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.

There are two options available at present. They are both shared apartments with three single bedrooms. Both have single beds with all basic furniture required, and are equipped with air conditioning. Transportation to and from school is provided free of cost for both apartments.

Type A has a shared toilet, and is US$200 for the four weeks of the course. Type B has a private toilet, and is US$300 for four weeks.

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

• 5 July - 30 July 2010
• 2 August - 27 August 2010
• 30 August - 24 September 2010
• 1 November - 26 November 2010
• 29 November to 24 December 2010
  
  
• 3 January - 28 January 2011
• 31 January - 25 February 2011
• 5 April - 30 April 2011
• 6 June - 1 July 2011
• 8 August - 2 September 2011
• 7 November - 2 December 2011

Course Fees

• US$ 1490 (£) (excluding accommodation)
• Accommodation: US$ 100 (£) and up

Course fees are in US dollars and/or euros, but payment can be made in any currency. The GBP (£) figure given is a current guide only, and as the figure is subject to change may not be accurate when your balance of course fees is paid. Please check www.xe.com/ucc for a current exchange rate in pounds or any other currency of your choice.

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