges and University
What has changed this last decade in several universities? More Universities are offering foreign languages as part of the curriculum.
Language instruction has become an integral part of the 21st century’s life-long learning process.
Your degree or certification in the foreign tongue can make you an Assistant Professor or Visiting faculty working in one of the numerous Colleges or Universities in India.
With more and more Universities offering a foreign language as part of the curriculum, getting experienced and knowledgeable faculty or lecturer is becoming difficult.
The competition to get into Universities is tough. For Full-time lecturer, or Assistant and Associate professor, you need a Ph.D. doctorate.
For a few positions, a Master’s degree in the same language and UGC Net are also accepted. To coach part-time, you will need to have a relevant degree for the foreign tongue you may wish to teach.
For part-time faculty, experience plays the most crucial role.
4. Foreign Language Corporate Training
In the workplace or the corporate world, learning a language for business benefits both the company and individual employees.
Corporations often use language training to expand the business into more markets.
Speaking an important language improves a business’s ability to negotiate effectively in international markets and opens up new possibilities.
Several Indian and International companies look for trainers who can train the candidates for various professional courses or corporate training or an on-site opportunity or for dealing with overseas customers.
As a result, skilled corporate teaching personnel are finding their services in higher demand.
Thanks to the endless possibilities in the education field, the career prospects continue to be very robust and seamlessly increasing.
5. Freelance Language Tutors
A tutor is a person who offers classes to an individual or a small group of students.
The focused attention, personalized curriculum, customized programs, and tailored guidance of private tutoring jobs can help you learn any language.
This approach is the most effective and productive method of learning though fees are a bit on the higher sides.
Additionally, students arrange their classes and can schedule sessions at times that are convenient for both student and tutor.
Many candidates also choose a combination of the two options.
They start with group tutoring to cover the fundamentals at a lower cost and then move into private guidance to get the vital one-on-one guidance/assistance.
The salary for linguist tutors are generally according to their level of education and experience.
A typical freelance language job as a tutor will cost between Rs 400 to 1000 per hour for a high school or College-going student, and a certified teacher with top-notch experience will take anything between Rs 800 to 2000 per hour.
6. Online Language Teaching
Over the past ten years, we have seen the development and expansion of online language programs.
It is effortless to open online teaching classes. Besides, It is easy to manage even a large number of students.
There are many pros of online language learning.
For instance, there are no time constraints on fixed class schedules. Students are also inclined to learning online.
You can schedule your sessions by choosing your hours – you can work from anywhere, anytime.
All you need is an internet connection, a headphone, and a webcam.
Due to factors such as time constraints, e-learning has quickly emerged as an alternative means of continuing education.
It makes online teachers strive to increase their web-based programs.
Despite courses successfully transitioning to online instructions, some educators are still facing challenges in creating high-quality, foreign language courses offered exclusively over the internet.
If you have a passion for teaching, there is always a foreign language teaching job opening for you, including face-to-face lessons through Zoom, Skype, Google meets, Microsoft Team, etc.
Most Popular Foreign Languages for Teaching
French and German continue to occupy the leading spot among foreign language courses promoted by various schools and Universities. Spanish.
Arabic, Persian, and Russian are commonly available at several universities in the country.
As far as corporate training and professional courses at various institutes are concerned, Japanese is quite popular.
There is also some demand for less taught languages like Dutch, Turkish, Turkish, Scandinavian languages, to name a few.
Few institutes also offer Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Italian, and Portuguese. There seems to be a shortage of trained professionals to tap the growing demand for learning a foreign language.
The Chinese, Japanese, and Korean are considered to be some of the most challenging tongues to acquire (especially for English speakers).
Therefore, most students prefer European languages.
The demand for French, German, or Spanish is widespread for all types of programs in India.
Final thought
Having a career in a foreign language is something that is always going to be highly profitable.
Once you can decide in respect of the foreign language teaching career, well, the sky is the only thing that would be the limit to the success that’s coming your way.
Sir, I am an aspirant Spanish learner. Currently, I’m pursuing a B.A. (Hons.) English from DU. I’ll be doing M.A after that. But I’m looking forward to becoming a Spanish professor at University. What next step should I take? Also, is this field good?
For permanent positions, a Ph.D. in Spanish is mandatory. If your goal is to be a Spanish Assistant professor, you should start with a 3-year part-time Advanced Diploma or DELE B2 from a private institute, followed by MA in Spanish (through the entrance), and finally Ph.D. in Spanish. All this will take several years of study. Will you able to do that?
For Spanish teaching jobs in school, temporary works in colleges, or private educational institutions, a few years of study is ok. You don’t need long term degree courses.
Sir, can you please provide insight into career opportunities in travel and tourism with knowledge of the French language? I also hold a BA degree in journalism as well as delf b2.
Now is not the right time in the tourism industry. You can work as a language specialist in the tour company or travel agencies, support executive, linguistic guide, and logistics. Mostly, it would help if you had a relevant degree in tourism. Ergo, try something that is entirely based on French. It may not be easy to find one, but such possibilities exist in abundance.
hello
I have done English hons from DU and planning to do an MA in Spanish and BEd also. Will that be a problem to get a teaching job?
thanks
No, but you cannot do MA directly in Spanish without having Spanish background. The admission in masters is through entrance test, and to pass, you need Spanish skills similar to BA in Spanish.
I am a final year BTech biotechnology student from Lucknow. I have studied Spanish as my foreign language in my graduation as an additional subject. I am aware of the basics of Spanish language and now I wish to do a certification course in Spanish so as to get a proficiency certificate and also to get to work in schools /colleges or universities.
1. Will certification be enough for this? 2. Is the EFLU Lucknow campus providing certification courses for the same? (As I have a problem in shifting to a different location) 3. If the certification course is not available at eflu, kindly suggest to me some good training institutes from where I can learn Spanish further and give Dele the exam?
1. No. After the certificate, you can pursue the Diploma and Advanced Diploma from EFLU. 2. Yes.
Currently, I’m doing my graduation in psychology (1st year). I’m thinking of opting for the certificate (then diploma and advanced diploma afterward) from DU college in either German or Chinese. Which among the two will be best to get into the teaching profession in Delhi schools/institutes? Shall I opt for Delhi University or from Max Mueller Bhavan? Is a diploma from DU enough for getting into the teaching profession, or do I need to do something else? Also, do we need to have B.Ed (or what else) to teach a foreign language in schools? Please guide me.
Both German and Mandarin are good choices. So, you can pick either one as per your understanding and interest. For foreign language teaching jobs in school, you should at least aim for a 3-year Advanced Diploma (from University), or B2/C1 (Max Mueller – German) or HSK Level IV/V (Mandarin – Pvt. Institutes). Many schools also require a B.Ed degree. After Goethe ZD B2 or HSK IV-V, you can also consider masters in German or Chinese. In that case, you will be eligible for most jobs, including teaching.
Hello sir, I am a BE graduate, currently a homemaker (32 yrs). I am planning to build my career in the teaching profession. So planning to do a French course. My doubts are:
1. Which language has more scope in schools, French or German? 2. What level to I need to accomplish to get a job? 3. What is the minimum time it would take to get the certification? 4. Considering my age, will I still have the scope to get a job.
1. Both are equally popular in the Schools, although French has a little edge in the academic establishments. 2. At least aim for B2 or Advanced Diploma. Many schools also ask for a B.Ed. Degree. 3. 2-3 years, but it also depends on how you are studying and your language learning ability. 4. Yes.
Hii Sir,
I have a huge interest in Korean and want to pursue my career in Korean. I want to know whether studying at KCC in Lajpat Nagar, Delhi or having graduation in the Korean language in college, which is the right decision? Please suggest me the best choice.
The best choice is a 5-year integrated BA+MA in Korean from JNU. Jamia and JNU are two options as far as BA in Korean is concerned. Since the seats are limited, it is not easy to crack the entrance test for these two universities. If you can you do that, go with it. If not, there is always an option like KCC or any private institute. Good luck!
Dear Mr. Gupta
Foremost, your website is very comprehensive and the FAQs at the bottom of each section surely add value. I found it very useful and valuable. I have over two decades of work experience in the marketing department of a cruise vacation company based in New Delhi. To give you my educational background:
1. I hold a PG Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management from the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (An Organisation of MOT, GOI), 1998. 2. Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache from the Goethe-Institut. I pursued the course from Max Mueller Bhavan, KG Marg, New Delhi, 1997.
I now plan to switch career tracks and would now like to reskill in the German language with the intention of becoming a freelance language tutor/instructor/teacher. Seek your valuable inputs – how best can I take this forward. Please do note that German was not put to use during my marketing career – so I am as good as a novice. Look forward to your expert advice. Thank you and best regards.
If you want to shift your career as a German teacher, you have to start from scratch. After completing B2, you can try in various educational institutions. Besides, you can also work as a Freelance online/offline teacher. It might take time to learn properly and gain some experience, but that is a prerequisite for making a successful career in this profession.
Thank you for your response, Mr. Gupta. Given the current lockdown situation, most of the institutes have suspended the offline classes until further notice. Given the uncertainty of the future, would you recommend that one look at online classes? From your blog, I understand that online is not the best way to learn a language. It’s a catch 22 situation! Do advise. Thanks and regards, Ritu.
The offline classroom setups are normally better, but if it not feasible like the current situation, you can positively take online classes. Choose the one where teachers and one-to-one interactions with them are involved, and not just content/lessons. My organization is also conducting online language sessions these days.
Dear Mr. Gupta,
In your experience, which of the following 3 institutions would you recommend for learning German – Language Pantheon, Langma Institute of Foreign Languages, and German Language Circle – all are based in Delhi.
Also, why is it that the hours per level range from 30 – 90 across the various institutes? Institute A covers A1 in 30 hours, institute B in 50, and C in 90. The break up of 90 hours is such that significant hours are spent on grammar and books and the remainder on exam preparation (Goethe).
Thanks, Ritu
Why not join Goethe-institute in the first place? It is the best German institute in Delhi. If you are looking for other options, you can consider German Language School, The German Language School, and Language Pantheon. All three are exclusive German institutes and more or less the same as far as quality is concerned.
If any institute follows the CEFR and Goethe-Zertifikat exam pattern, there is no need for any special preparation for the Goethe test. The entire course should be based on that. The grammar and written section, though necessary, only makes a small part of the overall Goethe test. Speaking, listening, and reading make 75% weightage. As you go up the levels, you need more hours to get to the next one. For example, Zero to A2 requires 150 to 200 hours, but it can take 300-400 hours to get from A2 to B2. But, the duration varies because different centers follow different methodologies and strategies.
Sir,
I have done an advanced diploma in the French language from SFL, New Delhi in 2010 and taking Pvt tuition in Delhi/ NCR. What should I do to get a job in any translation company? Please advice.
You can make a profile on various job portals, and even you can send your resume to companies that have French related work. For translation jobs in MNC, experience is usually a requirement and the experience of Pvt. tuition is not considered.
Hi Vikash,
It’s good to see your answers to all the questions. I, too, have confusion on which language to choose between French and Spanish. I completed an MA literature, and I want to continue my career in the teaching field in any of the international schools in Hyderabad. So I just want to know which language better with the respective teaching field.
Thanks. Presently, the French program is available in more educational institutions, but the market is also very competitive. Thus, in the end, both are good enough. Pick as per your interest. You can also read French Vs. Spanish?
Hello sir, I am very confused between Japanese and Spanish. I want to pursue teaching as a career option. Please suggest to me what I should choose?
Well, this is something only you can decide. One thing to consider is language complexity. Spanish is probably one of the easiest languages, whereas Japanese is a challenging tongue. Career-wise, both are good. Interest is quite a subjective thing.
Hello Vikash Ji,
How are you? I hope you are fine and I pray to god that you get everything in your life. I have also some questions regarding language, but today I just want to tell you that, you are a nice person. These days it’s not easy to take out time for others but you take out time to solve the Different-2 doubts, which is not as much as easy we think.
I’m seriously telling you that I like your posts, and as I get time, I follow your post. I’m very much impressed because of the way you help others in learning the language. While explaining the things you use simple language and simple methods that I think that anyone can understand easily. So really a big thanks for this kind act.
Thank you so much for your kind words. This means a lot to me. My passion for languages helps me to devout lots of time. Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
Hello sir.
Please tell. What level of delf is comparable to B.A and M.A in French?
DELF cannot be compared to a BA or MA in French. DELF is more about language and conversational skills, whereas Degree courses focus more on culture and literature though it also covers grammar section initially. Besides, you gain a Diploma through the DELF exam, and on the other hand, BA and MA are full-time degree programs. DELF B2 is a prerequisite for most jobs.
Sir, My name is Riju, and I have completed masters in the computer. Now I want to learn the french language to get a job in International schools or language job in tour and travels. So, the question is a certification course from IGNOU is enough for that or I should go for Delf A1/A2. Kindly suggest me and guide me. Thank you so much.
Regards.
Neither IGNOU’s Certificate nor A1 or A2 is enough. You should at least aim for DELF B1 if not B2.
Sir. I am currently doing my bachelors in French from du in GRS DEPARTMENT. Plus, I am doing my B1 level from alliance too, and I am planning to give my DELF B1 next year. So after my B1 should I aim for B2 also and what all qualifications do I need to become a permanent professor in some reputed college like du or a member of visiting faculty?
These days, The Ph.D. Degree in French is a desired qualification for Assistant Professor. That will take 8-10 years of French studies. One can also get the job after MA + NET by UGC, CSIR in French but possibility is less due to limited number of the new opening. For visiting or guest faculty, there is no specific requirement though MA in French or DALF C1/C2 along with teaching experience is usually prerequisite.
Hello sir,
I have completed my graduation in BA, and now I’m planning to learn German to become a teacher. But I have a doubt, will I be able to get a job in schools if I’ll learn German till B1 level without a bed degree?
Yes, but B1 might not be enough. Aim for at least B2.
What is the process of getting a German degree? What is the time of this course? Can we go for a long-distance program?
It is a 3-years BA and 2 years MA in German. To my knowledge, there is no University offering degree courses in German through distance mode.
What if we start it after 10th. Is it possible?
No. For BA, you need to successfully pass the class 12th exam.
I want to become a language professor so tell me please all information about that. How I become?
For a permanent position as an Assistant professor, you need an MA and UGC NET in the language concerned. Ph.D. is mandatory for any promotion. As far as temporary jobs are concerned, for example, Guest or visiting faculty, Advanced proficiency along with relevant experience is usually needed. In short, College faculty requires a high level of academic qualification and experience.
I have done Spanish till B1. And I am thinking to continue with B2. Is it necessary to give dele if you have to teach in schools or universities?
No, but you need some recognized Diplomas or Degree in Spanish. Appropriate certifications help recruiters to shortlist candidates. Some school also ask for B.Ed.
Sir, I have done A1 and A2 levels in french going to give delf B1 level soon, my question is where do the marks and percentage secure in these delf exams matter? do we get a job based on the scores secured? Also, can I start my own business in the education of french after A2 LEVEL?
The certificates are enough, and score matters to a limited extent. A2 is an elementary level. Whether you wish to find a job or want to start your business, you should at least aim for DELF B2.
Dear Sir,
I would like to pursue a foreign language, preferably French or Spanish, to pursue a career as a foreign language instructor. How do I get started?
Pick a language between 2, and enroll in any nearest learning center.
Sir, which language has the better scope between Spanish and German for becoming a teacher. Which language is best for bpo jobs in terms of salary, and the number of job vacancies?
There are more job opportunities for Spanish learners in the BPO industry. In the teaching field, both offer more or less similar employment possibilities.
Hi Vikash,
I hold a B2.1 certificate in German. Currently, I am a freelance German tutor at home mainly catering to the Cbse school syllabus. I would like to know how to further my career in the teaching line. I like to teach youngsters and derive a lot of satisfaction from my job. But I want to take it a notch higher.
Giving German tuition is good to make some money with lots of flexibility. The experience you gain through individual tutoring, however, is not added on the resume. You can explore opportunity as a school teacher, corporate training, or teaching in any language Institutes. You can also continue German with an aim for C1.
Hi Sir,
Planning to make a career in a Foreign Language course, so please guide me which one is the better option and from which institute or college I have to do this. Please guide something about scope also.
Thanks
There is no “better” language. You’ve to pick as per your goal and interest. The choice of an educational institution depends on the location and the language you want to study. You can read some of the articles in the career and job section.
Sir, My self Manpreet and I am from Bathinda, Punjab. I have done my Post graduation in 2015 in computer application after that I started learning French. I have done DELF A1 and A2 but Now planning for a degree in the French language because I want to get a Job immigration department or any university. Please suggest me
You don’t need a degree, you can continue French with a goal to achieve B2/C1. After B2, you will eligible for most of the language jobs including a job as a French teacher.
Sir, I am unable to choose between Spanish and Korean languages. Which one of these would be better to learn at EFLU Hyderabad?
EFLU Hyderabad does not offer any full-time degree course in Korean whereas Spanish is offered at all levels, ranging from certificate to all the way to Ph.D. Even if you choose Korean, you still have to pursue a Bachelor or/and Master degree from some other University. It is difficult to suggest which one since both are two totally different languages. Choose what you like.
Sir,
My name is Keshav and I have just completed my MA Spanish Degree in EFLU (Pretty sure you would know) in Hyderabad. I am currently going to write the DELE B2 exam and NET Exam. I would like to know what is the real value of DELE B2 and how much it helps me in getting a course to study abroad and whether getting a JRF means that by default you could enroll in a course in India with a stipend?
And could you give me some tips and suggestions on how to prepare smartly for DELE, on how to have a systematic preparation for MPhil in JNU and NET? I would prefer that you would reply in email.
Thank you
DELE is accepted as confirmation of your Spanish proficiency level. NET is helpful for entry-level lecturer jobs in College but for any promotion Ph.D. is compulsory. Since you have already completed an MA. Therefore, you don’t need DELE. For the Ph.D. program abroad, Most Universities will accept MA. If it is required you can appear for the DELE B2/C1 test.
I’m sure your Spanish writing skills must be good. So, you only need to practice speaking and listening part. You can check sample papers. You can check the JNU syllabus for the doctorate course. Since the number of seats is very few. Thus, you need to prepare well.
Hi sir,
I have completed my graduation in BA and now I’m planning to learn German to become a teacher. But I am confused to choose between language Pantheon or Max Muller Bhavan. Can you tell me which one from these two will help me become a teacher in school?
Max Muller Bhavan is obviously better though the fee is on the higher side. Educational institutions do not equal success. It depends on other factors like temperament, references, and of course, your level of engagement with German. Whatever you decide, aim for at least Goethe-Zertifikat B2. Read — Learn German in Delhi.
Sir is it compulsory to give the geothe exam (Zertifikat Deutsch) to get jobs in india?
If you’re studying at any College or University, you don’t need that. Since Certification issued by Private institutes are not accepted everywhere. Thus, you can appear for the International Goethe exam which is accepted and recognized all over the world.
Sir, 1) what is the time duration in terms of years required to attain proficiency in french language to be able to conduct yourself in jobs in IB schools or corporate jobs 2) Can one start this at a later age say post 35? 3) What universities or recognised institutions in mumbai do you recommend for this and tentative cost of the entire curriculum.
Thank you
1) DELF B2 / DALF C1 or Advanced Diploma or BA or MA in French from any University. At least aim for a 3-year course in French. 2) Yes. Age is no barrier to learning a foreign language. 3) You can join Mumbai University. The University through the Department of French offers a 3-year Advanced Diploma in French. The fees are affordable.
You can also try one of the 7 centres of Alliance Française in Mumbai. It is an embassy affiliated French culture centre. The fees will be on the higher side (roughly 2 Lakh+ from A to C1) but the quality of teaching is great. Read — French courses through embassies
Sir, what is the tenure as well as the level of learning Spanish after completing which someone can apply for a lecturer in Universities?
To become a permanent lecturer/Asst. Professor in Universities, MA in Spanish along with NET/SET in the concerned subject is required. For any promotion, one needs a Ph.D. in Spanish along with teaching/research experience. The University also hire visiting or guest faculty temporarily for lower pay without these qualifications.
A higher proficiency like C1 along with experience is a prerequisite. Because of very few vacancies and high academic qualifications as an entry barrier, getting a Job at any University is usually tough. But there are other options like School, institutes, online teaching, corporate training, etc.
Hello Vikash Ji,
I am a graduate (32), and also I have done a Diploma in French language and DELF A2. By profession, I’m teaching French in school for the last 6.5 years, and now I’m planning to move to Canada. So guide me please that what is right for me DELF B1-B2, TEF, or can/ how I move to Canada with these qualifications and experience, or I can immigrate only by giving IELTS. Thank you in advance.
Canada immigration is based on a point system. You will be awarded points based on age, education, relevant experience, marital status, spouse, English, and French skills. For express entry, only TEF/TCF is accepted. IELTS also adds some points, but language skills alone are not enough to qualify for PR. This is quite a vast topic and beyond my coverage area. It is better to contact an overseas consultant. I wrote about TEF and TCF exam.