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English Teaching Jobs in
Cambodia
TEFL course provider
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teachers trained
find work within 2 months
Cambodia is rich with history and mystique, but it’s also incredibly welcoming, perfect for new teachers, and full of teaching jobs.
Bring your lesson plans, scuba gear, and sense of adventure as we examine English teaching jobs in Cambodia. Cambodia is rich in cultural and historical intrigue, breathtaking views, natural beauty, and, of course, English teaching opportunities for new and experienced teachers alike.
An exciting and, in some ways unusual country in which to teach English as a foreign language, Cambodian immigration laws don’t require teachers to hold a degree. Though you’ll need teaching qualifications, including a TEFL certificate (more on that later), Cambodia is a fantastic place to either get started as an English teacher or to begin your career change later in life. With its unbelievable views, eager students and passion for English learning, there’s plenty to enjoy, as well as a multitude of TEFL jobs in Cambodia.
From the phenomenal capital, Phnom Penh, to attractions like Angkor Wat (the world’s largest religious building) and Prasat Preah Vihear, Cambodia is packed with amazing things to see and do. There’s also a steadily growing TEFL community in the country. Whether it’s at the university level, shaping curricula for the future, in school classrooms, running international schools or offering private lessons, TEFL teachers are all across Cambodia.
So, how do you find English teaching jobs in Cambodia? What’s the average salary like for an English teacher in this fascinating country? What kinds of English teaching jobs are available? Let’s take a closer look at teaching English in Cambodia, and where the jobs are.
English teaching jobs in Cambodia: an overview
From an English teaching perspective, Cambodia is an interesting challenge. Despite the country being a hotspot for TEFL teachers, the infrastructure for English teaching countrywide isn’t at the desired level just yet. This is evidenced by Cambodia’s performance on the EF English Proficiency Index, with the country ranked a lowly 98th out of 113 countries.
While English lessons are held to an excellent standard in some parts of the country, and within certain institutions, this isn’t the case everywhere. Typically, Cambodian students do not begin English language study until 4th grade, but in private schools and international schools, access to English can start much earlier. Additionally, the quality of lessons in independent schools is typically higher, purely due to the financial differences between institutions.
Still, however well-funded a school is, you’ll typically find really eager students when you're teaching English in Cambodia. While class sizes can be on the large side, learners work hard, they’re usually well-behaved and there’s a culture of respect for teachers. In language schools, adults are usually very motivated, largely due to the economic benefit of learning English.
The majority of English teaching jobs can be found in big cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. This is where the bulk of international schools, private schools and universities are found. However, there are state schools and private tutoring opportunities across Cambodia.
Quick facts about Cambodia
- Capital: Phnom Penh
- Official language: Khmer
- Population: 16.77 million
- Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US dollars
Key facts
Requirements
So, what requirements do you need to meet to teach English in Cambodia?
Cambodia is one of the more notable countries where you can teach English abroad without a bachelor’s degree. While neighbouring countries like Thailand and Vietnam require degrees as a legal requirement for work visas, Cambodia is more lenient. Some employers will ask for a bachelor’s degree, but in terms of getting into the country to teach English, you don’t need one.
You will need TEFL certification. TEFL qualifications of 120 hours or more are the industry standard and the minimum requirement for English teaching jobs in Cambodia. To stand out in the job market, Advanced TEFL courses, like business English, can really help. This is also true for finding work in private tutoring. Having a speciality, and an extra TEFL certificate or two to prove it, can help you cut through and find a perfect job teaching English.
Experience can help you get a job teaching English in Cambodia, but you can teach English abroad without experience. It depends on the employer, but many English teachers have started their careers in Cambodia.
Can an English teacher TEFL in Cambodia as a non-native English speaker? Again, it largely depends on the employer but there’s certainly no rule against it. As far as landing English teacher jobs in Cambodia goes, an IELTS or TOEFL qualification will help to demonstrate English proficiency, as will a qualification from an English-speaking university.
Salary and benefits
What can you earn while teaching English in Cambodia? What’s the average salary for a TEFL teacher? Before we proceed, it’s worth noting that, in most cases, salaries for English teaching positions are listed in USD.
English teacher salaries in Cambodia vary depending on experience, geography and institution. Typically, newly qualified educators teaching English in Cambodia can expect $700-$1,000/£560-£791 monthly, while experienced teachers in international schools can earn up to $2,500/£2,000.
In terms of benefits for English teaching, you might find some considerable perks based on the kind of institution you work in. Some Cambodia TEFL jobs will offer English teachers free accommodation, while most will offer medical insurance, assistance with work and residency permits and paid public holidays.
Living and working in Cambodia
What’s the cost of living like while you're teaching English in Cambodia, and how does it contrast with the average teaching salary?
The cost of living in Phnom Penh is low, relative to salary. If you aren’t offered free accommodation, you’ll need to rent an apartment, but the good news is that it’s not super expensive. To rent a one-bedroom apartment in central Phnom Penh, you can expect to pay about £362/$480 per month. It’s far cheaper outside the city centre, at about £201/$265 per month.
As for your monthly bills, utilities cost around £70/$93 while you’re living in Phnom Penh. Depending on your provider, internet access is usually about £17/$22 - perfect if you want to teach English online in your downtime!What about going out and experiencing Cambodian cuisine? If you’re heading out for a quick, solo meal in a cheap diner, you shouldn’t be paying more than about £4/$5 for something hot and tasty. A proper, sit-down three-course meal for two in a mid-priced restaurant, meanwhile, normally comes to about £23/$30.
Types of English teaching jobs in Cambodia
Where can TEFL-certified teachers find amazing, rewarding teaching jobs in this beautiful, one-of-a-kind Asian nation? Let’s take a look at where you can teach English in Cambodia.
State schools
Cambodia’s state schools are a great place to teach English, provided you’re able to find opportunities. Typically, you need to actually be in Cambodia to find teaching jobs within the state education system, so being local counts. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you can find decent salaries, as long as you hold high-quality TEFL certification and, ideally, have some teaching experience - though it isn’t always a prerequisite.
Depending on where you are in the country, you might find the infrastructure and teaching materials in state schools aren’t quite up to scratch. For some teaching jobs in Cambodia, state schools might expect you to bring your own lesson plans and materials, and class sizes are high - so that’s a lot of printing on your part. However, jobs are stable, young learners are very keen and you’ll have plenty of paid holidays.
Jobs boards
Check out the TEFL Org Jobs Centre for listings of current teaching positions in Cambodia, and opportunities to teach English across the globe, or from home!
Abundant Life International School seeks experienced teachers with native English skills.
Serious Teachers is an online jobs search engine where you can find opportunities to teach English in Cambodia.
Learning Jungle has one preschool and one elementary campus. To teach English, you need a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certificate for their 1-year renewable contracts. Flights are paid for, breakfast and lunch are provided at school, and salaries are negotiable.
Western International School prefers degree holders for 12-month contracts, $10 per classroom hour.
Teaching programmes in Cambodia
If you’re intrigued by Cambodia as a destination to teach abroad, then great news: the TEFL Org has a Cambodia internship programme 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 USD 700 per month
- 22 to 30 in-class teaching hours per week
- One year contract
- Visa support and assistance
- Airport pickup
- Orientation week in Cambodia before placement
Who’s eligible to teach English in Cambodia through this internship? You’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- A passport holder from the United States, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom or Ireland
- Fluent English speaker
- 120-hour TEFL certification (included in programme fee)
- Between the ages of 21 and 40
- In good physical and mental health
For more information, read all about our TEFL Org Cambodia internship, email advice@tefl.org for details, or speak to one of our advisers live on chat today!
Related articles for teaching English in Cambodia
Teach English in Cambodia
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.
TEFL in Asia without a degree: Cambodia
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.
Cambodia Teaching Placement
Teaching placements available throughout the year in language schools and private schools across Cambodia.
Why you should TEFL in Cambodia
South Asia, specifically Southeast Asia, is a booming TEFL market. Of course, there are some of the favourites; Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia - but what about Cambodia?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are English teachers in demand in Cambodia?
Yes, qualified teachers are in high demand to teach English in Cambodia, across all levels of education.
Q. What is the salary of an English teacher in Cambodia?
Newer, less experienced educators teaching English in Cambodia can expect $700-$1,000/£560-£791 monthly. Experienced teachers in independent institutions like international schools can earn up to $2,500/£2,000.
Q. How to find English teaching jobs in Cambodia?
If you’re looking to start teaching English in Cambodia, your best bet is to look at job boards online. Or, if you’re specifically interested in state school jobs, going to Cambodia and applying face-to-face is a great idea - if you’re able to do it!
Q. What are the requirements to teach in Cambodia?
A TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours of study will allow you to teach English in Cambodia. For some roles, you may require a bachelor’s degree or above, and experience is always valuable.