Location

Edged by the magnificent Himalayan ranges in north and bounded by a breath-taking coastline made up of three seas, India has a stunning assortment of landscapes and culture, with captivating historical sites and intriguing royal cities, pristine beaches and mystical mountain tops, dynamic people and exciting festivities. The experiences are endless as the diversity of climate and culture make a visit to India eye-opening and rewarding.

Whether you're in the dusty heat of the south or the snowy cold in the north, you'll travel roads filled with bicycles, auto-rickshaws, sputtering motorbikes, tinsel-draped trucks, camel carts and an occasional cow or two. Take a trip to one of the many wonderfully crowded markets and observe the community of beggars, hawkers, tourists, holy men, business people, snake charmers, children and scurrying monkeys.

In any region, during anytime of year, India offers a vast array of cuisine, dress, language, religion, customs and tradition. The Himalayas offer cool hiking trails and white-water rafting during the summer months, and bustling cities with architecture dated centuries ago, marked by medieval forts and palaces.

The Taj Mahal offers its brilliant history and at the village fairs and festivals you'll find exquisite silks, carved figurines, brass and silver, marble in-laid stones, handmade jewelry, paintings and carpets. The sun-drenched beaches offer wildlife sanctuaries and the sites of fishing villages, speckled by shading palm trees and crystal clear waters.

In many ways, the people of India have not changed their standard of living since 1947, the year India gained its independence. The simplicity and traditionalism is remarkably contrasted to sections of modern conveniences, fashionable buildings and 21st-century consumer capitalism.

The north is the backdrop to the capital city of Delhi with magnificent sight-seeing including Qutub Minar, the tall victory tower built in 1199, the splendid Red Fort and the majestic Jama Masjid with its striped domes and tall minarets.

The opportunity to stay in one of the royal palaces or mansions offers romanticism and society-living and can be balanced with rugged elephant or camel trekking through the hills and valleys of the mountains or through the red-sand deserts.

In 1690, Job Charnok, an employee for the East India Company chose Calcutta (now known as Kolkata) for a British trade settlement. The site was selected carefully, being protected by the Hooghly River on the west, a creek to the north, and by salt lakes about two and a half miles to the east.

At the time there were three large villages along the east bank of the river Ganges , named, Sutanuti, Gobindapur and Kalikata. These three villages were bought by the British from local land lords.

There is certainly a lot to see in the area:

• Temples- Kalighat , Dakhinswar
• Excursions: Plenty of Forests with in a few kilometer
• Other Attractions: Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum , Maidan
• Sea and Backwater: Digha (80 km from Kolkata)
• Railway Station - Connecting to every major town in India ·
• Nearby attraction
  Himalayas in Darjeeling
  Sunderban Wild Life Sanctuary
  Puri - Sea and Temples

City life and environment, the perfect blend of Culture and Modern Lifestyle.

About The School

Kolkata (formally known as Calcutta ) is the capital of West Bengal, and is also known as the "City of Joy ".

The school is located in the heart of the city. The building is fully-equipped, with spacious classrooms and all the services and resources required of a suitable learning environment.

Your fellow students come from a number of different countries and various continents. Your teacher trainers are some of the most experienced and well-trained in the industry.

The support staff is extremely helpful, courteous and will make every effort to assist you with whatever you need during your stay in India.

" Very professionally run course, it exceeded my expectations. The teachers are passionate about their subject. The course is well structured and everyone in the school makes every effort to ensure that the trainees are able to get the most from their experience. Teaching skills input sessions were excellent, very logical and easy to follow. Without hesitation, I would recommend the course. Good value, first rate teaching and support. I've enjoyed the experience immensely and feel I have learned a great deal. " Jakki Bendell

Accommodation

TEFL International is able to provide comfortable, well-equipped
accommodation for teacher trainees at very competitive rates while attending the course in Kolkata.

The private guest house we offer to trainees is located within five kilometer of the school building. All rooms in the guest house have air-conditioning, a private bath, and are clean and adequately furnished.

Bedding is included in the room. All rooms will be cleaned and the linens changed by the guest house staff once per week (Friday or Saturday).

Please be assured that any special requests or requirements regarding accommodation will be taken into account, and TEFL International will make every effort to honor such requests.

Course Dates

• 31 March - 25 April 2008
• 9 June - 4 July 2008
• 7 July - 1 August 2008
• 4 August - 29 August 2008
• 1 September - 26 September 2008
• 27 October - 21 November 2008
• 24 November - 19 December 2008
  
  
• 5 January - 30 January 2009
• 2 February - 27 February 2009
• 6 April - 30 April 2009
• 8 June - 3 July 2009
• 6 July - 31 July 2009
• 3 August - 28 August 2009
• 31 August - 25 September 2009
• 2 November - 27 November 2009
• 30 November - 25 December 2009

Course Fees

• US$ 1590 (£790) (including accommodation)
• US$ 1490 (£740) (excluding accommodation)

Calcutta (Kolkata), India - Map: Click here for the map