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English Teaching Jobs in
Cambodia

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English Teaching Jobs in Cambodia

Cambodia is a compelling place to launch a TEFL career, especially if you don’t have a degree. Here, we’ll tell you how to get a fantastic teaching job.

Cambodia is a fascinating and unique part of Asia and an excellent destination for teaching English as a foreign language. With its unbelievable views, eager students, and passion for the English language, there’s plenty to enjoy and many TEFL jobs in Cambodia.

From the capital, Phnom Penh , to attractions like  Angkor Wat and Prasat Preah Vihear , Cambodia offers so much. There’s also a steadily growing TEFL community in the country. Whether at the university level, in school classrooms, running international schools, or offering private lessons, TEFL teachers work nationwide.

In this article, we’ll cover how to find English teacher jobs in Cambodia, what qualifications you need, the existing opportunities, what English teachers can earn, and much more.

Where to find TEFL jobs in Cambodia

Despite the country being a hotspot for TEFL teachers, the standards are low, with few fluent English speakers. This is shown in Cambodia’s performance on the EF English Proficiency Index, ranked 111th out of 116 countries.

Typically, Cambodian students do not begin English language study until 4th grade. However, English classes start earlier in private and international schools and are taught to a higher standard.

In Cambodia, English teacher jobs are found in big cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, which have more international schools, private schools, and universities. 

Download our teaching English in Asia guide

Types of English teaching jobs in Cambodia

Let’s look at where you can find English teaching jobs in Cambodia.

Public schools 

You must be in Cambodia to find teaching jobs within the state education system. You can find decent salaries if you’re in the right place at the right time, as long as you hold high-quality TEFL certification and some teaching experience.

Usually, you’ll find that teaching materials and facilities aren’t ideal. State schools might expect you to bring lesson plans and materials, and class sizes are high. However, teaching jobs are stable, young learners are very keen, and you’ll have plenty of paid holidays.

Teaching programs in Cambodia  

If you’re intrigued by Cambodia as a destination to teach abroad, The TEFL Org has a Cambodia internship program you need to know about!

The internship includes:

  • TEFL training and TEFL certification (our 120-hour Premier Online TEFL course is completed online before you start your placement) 
  • A salary starting from US$700 per month 
  • 22 to 30 in-class teaching hours per week
  • One-year contract
  • Working visa support and assistance 
  • Airport pickup
  • Orientation week in Cambodia before placement

You’ll need to meet the following criteria:

Employers in Cambodia 

Here is a list of employers and resources we recommend:

  • Check out the TEFL Org Jobs Centre for listings of current teaching positions in Cambodia and opportunities to teach English worldwide or from home!
  • Abundant Life International School seeks experienced teachers with native English skills.
  • Serious Teachers is an online job search engine that provides opportunities to teach English in Cambodia.
  • Learning Jungle has one preschool and one elementary campus. You need a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certificate to teach English on their one-year renewable contracts.
  • Western International School prefers degree holders for 12-month contracts, $10 per classroom hour.

Read our Cambodia Country Guide for info about salaries, living costs & requirements

Guide to Teaching English in Cambodia

Common benefits of English teachers in Cambodia 

What can you earn while teaching English in Cambodia, and what benefits are available? Salaries for English teaching positions are often listed in USD across the web. 

Country Avg. monthly salary Degree required Start of term Teaching experience Housing & flights included Suitable for non-native English speakers Age restrictions
Teach in Cambodia
5,283,959 KHR
£943 GBP
$1,220 USD 		November under 65

Salary 

English teacher salaries in Cambodia vary depending on experience, location, and institution. The average monthly wage is about KHR 5,283,959 (£943 /$1,220). At the top end of the scale, experienced teachers in international schools can earn up to £2,010 / $2,500.

Accommodation 

Some employers offer accommodation, though it’s not especially common. Employers with campuses, like universities, may have on-site accommodation, while others may provide a stipend for rental costs. 

Visa assistance 

It’s relatively common for Cambodian schools to provide visa assistance. Employers must offer a range of details, including the employee's passport, a contract, and a copy of the company’s registration details.

Other benefits 

Some Cambodian teaching jobs, usually at universities or international schools, may offer a range of additional benefits. This is to attract top TEFL talent, not just for teaching, but often also for curriculum development and additional tasks. In return, TEFL teachers can expect to receive:

  • Medical insurance
  • Paid public holidays
  • Lunches/food allowance (during working hours)
  • Relocation allowance
  • Performance-related bonuses
  • Flight allowance

Requirements to get English teaching jobs in Cambodia

Typically, you’ll require:

Visa requirements

The most common types of work visas for teachers are variations of E-class visas, which include: 

  • EB visa: Anyone working in Cambodia, starting a freelance teaching business or working as a contractor for over 1 month. A job offer is required for this kind of visa.
  • EG visa: This visa is for those searching for an English teaching job in Cambodia. It can last one, three, or up to six months.
  • ES visa: ES visas are student visas by another name. ES visa holders can extend their visas provided they have paperwork from a Cambodian educational institution and can financially support themselves.

Language requirements

While you won’t be expected to be fluent in Khmer, Cambodia has poor English proficiency. Basic phrases will help you navigate daily life, find jobs more easily, and connect with your students.

How to find English teaching jobs in Cambodia 

We recommend the following:

Online job boards

Job boards, including The TEFL Org Jobs Centre, are the best way to find the latest teaching jobs in Cambodia. Other prominent job boards include Serious Teachers, Dave’s ESL Cafe, LinkedIn, and Indeed.

Recruitment agencies

There are a handful of recruitment agencies that can help you find work more easily in Cambodia. Agencies can help significantly with your visa application and remove some of the stress of finding a job. However, not all recruitment agencies are legitimate, so research each one.

Networking

Networking as a TEFL teacher will help you find opportunities. TEFL groups on Facebook and resources like LinkedIn and Reddit help significantly. Talking to fellow teachers and finding expat communities can be helpful in finding teaching jobs.

Best time of year to apply for jobs in Cambodia

The school year in Cambodia lasts 38 weeks and is split into two semesters. The first semester runs from September to January, and the second runs from February to June. 

If you’re looking for teaching jobs in the Cambodian school system, the best times to apply are June, July, and August. However, services for adults, like language schools, hire year-round.

Best cities for English teaching jobs in Cambodia

Where are some of the most exciting opportunities for ESL teachers in Cambodia? Here are two cities we’ve picked out for your TEFL career in Cambodia:

Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh, is a top destination for English teachers in Asia. With real demand for English, plenty of schools, and students of all ages, the city is a busy, colourful environment for any ESL teacher.

Phnom Penh has plenty for history buffs, including the Silver Pagoda and the stunning Royal Palace. It’s also a rapidly growing city where you can take in busy riverside markets, increasingly cool cafes, and a range of rooftop bars to sit and watch life go by.

One of the best features of teaching English in Asia is trying out street food stalls, and Phnom Penh has some fantastic options. Some of the most popular choices include Num Banh Chok (noodles with fermented fish paste), Lok Lak (a popular beef dish), and Num Pang (Khmer sandwiches). 

If you’re eager to lose yourself in a crowd, easily find accessible teaching opportunities, and enjoy some of Cambodia's most historic sights, Phnom Penh should be on your list.

Krong Siem Reap

Less imposing than Phnom Penh, Krong Siem Reap is a spiritual and cultural center.

The ancient wonder of Angkor Wat is the most obvious attraction, and it has to be seen during sunrise or sunset to appreciate its majesty fully. There’s more, though - try Siem Reap’s iconic night markets or an evening in “Pub Street”.

Siem Reap is a popular and exciting place to teach abroad. There’s a sizeable tourism industry, increasing demand for private English education, and plenty of opportunities to make a difference in the community through teaching.

Interview and application tips for getting English teaching jobs in Cambodia

Interested in taking your TEFL career to the next level in Cambodia? Here are our top tips:

  • Location is everything: Bigger cities like Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Krong Battambang will offer more paid jobs than rural areas.
  • Tailor each application: Adapt your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills match the specific school or role. Cambodia is a popular destination, and you’ll have competition.
  • Show face and have a business card: Business cards are an everyday part of life in Cambodia. If you’re a teacher, you need plenty of cards to hand to prospective employers. This is particularly important when searching for a job on an EG Visa.
  • Be versatile: Prepare for interviews, which are often conducted online via Zoom or Skype. If you’re job searching in person, be available.

Do your homework: Research the school, its values, and the local area. Show genuine interest in Cambodia and community matters. Learn all about etiquette. Sampeah is particularly important, as is learning what a typical meeting looks like.

What you need to know about teaching English in Cambodia

So, what have we learned about teaching jobs in Cambodia? Here are some key takeaways:

  • No degree required: A bachelor’s degree is not mandatory to teach English in Cambodia. That said, some positions may need it. A TEFL certificate, however, is essential.
  • Salary: If you teach abroad in Cambodia, you can expect KHR 5,283,959 (£943 / $1,220) monthly.
  • Types of jobs: Teaching jobs are available in public schools, private schools, international schools, universities, and private tutoring. 
  • Best cities to teach: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are the most popular teaching locations. Here, you’ll find the majority of international schools and language centers.
  • High demand, low proficiency: Cambodia ranks low on the EF English Proficiency Index. There’s an intense demand for qualified English teachers.
  • Flexibility matters: You can job hunt in person on an EG Visa. Being in Cambodia increases your chances. Expect a quick turnaround from applications.
  • Common benefits: Many teaching jobs, especially at international and private schools, include perks like visa assistance, accommodation stipends, paid holidays, lunch allowances, and even flight reimbursements.

Cambodia is a captivating part of Asia and well worth considering. It is in demand of better English education, has friendly locals, and has stunning sights.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. Do I need teaching experience to get an English teaching job in Cambodia?

    Teaching experience can help you find an English teaching job in Cambodia. However, you can teach abroad without experience, especially if you sign up with an NGO or in a rural school.

  • Q. Are teaching jobs in Cambodia's rural areas different from city jobs?

    Rural schools in Cambodia need qualified teachers just as much as the cities, but pay can be lower, and facilities aren’t typically as good.

  • Q. What’s the typical contract length for English teaching jobs in Cambodia?

    New teachers usually start on one-year renewable contracts in Cambodia.

  • Q. Do English teachers in Cambodia get benefits like housing or airfare?

    English teachers can get benefits, and many do. Independently funded schools are more likely to offer bonuses like housing and airfare.