TEFL jobs in Cambodia
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in Cambodia
Overview
Would you like to teach English in Cambodia? Cambodia is known for its fascinating history, magnificent temples, and beautiful beaches. Teaching English in Cambodia is a fantastic way to learn about a new culture, earn money, and meet like-minded people. So, if you’re seeking a unique experience, consider teaching English abroad as a second language (ESL) in Cambodia!
In comparison to other nations, the qualifications needed to work as an English teacher in Cambodia are extremely low! However, getting started on your ESL journey is simple if you’re a native English speaker with a bachelor’s degree and one year of teaching experience.
It’s no surprise that TEFL teachers are drawn to this great country since there is an abundance of teaching work, a low cost of living, extremely lovely people, and delicious food. Admittedly, Cambodia’s pay isn’t spectacular, but with such a low cost of living, it’s simple to make ends meet. In addition, there will be plenty to do and see during your free time, and Cambodia is a place where you can truly have an adventure while teaching English abroad in another country.
Types of teaching jobs
Private schools
Since public schools in Cambodia rarely hire foreign teachers, most ESL opportunities are found in private schools and language centres, especially in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and other larger cities. Teachers can work with a wide range of learners from preschoolers to university students and adults.
Depending on when you want to teach and what age group you want to teach, your work schedule may change. Primary and secondary school classes typically run from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with a long midday break. Adult classes are often held in the evenings from 5:30–7:30 pm to accommodate working professionals.
Volunteer teaching
Volunteer teaching remains a popular option in Cambodia and can be a rewarding way to contribute to the community while gaining classroom experience. Because the country’s unemployment rate is high and English skills are highly sought, many organisations turn to volunteers for assistance.
Volunteering may involve teaching in schools, orphanages, or community centres. Some programmes also allow you to teach English to Buddhist monks, which offers a unique cultural exchange. Always research the ethics and reputation of volunteer programmes before committing.
Salaries, requirements & visas
Popular locations for TEFL jobs
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
The average salary for EFL teachers
The basic monthly salary for full-time positions is likely to be in the region of €865–€1,200 per month. Top salaried positions pay around €1,800 per month. Many positions pay by the hour, at a rate of about €9–€13 per hour.
TEFL qualification requirements
A 120-hour TEFL qualification is generally required Prerequisite university degree: No degree is required for a visa but can be specified by some employers.
Term times
May to October and November to March
Teaching programmes
Private Language Schools, International Schools, Business English, Bilingual Kindergartens, and Volunteering opportunities.
Age restrictions
Maximum 65
Previous teaching experience
Beneficial but not necessary
Living costs
Despite having its own currency (the riel), Cambodia is a dollar-based economy. Only things under one dollar are typically marked in riels, so don’t be shocked if you find a mix of price tags. Both are available at ATMs.
English teachers in Cambodia receive a fair pay in comparison to the country’s low cost of living, and a dinner at a market can cost as little as €1, while a sit-down meal in a restaurant is still quite affordable. Although prices are growing, it is still a relatively affordable location to live. Living and eating like a native is substantially less expensive than eating Western food, frequenting tourist pubs, and indulging in home comforts, as it is everywhere.
Because most English teachers in Cambodia are paid on an hourly basis rather than offered a salary, benefits such as paid vacations, housing, and health insurance are not usually included. Also, because there are so many volunteer teaching positions in Cambodia, many expatriates are on a low budget, so you won’t have trouble connecting with other TEFL teachers who are in the same boat. Angkor Wat (the world’s greatest religious structure), Battambang bat caves, the genocide museum, Koh Rong island, and Ta Prohm temple are among the many beautiful spots to explore. One of the most attractive and charming elements of Cambodian culture, according to many ex-pats, is the people’s friendliness, humility, and openness. So it’s no surprise that many TEFL teachers are drawn to the adventurous lifestyle available in Cambodia, which includes top meals such as fish amok curry, green mango salad, beef loc lac, crab and pepper, and pumpkin custard.
In order to provide the most up-to-date cost of living figures, we use Numbio.com, the world’s most significant cost of living database.
Accommodation
€370–€780
Utilities
€88
Health insurance
Cost of a typical visit to a GP: €30
Monthly transport pass
€18
Basic dinner out for two
€9
Cappuccino in an ex-pat area
€1.85
A beer in a pub
€1.40
1 litre of milk
€1.81
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