TEACH ENGLISH IN CAMBODIA

About Teaching English in Cambodia

To teach English in Cambodia, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is not required but is strongly preferred. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Cambodia is about $700 - $1,000 USD per month.

While not as large as some other Asian nations, Cambodia is one of the fastest-growing job markets in Asia and the world for teaching English abroad. It's also a country where you will not need to have a four-year degree or be a native English speaker to get hired to teach English - but these qualifications can still be strongly preferred by employers. All teachers will need to earn their TEFL certification to work in Cambodia. 

The Cambodian people possess an unbreakable spirit and a remarkably infectious sense of optimism- after prevailing through years of hardship, a return to peace has sparked an influx in tourism during the past decade. Cambodia's south coast is fringed with beautiful islands that are worth exploring, and its pristine environment provides a gorgeous backdrop for outdoor exploration. The Cambodian landscape is one of fertile plains, rice paddies, impressive waterfalls, and shining crater lakes. Plan a day trip to the ancient temple city of Angkor Wat, one of the world's truly spectacular monuments, or one of the endless Buddhist pagodas and museums throughout Cambodia.

Recent economic growth, a young population, and a hunger for education have made Cambodia a burgeoning job market in South East Asia for English teachers. Those seeking to teach English in Cambodia can find jobs year-round because demand is high. Most positions are in private language schools that cater primarily to adults or teaching children in elementary schools. Typically interviews are in-person, some are conducted in advance over the phone and via e-mail. Instructors are responsible for airfare and housing expenses. Those teaching English in Cambodia often share an apartment with other English teachers. 

By Asian standards, salaries are modest, but the low cost of living affords English teachers a comfortable lifestyle. Schools typically offer 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore. The major cities for English teaching jobs are Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

How to Teach English in Cambodia: Requirements

TEFL Certification for Teaching English in Cambodia

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Cambodia. 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. 

English Teachers in Cambodia typically interview in-person. Therefore, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Go further: What are the requirements to teach English in Cambodia?

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Cambodia, 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 for Cambodia

While a Bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in Cambodia, 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.

How to Find English Teaching Jobs in Cambodia

TEFL Jobs in Cambodia

The most common ESL jobs in Cambodia consist of:

• Teaching adults or children in private language schools.
• Private tutoring both children and adults.
• Teaching Business English to adults.
• Teaching English Online.

Cambodia English Teaching Jobs: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Cambodia can expect to find jobs year-round. It is most common to interview on the ground,  in-person. For those looking for assistance, ITA offers a guaranteed job placement program in Cambodia open to both degree and non-degree holders. 

You can get your Ordinary/Business Visa (Type E) before heading to Cambodia or you can get it upon entry to the country. Typically, English teachers just wait to buy it once they arrive at the airport in Cambodia. From there, you just have to extend the visa for 6 or 12 months for a fee of between $100- $300.

Read More: What Type of Visa Can I Use to Teach English in Cambodia?

ESL Teaching Jobs in Cambodia: Hours

English language schools in Cambodia 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. 

Teaching Cambodian Students

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

Cambodia Teaching English Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs for Cambodia

Start-up costs for an English teacher in Cambodia will range from $1,000 - $1,500 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival 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. 

English Teacher Salary in Cambodia

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Cambodia. Teachers can expect to make $700 - $1,000 USD per month. It is common for teachers in Cambodia 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. 

Read more: How Much Money Can You Earn & Save Teaching English in Cambodia?

Teacher Salary in Cambodia: Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $500-$1,000 USD per month.

English teachers in Cambodia can expect to save roughly $200 - $500 USD per 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.