Teaching abroad allows you to explore a new country, immerse yourself in a new culture, and learn new customs and traditions. If these three things are what you're looking for, I can't recommend more than coming to Central Asia, specifically Kyrgyzstan. In this blog post, I'll go into the process of finding a teaching job in Kyrgyzstan as a foreigner, providing insights, and resources to help you navigate and embark on this exciting journey.
TEACHING IN BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN
To preface, I am not a teacher in Kyrgyzstan. I am an expat who lived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for one and a half years and met other foreigners who came to Kyrgyzstan to teach. The Canadian consulate in Bishkek hosted a meet-up of other Canadians and approximately 95% were teachers, or working in non-profit organizations.
Understanding the Landscape
Before diving into your job search and packing your bags, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the educational landscape of Kyrgyzstan. It will help you understand better as to if this route is something you're willing to take, the educational system, and teaching methodologies.
The demand for English language instruction in Bishkek has been on a steady rise, driven by the country's growing integration into the global economy and an increasing awareness of the importance of English for educational and professional advancement. Most teaching opportunities are found in private language schools, international schools, and universities.
Public Education System or Private School System
If you are a foreigner looking to teach, you are going to have to find a job in a private English international school. One thing that surprised me was the number of international schools in Bishkek, and they are always on the hunt for to hire qualified foreign teachers to supplement their staff. Some international schools are much larger and have a stronger reputation than others such as Oxford or Cambridge International School.
The process of getting a job in the public education system will be completely different - and will require specific language, educational, and government requirements.
Visa
As I mentioned, most foreigners that are in Kyrgyzstan are in teaching jobs. Each international schools have a quota as to how many foreigners they can hire and the international school will provide you with a valid working visa. This quota is set by the government. From my knowledge, it is quite quick to process and this will be a process that the schools and their lawyers should be familiar with it.
Salary
The average monthly salary in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan ranges from USD 500.00 to USD 700.00. Careers such as engineers tend to be on the higher end. However, I found that international teachers get paid generously and earn more than USD 2,000.00.
That might not sound much if you were to compare for example, teaching jobs in South Korea or the United States, but the low cost of living in Kyrgyzstan may have you saving more.
Benefits
The benefits you are offered in your role will vary. However, I have seen friends have the following benefits:
Health insurance
Paid apartment or housing stipend
Vacation days
Paid round-trip airfare
Job Requirements
To teach English in Bishkek, you'll generally need:
A Bachelor's degree in any field.
A TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certification.
Native or near-native English proficiency.
Some institutions might require prior teaching experience, though it's not always a must. For higher education institutions and international schools, a specialized degree and teaching credentials in your home country could be necessary.
HOW TO FIND TEACHING JOBS IN BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN
Online Job Boards
One of the most effective ways to find teaching jobs in Bishkek is to explore online job portals and websites that specialize in educational opportunities.
Websites such as Dave’s ESL Café, TEFL, and ESL Employment often list teaching opportunities in Kyrgyzstan. These platforms allow you to filter your search based on location and job type, making it easier to find relevant opportunities.
Networking
Networking can also be a valuable tool in your job search. Joining online forums and social media groups, related to an expat community, is a great opportunity to connect with current and former teachers who can provide insights and job leads. I've seen many teaching opportunities be shared across social media groups. Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth in a city like Bishkek.
Contact the Schools
Consider reaching out directly to international schools and universities in Bishkek. Many of these institutions have their own website where they post job openings, detailed information on their curriculum, and faculty requirements. This will probably be the fastest and most effective way for you to find a teaching job, so make sure you prepare a tailored resume that highlights your teaching experience once you've identified potential schools.
With the right qualifications and a bit of perseverance, you can unlock the door to an unforgettable teaching experience in the heart of Central Asia. Whether you're drawn by the allure of exploring the Silk Road, the challenge of immersing yourself in a new culture, or the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of your students, Bishkek might just be the destination you're looking for.
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