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 |
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.
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.
Let’s look at where you can find English teaching jobs in Cambodia.
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.
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:
You’ll need to meet the following criteria:
Here is a list of employers and resources we recommend:
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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:
Typically, you’ll require:
The most common types of work visas for teachers are variations of E-class visas, which include:
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.
We recommend the following:
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.
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 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Interested in taking your TEFL career to the next level in Cambodia? Here are our top tips:
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.
So, what have we learned about teaching jobs in Cambodia? Here are some key takeaways:
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.
Cambodia has a tragic past, but is these days considered to be a stable country and welcoming to foreign workers. For several years now, the TEFL market in Cambodia has been one of the fastest growing in Asia and as the country’s economy continues to improve so do the opportunities for EFL teachers.
When it comes to teaching in Asia it’s true that your options are limited, as almost all countries require a degree. South Korea, Japan and China remain the most popular TEFL destinations, and all have very restrictive immigration policies. However, this isn’t the case everywhere.
Teaching placements available throughout the year in language schools and private schools across Cambodia.
With a huge demand for English teachers, great opportunities to make and save money and some of the world’s most beautiful destinations on your doorstep, it’s no wonder thousands flock to teach English in Asia each year.
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.
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.
New teachers usually start on one-year renewable contracts in Cambodia.
English teachers can get benefits, and many do. Independently funded schools are more likely to offer bonuses like housing and airfare.