Teaching English in Cambodia
Teaching English in Cambodia
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree: Preferred
Monthly Salary: $1,000 to 1,200 USD
Peak Hiring: Year-round
Visa Information: Work visa
Housing: Not compensated
Airfare: Not reimbursed
Student Types: Business English and children
At a Glance
If you’re a native speaker of English with a passion for languages and education, teaching English as a foreign language may be the ideal job for you. Demand for English teachers is high throughout the world, particularly in Cambodia.
Overview
Whether it is food, travel, safety, or welcoming people, these are all excellent reasons to move and teach English in Cambodia. But keep in mind that Cambodia is a 3rd world country and is very different from Western culture. This doesn’t mean it’s worse, just different.
You can earn anywhere from $1,000 to 1,200 USD per month teaching English in Cambodia. Visas and work permits have recently become a little complicated. Technically, employers often pay for work permits, but keep an eye out to make sure it’s all in order.
If you’re thinking about shaking up life by teaching English in Cambodia, it’s a laid-back and inexpensive place to live. You don’t need a degree to teach there so it makes it a great alternative to Thailand.
English Language Schools in Cambodia
Having a TEFL certificate will really be for your benefit to help you as an English teacher. Schools often check for this requirement so you should try to enroll in a course beforehand. Not a lot of schools require prior experience or even a university degree. There are many opportunities in the big cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Even smaller cities like Battambang or Poipet are hiring English teachers (and are more fun).
The demand for foreign teachers is very high in Cambodia. It’s even possible to get hired before you go to Cambodia. But it is more common to just show up and apply directly to schools. It’s easy once you’re there to drop off your CV/resume. A lot of foreign teachers get hired very quickly if they are on-site already for an interview. As shown on this map of Cambodia, here are some English Language Schools for teaching opportunities.
Salary
Working as an English teacher in Cambodia is a great way to get experience, meet new people, and see another part of the world while being paid. Most teachers earn around $1,000-1,200 USD per month. If you are an experienced teacher or have a university degree, you can maybe make up to $1,500 USD. In general, the lower-paying variety jobs are for non-degree holders.
The living costs in Cambodia are inexpensive. Rent can be as low as $50 per month. But it usually costs around $200 monthly for rental costs. When you include utilities, food, Tuk Tuk rides, and phone fee, you may end up paying $400-500 USD per month. This means it’s possible to save a significant portion of salary.
| Monthly Salary | Total |
|---|---|
| US Dollars (USD) | 1,000 to 1,200 USD |
| Cambodia Real (Khmer Riel) | 4,000 to 5,000 KHR |
Certification
English is the language of business, education, and innovation. Almost every country in the world has recognized the importance of learning English, making it a useful skill for finding a job and advancing your career. TEFL certification provides you with the minimum amount of qualifications to teach English in Cambodia.
Teaching English as a second language is a rewarding opportunity for individuals who love to help others and have a passion for language, culture, and travel. Cambodia is an excellent place to find this type of work. Here are some of the TEFL providers that give the most value for what you pay for.
Frequently Asked Questions
English proficiency in Cambodia is on average higher than in other countries in Asia such as Thailand.
Yes, it’s possible to work in Cambodia without a degree.
Teaching English in Cambodia has many benefits, including its affordability, ease of living, pagodas, temples, and street food. Many foreign teachers dislike the short-lived rainy season. For safety, it has a moderate level of risk with some petty and violent crimes.
They use American dollars (USD) and Khmer Riel (KHR).
Depending on the school, most teachers earn around $1,000-1,200 USD per month. If you are an experienced teacher or have a university degree, you can make up to $1,500 USD.