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About Us

Cambridge Education Consultants: Frequently Asked Questions

So you're thinking of travelling to India to join HeyMath! as an Education Consultant. Check out these FAQs to find out more about the application process, the job, and about life in India.

Can I apply?

If you have a passion for education and a desire to change the world, that's a good start! We are looking for someone who has (or who is soon to graduate with) a good degree in a numerate subject. You'll also need the confidence to live and work abroad, to take risks and seize the initiative, and to adapt well to a variety of challenges.

Experience in today's mathematics classrooms, or knowledge of programming (at HeyMath! we use Flash, ActionScript, Flex, PHP, Ajax and others), while not required for the role, would help support your application.

How do I apply?

Please email HeyMath!'s managing director, Nirmala Sankaran, to express your interest. Following this, you may be asked to complete a written test and/or an interview.

What will my role be?

Broadly, you'll work in one of two teams: content or tech.

In the content team, you'll produce new educational resources - animated lessons, games, worksheets - in line with curriculum specifications from one or more countries. You'll work closely with other members of the team, quality checking each other's work to ensure consistently high standards. The emphasis is on creativity, innovation and good mathematical understanding.

On the tech side of things, you'll be part of a team maintaining and improving a world-class website and in-house content management system. You will also have the chance to develop online assessment tools - for example an adaptive practice system - or work to build a web 2.0 tutoring platform enabling users to collaborate.

Your exact role will depend on your skills and how you want to use them - rest assured there's never a dull moment working at HeyMath!

What's the office atmosphere like?

The best phrase to sum it up would be 'informal but hard-working': there's a real drive for results, but we all enjoy what we do. HeyMath! is a very friendly place to work and we have regular social events, celebrating Diwali, Christmas, birthdays or just the end of a long project. It's certainly not your average 9-5 job - working hours are quite flexible, provided you meet your deadlines - and there's definitely no need to wear a suit to the office!

Tell me about my contract.

OK, so when you join you'll sign a 12-month contract committing to working with HeyMath! for a year. After that, there may be the option to extend this to a longer-term contract.

In terms of remuneration, HeyMath! will provide:

  • A return flight ticket to your home country
  • Assistance in obtaining a 12-month Indian Employment visa (including reimbursement of costs)
  • Comfortable, furnished accommodation in Chennai (shared with other HeyMath! educational consultants) with a maid who will clean three times a week.
  • A monthly living allowance, and a bonus upon successful completion of the contract.

You will be entitled to 15 days' paid holiday during your 12 months at HeyMath!, plus Indian public holidays. You may also take up to 5 days paid sick leave if necessary.

What's it like to live in Chennai? What will the lifestyle be like?

That's a big question! Life here is different, but not difficult. Everyone has different experiences of Chennai.

Your living allowance will be sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in India. You won't have to dig into your own pocket to cover your living expenses, however you may have to spend your own money if you want to do a lot of travelling.

Will I need to learn a foreign language?

Though the official state language here is Tamil, the only language you'll need is English. If you wish to learn a language, there are plenty of opportunities to do so, but it's certainly not required for getting by here.

Are there any health issues I need to be aware of?

Chennai can be crowded, dirty and dusty, particularly at rush hour. This shouldn't be a problem though, unless you are very sensitive to pollution.

There are mosquitoes in South India, but antimalarials are not usually recommended for Chennai. If you plan to travel in India you may need to take medication with you. Check with a travel clinic at home first.

Another thing worth remembering is that it gets extremely hot in the summer months - up to 45°C, which some people may find uncomfortable.

I have another question about working for HeyMath!

Please contact Nirmala Sankaran in India, or Charlie Gilderdale in Cambridge with any queries you have. They may also be able to put you in touch with HeyMath! employees, past and present.