Teach English in Cambodia

Teach 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

Because public schools rarely hire foreign teachers, the majority of ESL teachers work in the several private schools in the Phnom Penh area. Teachers can start teaching in classrooms as early as preschool and work their way up to adults in university. Adults aged 18 and above

Depending on when you want to teach and what age group you want to teach, your work schedule may change.

Teaching English in Cambodia to adults means sessions are usually held at night, between 5:30 and 7:30 pm, when most people have finished their workday. Primary and secondary schools, on the other hand, meet from 8 am to 11 am, then from 2 pm to 5 pm, with a lunch break in between.

Volunteer teaching 

Volunteering to teach English in Cambodia is a fantastic way to see the globe while also doing good. Because the country’s unemployment rate is high and English skills are highly sought, many organisations turn to volunteers for assistance.

You can also locate volunteer teaching programmes at orphanages (but it’s crucial to think about the program’s ethics and conduct your research first!) Alternatively, you may work with Buddhist monks. Volunteering to teach English in Cambodia can be a rewarding and remarkable experience.

Where to teach in Cambodia

It’s crucial to conduct your study before travelling to Cambodia, just as you would before starting a career in any new nation. Begin by visiting one of Cambodia’s major teaching cities:

Phnom Penh 

Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital city, with a population of over 1.5 million people and some of the country’s best schools. The cost of living is higher here, but so are employer-provided earnings and chances for professional growth, such as ESL lessons or TEFL certification courses. If you enjoy teaching English in Cambodia and working in huge cities, Phnom Penh is the place for you!

Siem Reap

Teaching English in Siem Reap is a fantastic idea. The city, which is only a few hours’ drive north of Angkor’s ancient temples, has grown in popularity as a tourist attraction in its own right. It’s also a great starting point for exploring the rest of Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos.

Because of its proximity to the Angkor monuments and popularity with tourists, Siem Reap should be high on your list of probable sites if you plan on teaching English in Cambodia. Siem Reap is more populous than many other Cambodian towns or cities, with a population of over 300,000. Furthermore, the majority of those who live here work in tourism-related enterprises such as hotels, restaurants, and bars.

How to find a job in Cambodia

There are a few different ways to locate English teaching positions in Cambodia. The TEFL Institute’s teaching jobs abroad board has all accessible job ads. Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, is one of the few areas in the country where you may obtain stable work. Unfortunately, once the rainy season arrives, there is little to no work teaching English in Cambodia in the provinces unless you volunteer, and new teachers will find it challenging to find work in Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.

Work visas

You can apply for and acquire a tourist visa when you arrive in Cambodia, which will allow you to stay for 30 days. You’ll also need a business visa, which you may renew from within the nation if you want to teach English in Cambodia. To renew your tourist visa, you must leave and return to the country.

To avoid any misunderstandings, keep in mind that your business visa also serves as your work visa. After 30 days, you can apply for one-month, three-month, six-month, or one-year work visas depending how long you hope to stay and teach English in Cambodia.

Classroom and work culture

Teaching English in Cambodia is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The culture of the classroom will be significantly different from what you are used to, and you will need to alter your teaching style accordingly. Cambodian students in the classroom:

• Instead of using their first names, teachers are frequently addressed as Mr or Miss (or nicknames).
• Teachers must be punctual; they must arrive on time and begin class on time. Students must also arrive at least 5 minutes early to prepare their materials before class begins. If there is an emergency and you will be late, make sure your kids are informed so they can plan appropriately.
• In public, a lot of people pick their noses. Likewise, your students will.

Culture and etiquette tips

Cambodia is a conservative country whose culture reflects strong traditional beliefs.

• Always dress professionally: When it comes to dressing for the classroom and going out on the town, you should keep in mind that modesty is essential. Men should avoid shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops, and ladies should wear a scarf or shawl to protect their shoulders.
• When visiting monasteries, bow when entering temples or palace structures, remove your shoes before entering residences, do not sit with your feet facing toward a Buddha statue/image, and avoid touching monks’ robes.
• Use your right hand to pass or receive goods instead of your left. Both hands are sometimes utilised. The use of the left hand is deemed unfriendly and should be avoided at all costs.
• Make sure you don’t walk on anything: Lifting your feet over someone’s bag or chair is considered offensive because your feet are thought to be the dirtiest part of your body.
• The top of the head is regarded as the most vital region of the human body. Therefore, touching someone on the top of their head, especially a baby or toddler, is considered impolite.