TEFL jobs in Malaysia
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in Malaysia
Overview
Located in south-east Asia, Malaysia is a beautiful country with a tropical backdrop, a mass of multicultural citizens, and some of the best cuisine you will ever find. From ancient to modern, Malaysia showcases everything that Asia has to offer. Starting in the South China Sea, it stretches from the Malay Peninsula to Borneo, a truly magical island. Kuala Lumpur is perhaps one of the most famous locations in Malaysia, but that is not to say you should forget about Malacca or Penang. In all these places, you get to see how the nation grew and developed with a history of trading with the Chinese, Indian, Arabian, and Dutch seafarers.
Many religions and cultures bring traditions and food that make your time in Malaysia unique. Be sure to take the time out to explore the local area and visit the many churches, pagodas, temples and mosques and then head out for a fantastic meal of Malaysian, Indian, or Chinese delights.
Economically, Malaysia is growing fast, and there is a large population. However, if you are a first-time teacher of English in Malaysia, you will find fewer vacancies than those seeking work in Thailand or Vietnam. If you have your bachelor’s degree, experience teaching and a TEFL certification, you will find many more doors open to you as an English teacher in Malaysia. In this guide, you can learn everything you need to know about living and working in this beautiful country, as well as the cost of living and finding work. That way, you can make an informed decision and decide whether becoming an English teacher in Malaysia is for you.
Types of teaching jobs
Public Schools
For TEFL-qualified English teachers in Malaysia, most jobs are in public schools. To reach the shortlist, you need a bachelor’s degree, but it does not need to be related to education. Experience and qualifications stand you in good stead. Public schools tend to teach Malay and English, and a substantial amount of value is placed on having English as a language skill.
Language Schools
Another potential source of employment for English teachers in Malaysia is private language schools. These run into categories, some are for children of international residence, and others are for the local population looking to expand their English language skills. In the latter, you may find that you are asked to work evenings and weekends as this fits in around the schedule of adults trying to learn English while holding a full-time job.
Business Schools
Because of the growing economy in Malaysia, English is considered a vital business skill, and therefore many businesses have set up business English schools within their premises. As an English teacher in Malaysia, you can find work at one of these institutions, but you will only be teaching adults, and again the hours could be slightly random as it will need to fit in with the corporate schedule.
Private Language Lessons
The final source of employment for English teachers in Malaysia is to work as a one-to-one tutor. You can offer private language lessons from your home or visit the student’s home. Remember that if you take more than one job, you should declare self-employment to your employer. Not all premises will allow you to work for yourself. You could also top up your income if needed as an English teacher online, where you are free to access any English student located anywhere in the world. Be sure to understand self-employment rules in any country and report accordingly if needed. You must have a work visa in order to earn money in Malaysia, and you will be deported if you are found to be working on a tourist Visa.
Living costs
You’ll be pleased to know that the living costs in Malaysia are the third cheapest in Asia. This means that the salary, which averages out between €1000 and €2000 each month, is plenty to live on, and you will even be able to save money. The most prestigious posts, including some international schools, offer some highly paid jobs giving a luxurious lifestyle. If you feel that you are not making enough money, you can look at taking on private students in your spare time.
You will find that eating out and your accommodation costs are very reasonable for imported items like cigarettes and alcohol tend to be very expensive. Although Malaysia is a Muslim country, you are allowed to drink alcohol in most states. It is, however, banned in Kelantan and Terengganu. Although it is expensive, it doesn’t seem to put the locals off as alcohol consumption is very high in legal states.
Food is incredible, and you will find every influence on offer. Eating out is relatively cheap if you’re not drinking, but the most cost-effective way to avoid cooking is to use street food. Of course, anything imported will always be more expensive, but if you tend to live like a local, you will find you don’t need to spend a lot to get by.
The highest cost of living is found in Kuala Lumpur, but comparatively, it is still incredibly reasonable compared to living costs in the UK or US. Your accommodation, utilities and groceries will be cheaper than you are used to. You will even find that travelling is relatively inexpensive so getting around to see the sites when you are not at work is also an affordable pastime.
In order to provide the most accurate cost of living figures, we use numbeo.com, the world’s largest cost of living database, updated regularly.
Key facts
Language: Malay
Population: 34.2 Million
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
TEFL job demand: High
Our TEFL rating: 3.5
Popular locations for TEFL jobs
Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang Sabah, Kota Kinabalu and Johor Bahru.
The average salary for EFL teachers
Qualified English teachers in Malaysia can expect to make €1000-€2000 (4,700-9,000 MRY) a month.
TEFL qualification requirements
At least a 120-hour TEFL certification. A bachelor’s degree (any subject) is required for most visa-sponsored teaching jobs.
Term times
January to May/June and May/June to mid-November. The school year ends with a six-week holiday from mid-November to early January.
Teaching programmes
International schools, Public schools, Kindergartens, Language Centres, Private tutoring, Volunteering.
Age restrictions
Maximum 65
Previous teaching experience
Required for the higher-paid roles.
Key Points
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Got Questions?
Get clear answers about TEFL courses, certification, teaching jobs, and everything in between.
Qualified English teachers in Malaysia can expect to make €1000-€2000 (4,700-9,000 MRY) a month.
You’ll be pleased to know that the living costs in Malaysia are the third cheapest in Asia.
To teach English in Malaysia, you do need to have a bachelor’s degree. It can be in any subject area. Depending on the school you approach, you may find a master’s is required, mainly if you teach at a higher level. English teachers in Malaysia are expected to hold a recognised TEFL certificate.