So whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned teacher, read on for our guide to teaching English in Cambodia - from the requirements and salaries, to top locations, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Cambodia is a developing but popular tourist destination with a high demand for English teachers, with most jobs to be found in the capital, Phnom Penh.
• Teachers don't legally need a bachelor's degree, but most private schools prefer teachers with a TEFL certificate and a degree.
• You can find most English teaching roles in private language centres and international schools.
• Most English teachers earn around $800–$1,500 (£590–£1,150) a month in Cambodia.
• Teachers need a working visa (an E-Class visa and a work permit) to teach in Cambodia.

Requirements for Teaching English in Cambodia

With a balanced lifestyle and accessible job requirements, teaching English in Cambodia is a great opportunity for new teachers and those with experience alike. Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need.

Can I teach in Cambodia without a degree?

Yes, you can teach English in Cambodia without a degree. Cambodia is a popular TEFL location thanks to lower entry requirements, without sacrificing the teacher salary or lifestyle. (Learn more about finding teaching jobs abroad without a degree).

Do I need a TEFL certification to teach English in Cambodia?

Technically, you don't need TEFL certification to teach in Cambodia, but having one can help you find a better teaching position. More importantly, a TEFL certificate gives you a bedrock of skills to become a better teacher. Cambodia has a fairly competitive teaching market, so having a 120 hour TEFL certificate at minimum is recommended. (If you're curious, here's how long it takes to get TEFL certified).

Can I teach English in Cambodia without experience?

Yes, you can teach English in Cambodia without experience. The high demand for English teachers in Cambodia means that requirements are relaxed compared to other countries, and inexperienced teachers are generally welcome.

Visa requirements for teaching English in Cambodia

To teach English in Cambodia legally, you'll need to be on the correct working visa. Teachers typically need the E-class visa (Ordinary) — not a tourist e-visa — which is then transferred into an EB Business visa and a work permit for teaching.

You can apply for an E-class visa on-arrival or through Cambodia's online e-visa portal.

Teachers who secured a teaching job before entering Cambodia can enter on the E-class visa, and the employer will convert this into an EB extension. This is required to legally teach and renew your visa for long-term stay.

For English teachers arriving in Cambodia without a job, you can obtain an E-class visa which is valid for 30 days and can be extended into an EG (job-seeker) or EP extension. Once you've secured a teaching job, this is converted into an EB visa.

Here are the requirements for obtaining the E-class visa and work permit:

• Signed job contract from a registered Cambodian employer
• Proof of academic qualifications
• Clear criminal background check
• Health certificate
• Valid passport and photos
• A job offer from a registered Cambodian employer
• $35 visa fee

Salary and Cost of Living

Despite having its own currency, the Cambodian Riel (៛), Cambodia mostly operates on a US dollar economy. Whether you're looking to save money or go all-out with your lifestyle, here's what you need to know about salary and cost of living.

Wondering how the teaching salary in Cambodia compares to other countries? Check out The TEFL Org's Salary Guide for insight on teaching salaries across the globe.

How much can you earn teaching English in Cambodia?

English teachers in Cambodia earn an average of $800–$1,500 (£590–£1,150) per month depending on TEFL qualifications and experience. If you're a degree holder and a native English speaker with TEFL certification, you'll earn more and have better teaching prospects.

This salary is common among private language school teachers, but teachers at accredited international schools can earn as much as $1,500–$4,500 (£1,100–£3,310). The requirements for international school teachers are high, but lower than in other countries.

It's also important to consider whether your employer pays you per hour or monthly to calculate your salary. If you're on an hourly salary, this won't include lesson planning.

How much does it cost to live in Cambodia?

The average person spends around $565 (£415) per month in Cambodia, excluding rent. Rent in the capital, Phnom Penh, ranges from $345–$615 (£255–£450); other cities like Siem Reap and Sihanoukville average at around $270–$410 (£200–£300) per month.

Here are TEFL Org's best budgeting tips for English teachers looking to maximise savings:

• Live outside the city centre: Trust us, you'll quickly tire of living in tourist spots. A huge benefit of teaching abroad is that you'll have plenty of time to explore the city, and living beyond the centre is immersive and can save up to $300 (£220) per month in Phnom Penh!
• Consider shared housing: If you want to maximise savings, shared housing can save you up to an extra $100 per month in large cities, and it's a great way to make new friends!
• Eat like a local: Cambodia imports a lot of food, but you can still find eateries that specialise in local Khmer food. National dishes like Fish Amok or traditional Khmer noodles can cost as little as $2–$4 (£1.50–£3).
• Find free activities: There are plenty of free or inexpensive activities to enjoy in Cambodia, from visiting historic Khmer temples, riverside walks, thrifty markets, and more.
• Travel during low season: Cambodia's low season from April–October means you can take advantage of cheaper hotels and travel fares.
• Private tutoring: Many teachers supplement their income through private tutoring, earning around $10–$25 per hour depending on experience.

English Teaching Jobs in Cambodia

Cambodia is an increasingly popular TEFL destination, and jobs can be found teaching across the country — mainly in the private education sector — with Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville in particular offering plenty of teaching jobs.

English teaching jobs in Cambodia come in many different forms. Here are the top teaching positions for TEFL teachers.

Private language schools

Most foreign English teachers work in private Cambodia schools or language centres because they hire year-round and offer low entry requirements. Language schools range from teaching young learners to adult professionals, with teachers delivering lessons on general English or vocational English if they have industry experience. Examples of language centres in Cambodia include ACE or Edifyworld.

Typical expectations of teaching in language schools in Cambodia:

• Small classroom size, different student ages
• Teaching around 20–25 hours per week
• Teaching a range of subjects, from general English, exam preparation, to business English

International schools

Wealthier families often send their children to accredited international schools for the highest standard of education — schools like Northbridge, ISPP, or Bromsgrove, for example. Here, students learn the full curriculum in English on a UK or US curriculum. International school teachers can benefit from some of the highest salaries, but require advanced qualifications and experience.

Be aware that some non-accredited schools may label themselves "international" without meeting global standards, so research is key.

Typical expectations of teaching in international schools in Cambodia:

• Teaching local and international students
• Excellent classroom facilities and an international curriculum
• A monthly salary of around $1,500–$4,500 (£1,100–£3,310) at accredited international schools

Universities

With a few years of experience and a bachelor's or master's degree, you can become a lecturer at a university in Cambodia. Universities in Cambodia are expanding their English departments, and opportunities are increasing for English teachers. In addition to teaching, lecturers engage in academic research, career development, and mentorship for students.

Want first-hand insight from a TEFL Org graduate who taught at university? Daniel Gillard shares his Cambodia TEFL experience on the I Taught English Abroad podcast.

Typical expectations of teaching at university in Cambodia:

• Lecture-based teaching
• Providing mentorship, research assistance, and career development support
• Fewer contact hours, but a high level of preparation

Teaching English in Major Cities

TEFL teachers can find a job teaching English and live comfortably across the country. Here are the top cities for teaching English in Cambodia.

Teach English in Phnom Penh

In Cambodia's capital city and financial centre, Phnom Penh, there are plenty of businesses, schools and students of all ages who need English teachers to help them improve their job prospects — both in and beyond Cambodia.

Teaching jobs in private education are booming in Phnom Penh, with language centres, universities, and international schools like Northbridge or ISPP offering TEFL teachers a range of opportunities. With so many teaching opportunities in Phnom Penh, a lot of teachers arrive in-country to search for work (but make sure you know the rules of your visa before doing so).

Beyond teaching, Phnom Penh has something for everyone. You can visit the Silver Pagoda, sample Khmer delicacies at riverside markets, enjoy a vibrant nightlife, or practise Khun Khmer.

If you're looking to gain insight into Cambodia's history of conflict, you can visit the sobering Genocide Museum, which is a powerful reminder of who the country lost, and why remembrance is key to an optimistic future.

Teach English in Siem Reap

While Phnom Penh is the financial and official capital, Siem Reap is Cambodia's cultural centre. The ancient city of Angkor Wat is the largest religious complex in the world, attracting travellers from all over. When you're not exploring its rich history, Siem Reap offers plenty of riverside walks and bustling food markets to enjoy.

While there are fewer teaching opportunities than in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap still has a fairly decent TEFL job market, mostly in the form of private language centres and international schools.

TEFL Org Teacher Story

Check out how Daniel moved from his job in politics to a fulfilling career teaching English in Cambodia.

Daniel, Sihanoukville

"I took a much-needed month off and travelled South East Asia. Each of these countries is truly amazing and utterly unique too. But Cambodia… There's something about the people here that helps it stand out amongst these other beautiful lands.

I returned home and enrolled with the TEFL Org. It really prepared me for teaching, with practical, engaging modules and a great online tutor who always got back to me within an hour of me asking a question. Just six weeks later, I'd successfully completed the course and booked a flight back to Cambodia.

Training to be a TEFL teacher has changed my life massively. I never ever imagined I'd be the kind of person to end up living in South East Asia, but here I am. And the experiences I've had out here are enough to fill a book — one which I will get round to writing soon! Life here is intense. Every day is an experience."

Want to hear more from TEFL Org graduates? Check out our graduate stories from all over the world!

Ready to Teach Abroad? Choose the Right TEFL Certificate Today

Before you head off on your teaching journey, you'll need to decide on the right teaching certification. Whether you choose an in-class or an online TEFL course, a properly accredited provider like The TEFL Org can help you build your knowledge, skills, and confidence in the classroom. Check out our course page to learn more and get started on your TEFL journey today.