TEACH ENGLISH IN MALAYSIA

About Teaching English in Malaysia

To teach English in Malaysia, you will need a TEFL certification and at least a bachelor’s degree. While some employers may prefer someone with a master's degree, they all want to hire native English speakers. The average salary for an English teacher in Malaysia is $1,200 - $2,300 USD per month.

Known for its tropical beauty, multicultural cities and fantastic cuisine, Malaysia offers a truly distinct Southeast Asian experience. Spanning the South China Sea, from the Malay Peninsula to the legendary island of Borneo, Malaysia reflects the many faces of Asia. Take a stroll through the old streets of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Malacca, and observe firsthand how centuries of trading among Malay, Arabian, Indian, Chinese, and Dutch seafarers played a part in creating the multi-faceted Malaysia of today.

Here you will encounter an enticing blend of cultures, religions, and cuisines. Within several city blocks, you can visit temples, pagodas, churches, and mosques before deciding whether you wish to dine on world-class Chinese, Indian, or Malaysian fare. 

Despite a large population and a fast developing economy, the job market for first-time teachers is not quite as large as some other Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand, but there are opportunities, especially for those with a BA degree, TEFL certification & some teaching experience. Most English teaching job interviews are conducted in advance over the phone or Skype for Malaysia. English teachers are typically responsible for airfare and housing expenses in most cases. Most teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many room with coworkers.

A good salary allows English teachers in Malaysia to live a comfortable lifestyle. Schools typically offer 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore. Most teaching jobs are concentrated in Kuala Lumpur and other major cities.

How to Become an English Teacher in Malaysia: Requirements

TEFL Certification Malaysia

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Malaysia. 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 Malaysia interview in advance from their home country via video call or phone. Because of this, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You must be a native English speaker to teach English in Malaysia. This means you must be a citizen from recognized English-speaking nations: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.

Degree Requirements for Teaching English in Malaysia

A Bachelor's degree is required to secure a job teaching English in Malaysia although some schools may prefer a Master's degree. Please note, that your bachelor's degree does not need to be in education, it can be in any field.

TEFL Jobs in Malaysia

English Teaching Jobs in Malaysia

The most common English teacher jobs in Malaysia consist of:

• Teaching children in public schools.
• Teaching adults in private language schools.
• Teaching Business English to adults.
• Tutoring private students one-on-one.
• Teaching English Online.

TEFL Jobs Malaysia: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Malaysia can find jobs all year round with an expected downtime around the Lunar (Chinese New Year) which occurs across two weeks in late January through early February.

Schools in Malaysia conduct interviews in advance - this means you will interview for teaching jobs from your home country via phone or video call.

You will enter Malaysia on a work visa which you will secure in advance of your arrival there.

TEFL Malaysia: Hours

English language schools in Malaysia 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 Malaysian Students

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

TEFL Malaysia Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $1,350 - $2,700 USD (5,300 - 10,550 MRY). These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Malaysia 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. 

Salary of an English Teacher in Malaysia

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Malaysia. Teachers can expect to make $1,200 - $2,300 USD (4,700 - 9,000 MRY) per month. 

While some schools provide housing or an added stipend, this is not common 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. In rare cases, flights are sometimes reimbursed by your employer, but this isn't typical so don't count on it.

Teaching in Malaysia: Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $900 - $1,800 USD per month (3,500 - 7,000 MRY).

Teachers in Malaysia can typically save between $300 - $500 USD per month after expenses.