Guide to Teaching English in Pakistan

11:32 Monrovia 0 Comments

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in Pakistan presents a unique opportunity for educators seeking to immerse themselves in a culture rich with history, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. Although Pakistan may not have the same volume of job openings as some other Asian countries, it does have a growing demand for English teachers. This demand stems from the importance of English as an official language in Pakistan and its significance in education, business, and international communication.

This article explores the requirements, opportunities, living conditions, and salary prospects for teaching English in Pakistan, along with the benefits and challenges of such an experience.

Requirements for Teaching English in Pakistan

The qualifications for teaching English in Pakistan vary depending on the type of institution where you aim to work. Each category of schools has its own set of prerequisites:

Public Schools

Teaching in the public education system requires at least a bachelor's degree. While a degree in education is preferred, it is not mandatory. Public schools often prioritize hiring local teachers due to governmental policies, but opportunities for foreign teachers still exist, especially in rural areas where qualified English teachers are harder to find.

While tutoring in cities like Karachi can be competitive, opportunities are more abundant in smaller towns and cities. Many tutors find success by offering specialized lessons focused on business English or conversational practice.

Private Schools (Including International Schools)

Private and international schools offer more lucrative opportunities but are more selective in their hiring processes. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, foreign teachers are typically required to have a teaching license from their home country and prior teaching experience.

These schools often seek teachers for a variety of subjects beyond just English, particularly those with credentials from the United States, the United Kingdom, or other Western countries.

Most international schools are located in major cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Teaching at these schools can be a rewarding experience, as they tend to offer competitive salaries, generous vacation packages, and other perks like housing allowances or health insurance.

These schools typically follow either the American or British curriculum, making the transition easier for teachers familiar with these systems. Additionally, international schools often provide excellent resources, smaller class sizes, and the opportunity to teach motivated students from diverse backgrounds.

Language Schools

For those looking to teach without formal teaching qualifications, language schools in Pakistan offer more accessible entry points. A bachelor's degree is not always required but having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is essential. Most reputable language schools expect candidates to have completed at least 120 hours of TEFL training. These schools often cater to adults, business professionals, and young learners looking to improve their English proficiency, especially in major cities like Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.

Private Tutoring

Private tutoring is another option, especially in larger cities. However, the competition can be fierce in areas like Karachi. Outside urban centers, tutoring is less competitive, and the demand for English tutors is increasing, especially among business professionals and adults aiming to enhance their conversational and business English skills.

University Positions

Some universities offer ESL teaching positions, but these are relatively rare and typically require candidates to have advanced qualifications, such as a master’s degree in English or Education. These roles involve teaching students who already have a strong command of the English language and are seeking to refine their skills for academic or professional purposes.

Minimum Documents Required to Immigrate 

To teach in Pakistan, securing a visa is essential, and this process generally requires a concrete job offer from a Pakistani institution. The school or institution usually assists with the necessary paperwork, but teachers will have to complete some administrative tasks themselves. A TEFL certificate, a valid passport, and proof of employment are among the required documents.

Let’s Discuss Salary and Cost of Living

The salary for English teachers in Pakistan varies significantly based on the type of institution and the teacher's qualifications. On average, English teachers earn between 50,000 PKR to 100,000 PKR per month, which is approximately $180 to $360 (or ZAR 3,400 to ZAR 6,800). While this may seem modest by Western standards, it is important to consider Pakistan’s low cost of living, which allows foreign teachers to live quite comfortably.

Housing Costs

Rent

The cost of housing varies depending on the city and neighborhood. In Islamabad or Lahore, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center will likely cost between 30,000 PKR to 45,000 PKR per month, which is around $110 to $165 (ZAR 2,100 to ZAR 3,100). Outside the city center, prices can drop to 20,000 PKR to 25,000 PKR ($70 to $90 or ZAR 1,300 to ZAR 1,700), providing an even more affordable option.

Utilities

Monthly utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, generally cost around 7,000 PKR to 10,000 PKR ($25 to $35 or ZAR 470 to ZAR 660). These utilities are affordable, especially when compared to costs in Western countries.

Food and Dining

Groceries

Food prices are extremely reasonable in Pakistan. Local produce, grains, and dairy products are inexpensive, with monthly grocery costs for a single person averaging between 10,000 PKR and 15,000 PKR ($35 to $55 or ZAR 660 to ZAR 1,040). Markets are brimming with fresh, local produce, making healthy eating both affordable and accessible.

Dining Out

Pakistan’s rich food culture also means that eating out is quite affordable. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost around 500 PKR to 1,000 PKR ($2 to $4 or ZAR 38 to ZAR 75). A fancier three-course meal for two at a high-end restaurant typically costs 2,500 PKR to 4,000 PKR ($9 to $14 or ZAR 180 to ZAR 260).

Transportation

Public Transport

Pakistan’s public transportation is inexpensive and reliable in most urban centers. A monthly public transport pass costs about 1,000 PKR ($4 or ZAR 75), and individual rides on buses or the metro are usually just a few cents.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber or Careem are available in major cities and are affordable for everyday use. A short ride within the city usually costs between 300 PKR to 500 PKR ($1 to $2 or ZAR 40).

Leisure and Entertainment

Recreation

Entertainment costs are also budget-friendly in Pakistan. Tickets to the cinema cost around 500 PKR ($2 or ZAR 38), while fitness memberships in local gyms can range from 2,000 PKR to 5,000 PKR ($7 to $18 or ZAR 130 to ZAR 340) per month.

Given these affordable living costs, teachers in Pakistan can maintain a comfortable lifestyle, even on a modest ESL salary. For those willing to live outside city centres, the cost of living can be even lower, allowing for additional savings.

The Rewards of Teaching English in Pakistan

Teaching English in Pakistan offers a multitude of rewards. Beyond the financial benefits, teachers gain the chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, contribute to the educational development of their students, and build lasting professional and personal relationships. Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming people make it an enriching experience for teachers looking to make a difference abroad.

Teaching English in Pakistan is a blend of challenges and opportunities. Whether you're teaching in a public school, international institution, or private language center, the need for qualified English teachers is growing. With affordable living costs, the chance to explore a beautiful and culturally rich country, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, Pakistan is an attractive destination for adventurous educators.

For those with a TEFL certificate and a desire to teach abroad, Pakistan offers a rewarding experience that goes beyond the classroom, fostering personal growth, cultural exchange, and professional development.

Cover Image designed by Freepik.