TEACH ENGLISH IN KYRGYZSTAN

About Teaching English in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked, yet beautiful nation which continues to break its way into the Western world after its separation from Soviet Russia. There are just 29.5 residents for each square kilometer of land, making Kyrgyzstan one of the world's least crowded countries. If you're an outdoors enthusiast, Kyrgyzstan may be the country for you - the mountainous Tian Shan region covers 80 percent of Kyrgyzstan which is often referred to as the "Switzerland of Central Asia."

English teachers in Kyrgyzstan can find teaching jobs all year round and interviews are usually conducted in advance over the phone or video chat. It is not uncommon, however, for some schools to request in-person interviews in Kyrgyzstan. Teachers are typically responsible for their airfare and housing although there are some instances where free housing will be provided. Most teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many share an apartment with other English teachers.

The salary earned in comparison to the monthly cost of living in most cases is break-even in Kyrgyzstan, however, English teachers are still able to live a comfortable lifestyle. Schools offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to explore. While a BA is preferred, it is not required to teach English in Kyrgyzstan, however, a TEFL certification is absolutely necessary.

Please also note that while a Bachelor’s degree is not required to secure a job in this country, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search. Most of those teaching English in Kyrgyzstan will find jobs in the major cities of Bishkek and Osh.

Teaching Requirements

TEFL CERTIFICATION

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Kyrgyzstan. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

Teachers interview in advance via video chat for jobs in Kyrgyzstan. Occasionally teachers interview face-to-face, but it's not as common. Because of this, it is common to take one of the following TEFL courses:

• 4-Week Intensive Online TEFL Course
• 11-Week, Part-Time 170-Hour Online TEFL Course

You may also wish to take one of the 4-Week In-Person TEFL Courses that we offer in 21 locations worldwide.

NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Kyrgyzstan, however, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is typically preferred but not always required.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

While a Bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in Kyrgyzstan, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search.

TEFL Jobs in Kyrgyzstan

JOB TYPES

The most common job types in Kyrgyzstan consist of:

• Teaching adults or children in private language schools.
• Public schools
• Teaching English Online.

HIRING & VISA

English teachers in Kyrgyzstan can expect to find jobs year-round. It is most common to interview in advance via video chat. 

Teachers in Kyrgyzstan typically teach on a work visa that is sponsored by your employer. Your employer will assist you throughout the visa process.

HOURS

English language schools inKyrgyzstan offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

STUDENTS

It is most common that your students will be children, adults, and business professionals. 

Salary & Cost of Living

START-UP COSTS

Start-up costs will range from $800 - $1,000 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Kyrgyzstan until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

SALARY

Teachers can expect to make $400 - $600 USD per month in Kyrgyzstan. It is common for teachers in Kyrgyzstan to also teach English online to supplement their income.

There are no flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent. 

COST OF LIVING & SAVINGS

The cost of living typically ranges between $400-$800 USD per month.

English teachers in Kyrgyzstan can expect to break-even month over month. If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.