Learning a language can open up a new career path. 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.
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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 be open to many language job opportunities. You will find many career choices as a language trainer and mentor overseas where such proficiency is in hot demand.
Considering that there is so much, most native teachers cannot teach you when it comes to an understanding 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 valuable results.
For instance, if you speak Arabic and 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 government agencies 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 these 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, over 1,000 Indian Schools are 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 a 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 to 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.
Still, it is an excellent place to begin your career as an instructor. 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 a full-time lecturer or assistant and associate professor, you need a Ph.D. doctorate.
A Master’s degree in the same language and UGC Net are also accepted for a few positions. 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 deal 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, 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 learning method though fees are slightly 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. 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 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 still face challenges 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. This 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 top 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 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.
Hello. I am excited I have found this information. I have had a couple of years of Spanish and Japanese. I have studied French up to Intermediary 2, which totaled just about 5-6yrs of study. I have completed up to Intermediary 2 for German, but I was trying to have that as a minor to my English major, so I have had multiple German-study classes. I would not call myself fluent, but actively able to handle myself in a German-speaking scenario. I can translate, read and understand far better than I speak because I get nervous, like stage fright.
I know I need to find better ways to enhance my speaking skills. I noticed that to me to eventually get comfortable enough to open my mouth and verbalize finally! I am now working towards my MA in English. Unfortunately, After I attained my BA and inquired about language positions, I had an awful counselor who said I needed TEFL(?)
But I was unable to explain how I go about that or now, I am wondering if it is so necessary. If it is necessary, is it so apparently hard to get? I am still persevering with German as I wish to work in the foreign language sector. Given my English major (BA) and the fact that I am currently working on my MA in English and Communications, I hope I might be able to look into publishing, editing, proofreading, or something along those lines. All the jobs I have had thus far are what I would call “whatever pays the bills”-type jobs (but only just).
The university counselor suggested volunteering, but financially, this was impossible for me. It also seemed that volunteering generally needed certain languages, such as Spanish or Vietnamese, which I have little to no knowledge of, mainly for translating in government. I was wondering if this seems so far-fetched, my ability or my chances of being able to get a decent position/career in the foreign language sector. Given the education I have mentioned above, would you think I have a fair chance of finding a decent-paying job?
I would prefer the European market, but I am open to traveling to other nations, such as India, or staying put in the US. According to this counselor I have previously mentioned, it seems as if I have gotten off the sure path to secure the desired position. I am supposed to graduate this Dec 2022. First, what positions would you think are available to me in the foreign language? Second, how would I go about achieving such a goal?
Are there requirements needed that I have yet to complete? For example, are there specific exams on German language proficiency that I take to be qualified as a translator, interpreter, teacher, or tutor, or as I would wish in particular, editing, proofreading, copywriting, and other such similar positions requiring bilingualism or multi-language skills
If you want to work in the field of foreign languages, it would be better to gain advanced proficiency in 1-2 languages. So, that you work as a teacher (offline or online) or work related to language. And for that, you can take international exams. For example, German has TestDaf and Goethe-Deutsch. And same test are available for other languages like Spanish (SIELE and DELE), and French (DELF/DALF), etc. This will also help if you wish to work as a writer, translator and interpretor.
I speak and can read and write in English, Spanish and Japanese fluently. So my question is, is there anyway to prove/certify without a BA or college?
Yes, you can take the respective language proficiency test. For example, JLPT or NAT for Japanese and DELE or SIELE for Spanish. There are also such tests for English.
Hello sir, is BA in French different from the levels in french like delf a1, a2, etc.?
Yes. Both follow different approaches and curricula.
Hello sir, I am thinking about doing CA and learning French as I want to teach French in universities. What are the requirements for being a french professor in India? Also currently I’m in 12th grade in hsc so when do I need to start learning French?
To teach at University as a permanent employee, you need a Ph.D. in French. But, you can work as a temporary visiting faculty with B2/C1 or MA in French.
How much time does it take to do the B2/C1 level?
It is not easy to say as it depends on how much you study, your learning approach, and your mentor. But with regular practice, it roughly takes 2-3 years to achieve C1.
Hello sir
I am 44 years old and teach mathematics at the secondary level. I always wanted to learn a foreign language but never had the opportunity to do so. Now I can learn. Up to what level should I learn to teach German in Indian schools.
Goethe-Zertifikat B2.
Sir, I have done my graduation and B.Ed from distance mode. I am doing a German language B2 course.. can i get a teaching job IN schools?
Yes, you are eligible to apply if you find any new openings.
Sir, I am 21 years old and have recently graduated from DU with English honors. I want to become a foreign language professor (Mandarin or Japanese). Can I do so without a Master’s degree? And what courses should I take to qualify for that? Can you also recommend the best institutes in India where I can enroll for the courses?
For full-time college educators, MA and sometimes even a Ph.D. in that language is required. You can teach as a guest or visiting faculty without these degrees. However, you still need recognized certification and relevant experience. The choice of course recommendation depends on language and location. There are 100’s of good options all over India.
Sir, I have just a doubt. I’m pursuing my B2.1 and at the same time also pursuing my BA program in the third year. I want to get to know, what should I do now? I’m very confused. Honestly speaking, I want to become a German language teacher. Could you please tell me, which courses or at which level do I need to become a German teacher? I want to feel proud of my parents. Sir, please help me
For most teaching jobs, you need B2. This is sufficient. You can also continue and achieve C1, though not necessary. Many schools ask for a B.Ed. However, in private institutions, this isn’t required.
Hello Sir,
I am at present 45 years old. My qualification is B.Sc. I want to start an alternative career option in Foreign Languages, especially as a Teacher, Trainer, or Translator. Which foreign language should I learn, French or German, for pursuing those careers in India? Please guide me as I cannot experiment with languages at this age, and I have to start with anyone’s language with a full heart.
I understand your concern, but I don’t advise which language to learn as it is highly subjective and suggestions vary from one person to another. I’d suggest reading a lot so that you pick something that suits you. Alternatively, you can hire a career counselor to guide you. We also have this service for one-to-one language guidance.
Hello sir,
I’m doing MBA in finance, and I’m just wondering whether I should learn a foreign language or not and what language should I learn?
You should learn a foreign language as it is beneficial in every aspect of life. The choice of the language, however, depends entirely on you.
Dear Sir,
I found your content very useful. I have done b.tech (IT) and MA linguistics (distance). I want to pursue my career as a language teacher or trainer. For that, I want to learn a language. Would you please suggest which language should I choose and which course or certificate would be best for getting jobs?
Thank you for your support and guidance in anticipation
I don’t recommend which language to learn as it is pretty subjective. No one language fits everyone. I’d suggest picking one of the popular ones like French, Spanish, German, Japanese, etc.
Hi sir, right now practising French in Alliance Francaise and planning to give my TEF exam. My doubt is if I score a B2 in TEF and a B2 cert from Alliance Francaise is it enough to get a job in most schools or anything more is required?
Yes, B2 is enough for most jobs, but do take the DELF B2 exam.
Hello sir, I am Gaurav Kumar. How to take admission?
Where, and for what?
Hello sir. I am pursuing MBA and also learning the French language from campus. Is it beneficial for me?
Yes.
Hello Sir. My name is Simran, and I’m pursuing a b2.1 level from Language Pantheon, Delhi. I did my BA program from Du, and I’ve completed my B.ed this year. I’ve some questions to ask you. Please help me with this.
I really want to pursue a career in the teaching field. I enjoy teaching German. But I don’t know what all options for me and the path to making a great career out of it are. I want to know the eligibility criteria to become a German teacher at a school and a German lecturer in a good college in Delhi/NCR (India)? I want to know step by step what’s the path to be a school as well as a college teacher.
Another query is that I should enroll in Ma in the German language from Du or do M.ed, or just completing all my levels until c2 is enough for me to get a good job in future teaching. A career in teaching Foreign Language with a great post and great salary with some growth is what we all want. But I’m very clueless and tensed now. So plz guide me, Sir.
A combination of a B.Ed degree and B2 is sufficient to teach in school. You should take the Goethe-Zertifikat B2 exam. If you want to teach in Colleges, I’d suggest going for Masters’s in German after completing B2/C1.
While for a permanent assistant professor job in Government colleges, one needs a Ph.D. in German, but you can find plenty of positions in private colleges and also as a guest/visiting faculty. You can explore possibilities in private institutes offering German courses and online teaching.
Thank you so much, Sir, for answering my question. I would like to know that if I complete all my levels up to c1 with a great score without doing Masters’ in german. Then what job options will I get in both colleges as well as in the corporate sector? And are there any internship opportunities for German students in Delhi NCR?
You will be eligible for nearly 95% of jobs in the private sector. You can also work in any Government college as a guest or visiting German faculty. For permanent positions, MA + UGC NET or Ph.D. is necessary.
Hi sir. I don’t have any Certificate in Spanish, but I was in Chile from 2015 until now. I learn Spanish there with general communities. Now, because of covid I back to India and I am looking for jobs as a Spanish expert. So, can I get any job without any course Certificate because my Spanish is quite well and good?
Possible, but in many cases, companies do ask for recognized certification. If your Spanish is good enough, then why not take the DELE or SIELE exam to earn the international diplomas? It will add a great value-add to your C.V.
Hello sir, I am currently doing B2 in French and I have an MA in English Literature. But I don’t want to get into teaching so I didn’t go for Net/Ph.D. I want to do something in languages but don’t know what options I have. Could you please suggest some options for me? Whenever I check online for French jobs it’s mostly customer sales executive jobs. And everything else language trainer, translator, etc. requires several years of experience. How am I supposed to get experience if there are no opportunities for Freshers who have just finished a language course?
Not all jobs require years of experience, but one has to always start from scratch. I’d suggest finding any work involving French. Later, with a better understanding of various work possibilities, interests, and expertise, you can try jobs that suit you best. A vast majority of jobs are indeed in the BPO industry, but opportunities exist elsewhere too. For example, export houses, the tourism industry, international sales marketing, content writing, PR, to name a few.
Hello Sir, just have a doubt. Could you please give an idea of a starting and maximum salary as a French lecturer or professor in degree (DU) or Amity university Delhi with a doctorate or ma with a net degree?
In starting, one can only get a job as an assistant professor, and the salary ranges from 6 to 9 lakh per annum. With experience and promotion to associate professor, it can further go up by 30% to 40%.
I am a teacher in a private school with 15 years of experience. I have done B.A., B.Ed (Eng. hon) but through correspondence. Now, I am planning to do a certificate course in French to get to work in colleges. As I have gone through all the queries I got some idea, but still, I have a doubt. Shall I do M.A French in correspondence after a B1/B2 or directly M.A French in regular?
Regular MA is better. Also, I’m not aware of any Indian university that offers a Master’s in French through correspondence.
Hi sir, I am Lokesh. Sir, I want to know which language (Spanish, German) have more job opportunity in a school or teaching area?
In Schools, German is more popular than Spanish. However, in Universities, private institutes, and other educational institutions, both are more or less equally widespread.
Sir, please kindly guide me; I am in my final year of graduation & I joined a part-time certificate course in German from Delhi university during my 2 years. Now I’m confused about whether I should continue with the diploma because I’m still skeptical about du teaching pattern or else I have also applied for Max Mueller Bhavan intensive course & the confirmed list is yet to come. Most importantly the classes are online due to covid will it be ok to enroll me in the course? Or should I continue with du only?
The quality of teaching at Max Mueller Bhavan is certainly better than DU part-time courses. You can join MMB and take the Goethe-Zertifikat test to gain international diplomas.
Hello, I am MA in French and I am teaching for the last 7 year in all boards except the IB board, I am looking for any institute or any organisation who is conducting teacher training for international baccalaureate and who provides certificate too in French, it could be offline or online but it should be in INDIA. If you know anyone please let me know.
You can contact Alliance Française and LeFreHindi to know if they are conducting French teacher’s training programs these days.
Hello sir. I want to make my career in French. I want to become a French tutor. Do I need to pass the delf exam to teach french?
No. Any authentic certification or diploma that certifies your French knowledge is sufficient. In the end, you get a job and grow based on your skills, experience, and teaching ability.
Hi sir,
I am Elakkiya. I did Goethe certificate B2 in German and B.ed degree in India. I would like to teach the German language in international schools in Chennai. Could you please kindly send me a school which is following German as a second language around Chennai?
I don’t have that kind of list, nor it is possible to get one. You can check individual schools. Start from the most popular ones, especially those that are following the curriculum of IGCSE, CBSE, and ICSE.
Hello, Sir, I am a BA student and want to be a Japanese language professor at university (du). So, kindly tell me how I can achieve it.
You need a Ph.D. in Japanese.
Good day sir,
I am a B.tech graduate and planning to change my field. I am interested in teaching the German language. Is B2 level enough to teach in schools and colleges? Also is B.ed necessary to teach in Schools? Likewise, is NET required to teach in colleges, or Goethe certification is enough? What is the starting salary for teachers? It would be great if you could clarify all my doubts.
Thanks in advance 🙂
Yes, Goethe-Zertifikat B2 is enough to teach in schools, but many require a B.Ed degree. You can also teach in private institutes, and there, you don’t need B.Ed.
For a permanent position in Colleges and Universities, you need a Ph.D. in German, or at least MA in German, along with UGC NET in German. However, for temporary teaching jobs like a guest or visiting faculty, B2 is fine. If you have relevant experience, it can add value to your C.V. The salary varies greatly depending upon job profile, educational institutions, experience, and whether the assignment is full-time, part-time, or on an hourly basis. I hope this helps. 🙂
If I do a certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma course in any language then am I eligible to do ma in that language, or I will require a BA degree for it?
No. You don’t need a BA in that language. After an advanced Diploma in a language and a bachelor’s degree in any stream, you will be eligible to appear for the entrance test for Masters in the same language.
Will I also need a bachelor’s degree in any stream? If I do BTech and done a certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma course in any language, is it okay to do an MA in that language?
Yes, B.Tech is also fine since it is a bachelor’s degree.
Hello sir, I am Diksha and doing ba hons in English from ignou. I wanted to choose a French professor career and wanted to ask step by step procedure. I’ll do that. I am so worried as I almost drop my two years. After, I just started my graduation from ignou. Please tell me what I’ll do next for a French professor without wasting any more year. Hope you reply soon!
The complete process is mentioned in this article, and also in the comment section.
您好
Sir, as you know I’ve completed my diploma in Chinese and waiting for my result. Now I’ll do an advanced diploma and I’ll prepare for (only) CF2 and HSK 3. (I want to do CF1 but right now I can’t do it because my third year is still left.)
Once my teacher suggested me to become a Chinese language teacher in college like DU, I should have some teaching experience before in that same language. So can I get a job in private institutes after completing my HSK 3 and 4 years of learning Chinese? And along with the teaching in the institute, I’ll do an MA in Chinese from the Department of EAS. So my decisions are correct or not?
And if not, can you please tell me what should I do next after an advanced diploma in Chinese? And Thank you so much Sir for clearing my so many doubts. Your blogs are really helpful for me and now for my sister also.
非常感谢您
DU does not offer an MA in Chinese. If you want, you can give JNU’s entrance test next year. However, you may not need to pursue a Master’s in Chinese if you intend to do CF2. You will be eligible for CF2 after completing Advanced Diploma and graduation. Yes, you can get a few teaching jobs in private institutes, but aim for HSK 4 and 5 for better opportunities. Good luck to your sister too.
Okay, thank you, Sir. And after completing the certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma from du, will I be eligible for the entrance test of JNU’s MA in Chinese?
Yes, provided that you have completed your bachelor program.
¡Hola!
He completado mi nivel B1 del instituto cervantes y voy a dar DELE este año. También estoy haciendo mi licenciatura en comerico. Y si planeo una carrera docente en español ,¿Dele b2/c1 sería suficiente? Ya que no puedo hacer mi licenciatura o maestría en español. Además, si pienso en ser la intérprete entonces ¿Qué debería hacer?
¡Muchas gracias!
¡Hola Riteeka!
Sí, C1 es suficiente para la mayoría de los trabajos de enseñanza de español. Ya he respondido en otra página.
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 Circle, 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.
Hello Sir,
I found this information very helpful. I am 38 years old. I have completed my BA. Right now I am doing German language A2 course with Goethe institute. I don’t have any B.Ed. degree. I want to become a German language teacher. Can you please guide me to what courses should I have to do to qualify as a teacher?
Thank You.
In most cases, you need proper German certification like B2/Advanced Diploma, etc. Still, some schools might ask for a B.Ed degree.