Teaching English in Myanmar

Teaching English in Myanmar is a great way to earn money while learning about a new culture. It can be an especially rewarding experience, especially for those who have spent time living in the country.

Overview

Myanmar is dirty and loud. The traffic is horrific. Meanwhile, people are overwhelmingly friendly. They make it feel like you’re a part of the family. And this is why so many foreign teachers spend their full contract and more in Myanmar.

It’s not for those who are looking for an easy life abroad. Instead, you have to adjust your pace of life. People who live in the fast lane don’t exist in Myanmar. It’s a life without the common luxuries. Power outages, terrible road conditions, and dial-up speed internet are tell-tale assigns it’s still a developing country.

Anyone with an adventurous bone in their body has to come to Myanmar and set it for themselves. Teaching English in Myanmar is for the brave, and not for the faint of heart. It feels like you’re in a different world like in an old movie.

Pros of Teaching English in Myanmar

Salary: Many people in Myanmar are interested in learning English in order to improve their career prospects, and there is a growing demand for English teachers. While salaries vary depending on your qualifications and experience, it is possible to earn a good income teaching English in Myanmar.
Travel: Myanmar is a country with a rich history and culture, stunning natural beauty, and friendly people. There are many things to see and do in Myanmar, from exploring ancient temples and ruins to hiking through lush jungles and mountain scenery. And, as Myanmar is still relatively undiscovered by tourists, it is possible to have an authentic and unique experience.
Friendliness: Myanmar is a friendly place to travel, and its people are known for their hospitality. The locals are incredibly welcoming and are always keen to help out tourists without as much scamming as other countries in Southeast Asia.

Cons of Teaching English in Myanmar

Cleanliness: Myanmar is a polluted country because of its high levels of industrialization and urbanization. The country’s population is growing rapidly, which is putting strain on its infrastructure and leading to more pollution. Also, restaurants are more unhygienic and it’s more common to get food poisoning.
Political Instability: Political unrest has been an ongoing issue in Myanmar. Even now, there are significant political divisions within Myanmar, and protests and riots are not uncommon.
A Developing Country: There is poor infrastructure in Myanmar. The country’s roads are in poor condition and many are not paved. There is also a lack of reliable public transportation, making it difficult for people to get around. Additionally, the electrical grid is unreliable, and power outages are common.

English Language Schools in Myanmar

Myanmar is one of the few remaining countries in Asia that doesn’t require a Bachelor’s degree. However, you do need a TEFL certificate for most jobs in Myanmar. English language centers hire the most foreign teachers, but there are also positions in public schools and international schools.

Students in Myanmar consist of mostly business professionals and young learners. Generally, students have a lot of personalities, and teachers are given a lot of respect. Young learners can be very playful and they rarely challenge a teacher’s authority.

Those who want to teach in elementary or high schools in the public school system are required to be qualified/licensed teachers in their own state/country. International schools have the strictest requirements usually with at least two years of experience ideally in their home country.

Salary

As the demand for foreign teachers continues to grow in Myanmar, salaries are also increasing. Foreign teachers can earn anywhere from $900 to $1,800 USD (1,300,000 – 2,800,000 MMK) monthly in Myanmar.

Overall, the pay is pretty decent considering the minimal living costs. Most employers provide teachers a place to live free of charge. Alternatively, they will assist you to find a place to live with potential subsidized rent.

The food and transportation is cheap. If you stay in a hotel or book a flight in Myanmar, they are fairly cheap as well. Renting your own place can be a little costly, depending on the quality and comfort you are looking for. When you go to Myanmar, bring American cash with you. Credit cards and the banking system are a bit outdated.

Monthly Salary	Total
US Dollars (USD)	900 to 1,800 USD
Myanmar Kyat (MMK)	1,300,000 to 2,800,000 MMK

Certification

A TEFL certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is a qualification that is required to teach English abroad. TEFL courses can be taken online or in-person, and they are available in a variety of formats.

These courses cover topics such as grammar and phonetics, as well as teaching strategies and methods. If you want to teach in Myanmar, a certificate will show that you have received the necessary training in teaching English within a foreign country.

An internationally recognized program with recruitment partners and internships.

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The only certification recognized in both the UK and USA for job opportunities.

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An accredited TEFL certificate training institute with virtual and on-site training.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Myanmar still a developing country?

Yes. It’s important to understand that Myanmar is very much a developing country. Foreign teachers often express the banking system and the internet is unreliable there. Traffic is unorganized without necessary traffic signals. Imported goods cost a lot of money and are not necessarily available in Myanmar.

How much money can you make teaching English in Myanmar?

Foreign teachers can earn anywhere from $900 – $1,800 USD (1,300,000 – 2,800,000 MMK) monthly in Myanmar.

Which cities in Myanmar have the most English teaching jobs?

Your best bets are in Yangon and Mandalay, which account for the bulk of hiring of foreign teachers.

Do you need a degree to teach English in Myanmar?

No. Myanmar is one of the few remaining countries in Asia that doesn’t require a Bachelor’s degree. However, you do need a TEFL certificate for most jobs in Myanmar.

How safe is Myanmar?

Regardless if you are female or male, traveling to almost all parts of Myanmar is safe. During your stay in Myanmar, you should use normal safety precautions.

Facts

You can use both the local currency of Myanmar kyat (MMK) and US dollars.
Thousands of people join a water festival every year.
Myanmar is very much a tea-drinking culture.
People often carry goods on the top of their heads.
Driving in Myanmar is chaotic.
Myanmar people are some of the most generous in all of Asia.
People use kissing sounds to call a waiter/waitress in a restaurant.
Yangon is no longer the capital of Myanmar.

Teaching English in Myanmar