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We receive emails every week asking how to find a job teaching in Cambodia.
Becoming an international school teacher is a fulfilling experience that can take you around the world! We are happy to share our personal experience finding work teaching in Cambodia. The information here is what we know based on our experience, from talking to fellow educators, and from the people in our networks who work in education in Phnom Penh.
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If your school would like to advertise teaching positions send a message to Jen (at) twocantravel.com.
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In this article, we answer frequently asked questions from our readers on finding a job teaching in Cambodia.
If you’re wondering what schools to apply to in Phnom Penh, these are schools we suggest based on our personal experience and people we know.
More useful articles about Cambodia:
- What Does it Cost to Live in Phnom Penh?
- 10 Awesome Places to Go in Cambodia
- Best Bus Companies in Cambodia
What degrees or certifications are required for teaching in Cambodia?
A university degree is usually required to teach in Cambodia. Degrees in English, Teaching or Early Childhood Education are best. However, a degree in any subject is usually acceptable. It can be challenging to find a job teaching in Cambodia without a university degree.
Having a certificate in TEFL, TESOL or CELTA will help put you ahead of the competition when looking for teaching jobs in Cambodia.
- TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is a course focused on teaching abroad.
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) focuses more on teaching English to second language learners in an English speaking country. This is what Stevo and I have, and it has served us well to find jobs teaching English in Cambodia and in China.
- CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is the most preferred certificate by schools as it is known to be the most strenuous course and is certified by Cambridge.
Having any of these certificates will provide more opportunities when looking for a job teaching English in Cambodia.
We have partnered with MyTEFL, a reputable leader in TEFL/TESOL training programs, to bring you a discount on their courses. Use our code TWOCAN35 when you checkout for a 35% discount. View MyTEFL’s course options.
Note: The majority of schools in Asia want to see that you have completed, at a minimum, a 120-hour TEFL or TOEFL course.
Use the code TWOCAN35 for a 35% discount on MyTEFL courses!
Who are schools looking for?
The average English school in Cambodia want to hire teachers with a passport from Canada, the U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand, the U.K. or South Africa. Teachers from non-native English speaking countries will have a more difficult time finding a job teaching English in Cambodia. However, it is possible.
The sad reality is that some schools in Asia are prejudiced against Black and Asian applicants. Black and Asian applicants will have an easier time finding work at foreign-owned and run schools.
From our experience applying for jobs, schools with young learners tend to prefer female candidates. We found this to be especially true when we were applying for teaching jobs in primary schools. Stevo received countless emails stating that schools were only seeking female teachers for those positions.
Are there positions available other than teaching English in Cambodia?
Aside from just teaching English in Cambodia, we have had opportunities to work in school administration and leadership positions. We’ve worked as curriculum consultants for a new primary school in Phnom Penh. Stevo worked in a management position and IT for an early childhood school.
Jen worked as the head teacher for her school campus. While we both had some leadership experience prior to taking these positions, Cambodia can definitely be a place to grow your skills and take on additional professional responsibilities.
If you are a Speech Therapist or Occupational Therapist or have experience working with students with special needs, there are many job opportunities opening up in Cambodia. We are putting together a more comprehensive resource for people looking for work in these areas, but feel free to email Jen in the meantime for more info at Jen (at) twocantravel (dot) com.
There are also opportunities to teach different subjects at schools such as athletics, computers, art, and more. If you have a specialty in a certain area, be sure to bring that up in your interview as those types of jobs aren’t always advertised.
What if I am a recent university graduate?
It is possible to find a job teaching English in Cambodia if you are a recent university graduate with no experience. Generally pay will be lower for these positions.
However, once you gain more training and experience you can negotiate for a higher salary. Some schools offer on the job training to new teachers. If you’re looking for your first TEFL job, Cambodia is a great place to start.
What are the salaries and benefits for teaching in Cambodia?
Salaries are lower for teaching in Cambodia than in other Asian countries. However, the cost of living in Cambodia tends to be lower as well. Typically salaries range from $800-$2,000 per month for full-time teachers. Part-time positions range from $250-$1000 per month.
Some schools also provide housing or housing stipends, medical insurance or reimbursement, and flight reimbursement. All of these can be negotiated in your contract.
Getting these benefits is usually only possible if you have applied from outside Cambodia and are coming over specifically for the position.
Pay can be higher in some schools for more qualified teachers based on teaching experience and relevant degrees. When Jen worked at the international school in Phnom Penh she had seven years of teaching experience and a degree in Speech and Language Pathology and was earning over $1,600 per month.
Stevo worked in management and handled IT for an international school. He also taught swimming lessons as he was a certified lifeguard and swimming coach in the US. We both negotiated our benefits such as paid time off and medical coverage in our contracts with our employers.
Should I apply for teaching jobs before coming to Cambodia?
We recommend applying for a job teaching English in Cambodia before you arrive. That way you can maximize on benefits and moving assistance from schools.
You can also move to Cambodia and apply for teaching jobs once you are there. This is what Stevo and I did when we moved to Phnom Penh in 2015. Once we arrived we utilized contacts we had made on previous trips to the city.
We also went to as many events as possible around town to meet people and learn about different schools and teaching jobs through word of mouth. We went this route because we prefer to see a school in person and meet teachers working there before accepting a job, due to bad past experiences.
What information do I need to apply for a job teaching in Cambodia?
To apply for a teaching job in Cambodia you generally need the following documentation:
- Updated CV (one page with relevant information including education, teaching certificates, experience working with children or relevant work experience, where you are currently based and when you can start work in Cambodia)
- Cover letter
- Passport pictures (it is standard practice to include a photo with your CV)
- Two reference letters (character-based and/or work related)
- Copy of your university degree
- Copy of passport
- Copies of any relevant certificates
Some schools also require a police report. It is better to get this in your home country, but one can also be obtained in Cambodia.
How often will I be paid?
Most schools pay salaries once per month. Schools offering hourly pay often pay every two weeks.
How do I know what schools I should work with?
There is a school on every corner in Phnom Penh, but very little government regulation on how schools are run.
We recommend looking at these standards in schools:
- Salary for full-time employees
- An hourly rate or salary for part-time employees
- Pay on time
- Honor contracts
- Have a curriculum
- Offer work permits
We recommend asking to speak with current teachers about the above requirements to ensure you are entering into a trustworthy school. These are the schools we recommend checking out first based on our personal experience and what we’ve heard from people working at these schools.
Will I enjoy teaching English in Cambodia?
Teaching English in Cambodia is not for everyone! People joke that Phnom Penh is like the wild west, with few rules or regulations, and for the most part that is true.
Speaking frankly, Phnom Penh may not be a great place for people with addictive personalities as many vices are readily available.
A good measure of flexibility is necessary to work and live in the city. Life in Cambodia is much different from life in most teachers’ home countries, and things are not always done the way people are used to. Teachers need to remember “this is Cambodia” and adjust their expectations accordingly.
What about teaching in other counties in Asia?
If you have a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA you will have opportunities to teach in many countries throughout Asia such as Vietnam and South Korea.
Stevo and I have also taught in China and are happy to connect you with recruiters we have personally worked with to find jobs there. Send Jen an email at Jen (at) twocantravel (dot) com.
Volunteer Teaching Positions
There are some volunteer teaching positions available with Cambodian public schools. There are fewer requirements to work in these schools than with paid positions. However, police checks are still required.
Please think before volunteering in orphanages in Cambodia. Many orphanages are operating under false pretenses for profit. If a volunteer organization does not require background checks from volunteers who will work with children, they likely do not have the children’s best interest at heart.
Please refer to the Child Safe website for more information on working in orphanages and volunteering in Cambodia.
Move to Cambodia also provides valuable insight into the voluntourism industry in Cambodia.
Howdy!
I am in the process of obtaining my 170 hour TEFL certification. I do not have a BA, although I had previously attempted to go to Nursing school. My heart wasn’t in it, and now I am pursuing this. I have no experience teaching yet, but I do have about 6 years in healthcare and private childcare. I am a young 23 year old native English speaker from the states. Considering corona and the status of the world, what are the chances of landing a sustainable (not anything wild, I just need enough to live) job in Cambodia. I’ll be going through the rest of your website to find more answers to my questions, but I’d appreciate an answer if you’ve got the time. Thanks!
Hi Abigail, thanks for reaching out. Although having a BA is definitely preferable for most schools, getting a TEFL and your years of experience working with children will definitely help as you search for jobs in Cambodia. It’s hard to say how easy it will be for you to find a teaching job in Cambodia right now given the constantly changing state of the world. It is usually easier to find a job once you are on the ground in Cambodia so that you can go to in-person interviews. That’s also probably better for you so you can see the school, meet staff, and feel whether the school is a good fit. If you do choose to move to Cambodia and then look for a job I highly suggest having at least 3 months worth of savings in case it takes you longer to find something than expected. I hope that helps. Best of luck to you!
This is so helpful! Thanks a lot Jen! May I ask for further details for teaching with special needs. I have both bachelor’s and master’s in education. I’m interested to venture opportunities in Cambodia. I’m currently working in Vietnam. 🙂
You’re welcome! Thanks for your comment. I recommend contacting Happy Kids in Phnom Penh. They work with special needs students in schools and in their clinic. They hire SLPs, OTs, and other specialized education professionals. They may also know of other job opportunities in the country. You can also check out the Cambodia Disabilities Network. Best of luck to you!
Hi,
Thanks for all the information.
Can you please give me some information about government and international schools’ calendar? When is the right time to apply for a teaching job there?
I am not sure about government schools. The international schools usually start hiring around March for the following school year, though many schools hire year-round. It just depends on what positions open up throughout the year. For many schools is often easier to apply for teaching jobs in person once you are in the country. You can apply online for the bigger international schools such as ISPP, Northbridge, Canadian International School, and iCAN. I hope that’s helpful!
Hi Jennifer,
Very informative post.
I am an experienced Software Engineer and I have more than 10 years of experience in this field.
Do you have any information regarding IT / Tech opportunities (Job & business) in Cambodia ? Or you can connect me with someone related to this field in Cambodia?
Regards,
Hi Muhammad, thanks very much for your comment. Unfortunately, we don’t have any information on IT/Tech jobs in Cambodia, but perhaps someone reading your comment can chime in. Best of luck to you!
hello,good day am leonard from cameroon am 28years of aged holder of a BSC in MANAGEMENT, i have worked in the BANKING sector for 5years back in my country and can speak both english and french excellently have served as a part time english teacher for 3years.Can i easily get an english language teaching job in cambodia. and what are the salary range given that am not a native speaker.thanks
Hi Leonard, I’m not sure whether it will be easy for you to get a job, however, with your experience and qualifications, it sounds like you would be a good candidate for a teaching position. I would recommend reaching out to schools in Cambodia directly to find out their hiring requirements and salary offers.
Nice article, waiting for you next article
Hi my name is Nick. Me and my wife will be moving to Cambodia next month. We both have just over a year experience in teaching in Thailand. My wife have a degree but I don’t. We would like to work for an agency like we did in Thailand. Does Cambodia have agencies or must we apply at schools directly? If there is any agencies would you guys be able to point us in the right direction? Thank you in advance. Regards Nick and Rene.
Hey Nick, thanks for reaching out. As far as we know there aren’t any agencies operating in Cambodia the way there are in Thailand. It will probably be easier to drop your resume off at schools in person once you arrive. Good luck to you and Rene!
Is it possible to turn up in Cambodia and find a job or do you need to find one before you come? And if you can just turn up, how much would you recommend taking with to get started off?
(2 degrees, a TEFL diploma and 5 years TEFL experience)
Thanks
It is definitely possible to turn up and make things work. We did it and know plenty of people who have done the same. That said, prepare for at least 3 months of job searching as it’s not always easy to find something right away. With your experience and qualifications, you should be able to find work, but give yourself time to find a good fit. I would plan for about $1000-$1500 per month to cover your rent, food, transport, and going to events to meet people and expand your network, which will definitely help with your job search. Best of luck to you!
Hey there, I am a 43-years old graduate and non-native English speaker. Can I find teaching job in English or science subjecst in Cambodia? Which visa should I apply for? Can I apply for work permit from within Cambodia an how long does it take?
Parkash Lohana
Pakistan
Hi Parkash,
It is hard for us to say if you will be able to find a job in Cambodia. It will depend on your experience and your interviews. It is worth trying! You can get a 1-month Ordinary (E) visa which can be extended for 3-6 months to give you time to look for work. If you apply for the Tourist (T) visa you will only be able to extend it for 1 more month. Once you find a job they will assist you in getting your work permit. Hope that helps and good luck to you.
Kind regards,
Jen
Hi , am a Nigerian with a B.sc in Political science. Age 27years with teaching experience but no TEFL certificate. can I teach English ,my accent is excellent.
Hi Joseph, thanks for your question. You should definitely start applying to schools and find out what they are looking for. Some schools prefer native English speakers while other schools will hire good teachers from anywhere in the world. A TEFL may be required by some schools so you can ask about that as well. In our experience, it has been helpful for getting jobs. Best of luck to you!
Hi! Do you have any advice on saving money earned from teaching English at schools? My cousin in Vietnam has a very difficult time saving his earnings from teaching English. I have looked into many of the online money transfer services, but haven’t had much luck on cash earnings information. Can Cambodian schools deposit earnings directly into bank accounts? Thank you!
Hi Adelle, thanks for reaching out. For us, the way we saved money was to keep it in our Cambodian bank account. Our schools paid us directly into our Cambodian bank accounts. At the end of each semester when we had saved a decent chunk of money we did a money transfer from our Cambodian bank to our bank at home. There was a fee from both banks to do the transfer, so that’s why we only did it every 5 months. We personally live pretty cheaply and try to save as much money as possible so we can travel during school holidays and between teaching contracts. Best of luck to your cousin!
Hi there! I am a filipino and I just passed the interview and I am for documentation already. What I am worried about is that I forgot to have my police clearance back at my home country. Can you give me some suggestions? Thanks
Hi, congrats on passing your interview! I’m not sure how you can do your police clearance since you are already in Cambodia. You might reach out to the Philippines Embassy in Phnom Penh to ask them. Let us know how it goes when you find a solution! Best of luck to you with your new job 🙂
HI,
I would like to know that, I am a non native speaker.living in India. Professionally, Being a Kindergarten Teacher, I am having 9 years experience.I have completed online TEFL course level 5 from The TEFL academy UK.
I would like to apply there for the post of English teacher.But I am not able to find a proper link.kindly suggest me ,how do i apply or what is the proper procedure to apply.
Hi Sharma,
We have known teachers from India who teach in Cambodia, though to be honest it may not be as easy to find a teaching job as it is for native English speakers. Since you have a lot of experience and a TEFL certificate you would be a great asset to a school! Here is an article we put together with a list of schools in Cambodia, but there are many more schools besides these. https://twocantravel.com/international-schools-in-phnom-penh-cambodia/ You can check on Facebook to find more schools and reach out to them there or by email to ask if they are hiring. I think that will be the best first step. Good luck to you!
A degree is not needed to teach in Cambodia. You only need experience.
It depends on which school you want to work for. A majority of schools do want teachers to have a Bachelor’s degree, though it doesn’t have to be in teaching.
G’day Jen and Stevo.I stumbled across your site while researching the opportunities for teaching English in Asia. It has proved very informative and helpful. I am a 56 year old male who has spent most of my working life in the construction industry. I do not have a degree and am contemplating undertaking a combined Level 5 TEFL course in Australia with an additional Teaching Business English module. I have no degree and am saddened to see that most schools require this of their teachers.Are there other opportunities to teach English in Cambodia, either non accredited schools or business English classes? I have been told that Thailand have tightened up their requirements for teachers, but Cambodia and Burma will still accept teachers without degrees. Is this true? As I have no teaching experience, would it be an idea to first volunteer in a program that involves teaching English or just jump straight in! This is a total life change for me so any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I have travelled through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia regularly and hope to retire somewhere in Asia in the future and feel that teaching English would allow me to transition towards this goal. Good to hear from someone “on the ground”
Hi Tony, thanks for reaching out. We do know teachers without degrees who are teaching in Cambodia, however, they have been in their jobs for several years so I don’t know how easy it would be now. To be honest it is becoming more competitive to get teaching jobs in Asia with many more teachers moving over here. Professional experience does count for something, and if you have any teaching experience at all be sure to include that on your resume. If you are interested in teaching business English I would suggest reaching out to schools to ask what certifications and experience they require their teachers to have. ACE, for example, requires their teachers to have a CELTA certificate. Universities may be okay with your TEFL certification with Business English specialization. We don’t know much about teaching in Myanmar so can’t give you much info about that, unfortunately. You can check out jobs on Dave’s ESL Cafe and start asking questions to schools. If there are volunteer teaching opportunities to teach business English to adults in Australia that might be a good way to get your foot in the door. We do not recommend volunteering with children in Asia. Hope that helps and best of luck to you!
Hi I’m a 23 year old Indian national looking for a teaching job in Siem Reap,I am a TEFL CERTIFIED teacher but I don’t have a degree,right now I’m in Siem Reap,any suggestions for me to find a teaching job here?
Hi Vinaykumar, I’m not sure which schools if any will accept teachers without degrees in Siem Reap. If you are already there then I suggest you print out some copies of your resume and submit them in the office at schools in person. Then follow up with those schools by email. In our experience with schools in Phnom Penh, many want you to attach a passport size picture with your resume.
Thanks for the very important information about Cambodia.l also have passionate to teach in Cambodia,l have a Bachelor of Education honors degree in special needs,l have experience in teaching learners with intellectual disabilities and Physical and Motor disabilities.I am from Zimbabwe.l have read that they are so many opportunities for Special needs education.
Hi Enza, it’s great to hear about your background working with children with special needs. There is a Cambodia Disability Network that connects people working in that field and there are opportunities to find work with special needs children at schools and clinics. You can email the Cambodia Disability Network coordinator for more information cdnfacilitator (at) gmail.com
Thanks Jen will email them.
hie Ezna
iam interested to find out if you found a teaching job in Cambodia?. iam also from Zimbabwe and have been looking for a teaching job there.
melody
Wow… this info was so helpfull to me. Thou i have a question… right now im about to finish my diploma in education and i want to start with my TEFL asap… will that be enogh for me to get english teaching job in cambodia? Im a uagandan
Hi Enza, I am so glad this information was helpful to you! With a diploma in education and a TEFL you will be very qualified for a teaching job in Cambodia. That said, there are no guarantees for getting a teaching job in Cambodia so I can’t say for certain. I don’t want to sugarcoat the reality that there is discrimination that teachers from Africa have said they face at some schools. This is not at every school, but it does happen. With that said, it is certainly still possible to find a teaching job in Cambodia. I recommend that you do some research on schools you are interested in and reach out to them directly to find out the hiring process and hopefully schedule video interviews. I have also heard that schools may not open until later in the year due to Covid-19, so you may want to ask about that as well. Best of luck to you!
Hi Jen. I am 58 yrs old and born and raised in California. I live in the Philippines since 5/2018, retired for the last 3 yrs. I was self-employed for 25 yrs. I have a BA from a 4 yr. university but no certificate or Teaching experience, just some volunteer work at my church with kids. Could I get a job in Cambodia, China, Japan, or Vietnam. And if not can I teach online then? Tks so much Mark
Hi Mark,
To be honest I don’t think you’d be able to get a teaching job in any of those countries without a teaching certificate or experience. Most online teaching companies also want teachers with experience, though it can’t hurt to apply. Your volunteer work may count for something depending on what it was. You might consider getting a TEFL certification if you are really interested in pursuing teaching. MyTEFL.com does teacher placements for students who complete their courses which would be very helpful for your situation. You can ask them what they think about your likelihood of finding jobs in those countries before you do a course. Most schools want teachers to have completed at least 120-hour courses. If you do go that route you can save 35% on a MyTEFL course with our code TWOCAN35. Hope that helps and good luck.
Hey.
I’m in a situation where I’m looking for a teaching job in Cambodia, but i do not have a degree and only have a TEFL to teach younger kids (which i think isn’t a full TEFL). I have prior experience working as a teacher in a kindergarten in China for 6 months (It was as a volunteer so they provided food, accomandation, trips, and the TEFL course, but i did, of course, not get paid). I have also worked 1 year as a substitute in a kindergarten in Denmark (where i am from).
I would like to know if there’s any chance at all that a non-native English speaker, with no degree and only a TEFL to teach young learners, could get a teaching job in Cambodia while of course getting the full TEFL/TESOL?
It is my dream to travel the world and experience other countries from a close view. I actually dropped out of University where i studied Chinese, because i felt that travelling the world and earning some experience by working as a teacher, or any other job, is what I had to do as a person right now. After that I could go back to Uni and maybe be more clear on what I want to do with my life.
Sorry for all the, what may seem like unnecessary, info. The reason I’m giving you all these details is to get as real and clear an answer as possible. There are so many different answers if you search on google, but you guys seem experienced and like you know what you’re talking about, so it would mean a lot if you could give me some advice.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Signe, thanks for your question and for reaching out.
I think it’s awesome that you’re following what you feel you are called to do right now. Travel is the best teacher there is.
Since you do have 1.5 years of classroom experience and have some form of a TEFL certificate I think that you will be able to find a teaching job in Cambodia. It will come down to how your demo class and your interview go. When we first moved to Phnom Penh I had 4 years of teaching experience. We arrived without jobs and within about 4 weeks I found a job teaching at a small Montessori school working with 3-6-year-olds. I had never taught the Montessori method before so I had on the job and lunchtime training every day with another teacher. I worked with a woman at that school who was 19 from Europe. She was a non-native English speaker with no prior teaching experience and no degree. Without a Bachelor’s degree your salary may be lower, but you should be able to find work at a smaller school. Hope that helps! Feel free to leave another comment or send me an email if you have any other questions. jen (at) twocantravel (dot) com
Hi guys.
Great article! Very insightful and encouraging. I am a native English-speaker, 24 years old, male and of European descent. I have a BA degree in an unrelated field (from South Africa) and a 200+ hr TEFL certification from International TEFL Academy (based in Chicago).
My major drawback is that I am unfortunate holder of a Zimbabwean passport. I have experience teaching music (self-employed) and I have worked in sales.
I was planning on coming to Cambodia on a tourist visa and looking for work in person. I am hoping that this can reduce the negative paper value of my passport since prospective employers can interact directly with me and gauge my abilities.
Is this a good idea? All the jobs advertised online seem to be prestigious international school that require citizenship from a handful of countries, therefore making them unavailable to me.
What are my chances of finding legal work in Phnom Penh? I plan to stay longer term and I am treating teaching as a career and not as a holiday extension.
Any advice or encouragements will be extremely helpful as I am planning to leave within the next few weeks!
Kind regards, Tim.
Hey Tim, thanks for your comment!
I think your idea to go to Cambodia and look for work in person is a good one. As you said, if you can get an interview in person then it will be easier to sell yourself instead of just having that first passport impression. We have friends who are teachers in Phnom Penh who are from Africa, so it’s definitely possible! I think you’ll be able to find an employer that values hard work and dedication to teaching over anything else. Best of luck to you on your job search!
Hey Jen, Quick question, do I need a Cambodian bank account to get paid by a language school here?
At the moment I have neither a work permit or a Cambodian bank account. I’m wondering if its possible to open an account here first before a potential job proposal.
Thanks
Andy
Hi Andy,
I believe you can open a Cambodian bank account without a work permit, but not having a bank account shouldn’t affect your job prospects. Often schools want you to have an account at a specific bank because they do bulk transactions on payday for all employees. They should help you set that up after you are employed. Some schools also pay in cash. Hope that helps!
Hi, I do not have a degree but I do have a 300 hour Online TEFL certificate and 2 years teaching experience at a kindergarten.
I am South African. How good are my chances of getting a tefl job once I land in phenom penh?
Hi Yusuf, to be honest it is easier for women than for men to get jobs teaching early years in Phnom Penh. That said, experience counts. Once you arrive you’ll need to go around to schools and hand out your resume. You may need to be patient until something comes through, so be sure you have enough savings for a couple of months in case you don’t find work right away.
In your opinion, would living on roughly $500 a month be a comfortable or risky amount (because I still have to pay bills; car loan, student loan, etc.)? I have an offer for teaching English at an international school in Phnom Penh, but just contemplating if I would be living comfortably or not if I was to only have around $500 after everything? I would lay low on the weekdays and go exploring on the weekends.
Hi Shannon, what would the $500 need to cover? You can find a shared apartment for $150-$250, and you’d probably need to eat at local restaurants for a majority of meals ($1-3 per meal). Also, transport can start to add up, so you would probably want to get a bicycle to cut down on those expenses. It could work, but might be a bit risky to be honest. Here’s an article we wrote about the cost of living in Phnom Penh to give you a better idea: https://twocantravel.com/cost-live-phnom-penh-cambodia/ Hope that helps!
is it possible to find a job without a degree?
It might be possible, but it’s definitely more difficult. Most schools require a bachelor’s degree.
I’m hoping to spend a few months in Cambodia beginning at the end of this year, or early next year. I’ve been hoping to engage in some fulfilling volunteer work. It is good of you to point out the issues with some orphanages – a tragic reality, but not something people want to be negatively involved with. 🙁
Agreed John. When Stevo and I first came to Cambodia together we volunteered in an orphange center in the countryside. While it was a life changing experience for us, looking back and knowing what we know now about orphanage tourism, there are many reasons why we wouldn’t do it again.
This is such a great post! It has so much valuable information. For awhile I was considering teaching in Thailand, but decided I wasn’t quite ready to leave home. Maybe in a few years though. And now I know Cambodia is a great option too! 🙂
Cambodia is definitely an up and coming place for teachers, especially as Thailand’s visa regulations have gotten more difficult. Do let us know if you are heading this way or have any questions! 🙂
An easy to read yet thorough guide on now to find a teaching job in Cambodia. It is great to have a reliable resource both from someone that is on the ground and has gone through the experience.
Thanks Christina! I’m so glad you found it helpful.
This is a fantastic overview, thank you Jen and Cheryl! The warnings on being careful with the organisations you work for are really important, so we don’t unintentionally support any harmful practices.
Absolutely Mar! Even Stevo and I have worked in Cambodia as volunteers, but at the time we didn’t understand the true situation here. There are negative effects some volunteering institutions in Cambodia have on kids, especially when they are separated from their families. I’ll be posting more on this issue soon.
That’s some good info, it’s great to hear Cambodia reaching out for some standards when it comes to teaching English. I don’t qualify nor know any other prerequisites other than the ones I’ve read here but I would probably go for a more natural accent and diction regardless of where they are from.
I agree, Karla. With so many schools popping up here it’s good to know Cheryl’s company has higher standards for the teachers and the schools. It’s not easy to shift certain attitudes, which seem ingrained not only in Cambodia but throughout Asia. Also you’re right, a natural accent is definitely favored at most schools.
A great write up where you seem to have hit every point you need to know. Even just knowing how often you’re paid makes a huge difference in planning. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for commenting 🙂 I’m glad you found the post helpful. These are all questions people ask us, and things we would have liked to know before moving here and looking for work too!
I’ve heard Cambodia is a great affordable place for expats. A far cry from my move to Sydney 😁
Haha quite different! 😁 Sydney must be amazing though!
I’m sure 1,000-1,4000 can get you quite far in Cambodia. I taught in Namibia and made only $350/month and was living quite comfortably . The situation with orphanages in Cambodia is a very sad reality that I am glad you highlighted.
It is a sad reality. I’ll be writing more about orphange tourism soon as I think it’s so important for people coming here to know about and avoid being a part of.
Living comfortably on $350 is impressive! I would love to read more about your experiences in Namibia. Heading over to your blog now 🙂
This is absolutely an excellent resource for preparing to find a teaching job in Cambodia. I always read the compensation was much less than $1000/month in Cambodia, which is why I didn’t consider it, but $1000-1500 is pretty fair and will definetely help you get by comfortably there.
Agreed Susan! Salaries are reasonable enough to live comfortably and still save some money. Thanks for your comment 🙂
I’ve always been interested in teaching English abroad. I’m glad I waited, though. When I was younger, I was drawn to countries with higher salaries. However, over the years I’ve heard tales from teachers there that tend toward “golden handcuffs.” Great to know Cambodia now has a placement service. I also really like the Wild West analogy. Definitely a reminder to approach situations with the ‘when in Rome’ mentality!
Yes, it’s so important to try and understand the culture you are working in! Where do you think you’d like to teach?