Teach English in Myanmar
TEFL/TESOL accreditation
Including cultural orientation
Guaranteed job placement
Earn $650 – $900 USD* (1.4 million to 2 million kyat) per month
* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility
Do you want to find out more about Teaching English in Myanmar? Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you!
Please Note:
Due to capacity constraints, applications are currently paused and will resume in due course.
Why Teach English in Myanmar?
- If you’re looking for a truly raw and authentic experience on the road less travelled then our brand new Teach English in Myanmar program is for you.
- No-degree is required for this program and earning potentials are high. Teachers typically earn $650 – $900 USD* (1.4 million to 2 million kyat) per month.
* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility. - Despite slow political change, the country is fast becoming a destination of choice for international travelers seeking unique adventures and cultural enrichment thanks to the very low travel costs, incredible sights and the mix of cultures from all over Southeast Asia.
- Described as the next Thailand, you’ll be one of the first teachers to experience the buzzing local environment full of opportunities for adventurous, long-term visitors and your 6 month full-time teaching position will provide valuable English skills to the Burmese people.
Travel Opportunities Teaching English in Myanmar
Within the past two years, tourism in Myanmar has increased exponentially. It is fast becoming a hotspot for adventure travelers thanks to the very low travel costs, incredible sights and the mix of cultures from all over Southeast Asia. We’ll provide advice and suggestions for exciting travel experiences in and around Myanmar.Full-service Placement Process
It can be scary and intimidating traveling to a foreign country and the complex documentation and requirements can be overwhelming and confusing.
We know. We’ve all taught abroad before.
That’s why we don’t just find you an oversees teaching placement, we support you throughout our entire teach abroad experience!
Here’s how we help
- Everything explained clearly. We’ll walk you through each step and make sure you’re prepared.
- We help you plan. From what to pack to what documents to gather when.
- Guaranteed job placement. We place you in carefully selected and reputable schools in Vietnam.
- Accredited TESOL and cultural orientation. We provide the essential courses to help you succeed abroad.
- 24/7 support. Once you arrive in Vietnam we’ve got your back in an emergency or to answer any questions.
Do I Qualify To Teach English in Myanmar?
You don’t need to have any teaching experience to teach English in Myanmar. You do need:- A passport from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
- Bachelor’s degrees are not required, however some teaching experience is preferred if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree
- TESOL or TEFL certificate – minimum 120-hour course. If you already hold a recognised certificate, you may be eligible for our placement & orientation only option.
- Good health. You may have to take a medical exam when you arrive in Myanmar and this may include a blood test.
- Between 21 and 45 years of age
How long is the teaching contract for?
- Placements are for 1 semester (6 months).
What if I don’t have a TESOL certificate?
We offer both in-class and online TESOL courses to prepare you for your adventure abroad. Read about our TESOL courses below to learn more. If you’re unsure about any of your qualifications, chat to us! We’ll answer all your questions and do our best to accommodate you.Teach English in Myanmar TESOL Courses
We offer both an accredited online or in-class option for anyone who doesn’t have a TESOL or equivalent certificate. If you already have a 120-hour TESOL or equivalent, our placement team will review your application and confirm whether your qualification is valid.Costs
What Will I Earn?
As an English teacher in Myanmar, you’ll earn $650 to $900) per month * (1.4 million to 2 million kyat). * May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility This will comfortably cover your living expenses and weekend adventures.How much does it cost?
The following costs make up the program fee and are payable to TravelBud before you head over to Teach English in Myanmar.Currency Converter
Change to your currency. Default prices in US Dollar (USD). Please take note that the amount reflected above is based on the current exchange rate and may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility on the day of being invoiced.
- Option 1 (includes TEFL/TESOL certification) In-class TEFL/TESOL Certification and Guaranteed Job Placement, Orientation and Support (Highly Recommended)
- Option 2 (excludes TEFL/TESOL certification) Guaranteed Job Placement and Support
OPTION 1
In-class TEFL/TESOL Certification, Guaranteed Job Placement, Orientation and Support (Highly Recommended)
The in-class TEFL/TESOL courses is tailored specifically to teaching English in Myanmar and will give you valuable insight into Burmese culture and the specifics of teaching in a Burmese classroom.Enrollment Fee and Pre-departure SupportThis secures your spot in a program that has limited availability per course and gets the process started.Here's what happens next:
| $550What's included? |
Shared Accommodation, In-class TEFL/TESOL course, Guaranteed Job Placement, Cultural Orientation and 24/7 support
| $2150What's included? |
Total | $2700 |
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OPTION 2
Already have a TEFL/TESOL Certificate?
Take our Guaranteed Job Placement and Support option
Enrollment Fee and Pre-departure SupportThis secures your spot in a program that has limited availability per course and gets the process started.Here's what happens next:
| $550 |
Shared Accommodation for the duration of your orientation week, Guaranteed Job Placement and 24/7 Support
| $1150 |
Total | $1700 |
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What is included in the TravelBud enrollment fee?
Pre-departure Support
As soon as you pay your deposit, your pre-departure support kicks off. From that moment on, TravelBud will be on call to answer all your questions and provide all the support and guidance you need.- Getting the necessary documentation prepared prior to departure
- Assisting you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgets and booking flights
- Answering your questions to help ease any anxieties you may have regarding your trip.
24/7 Dedicated Ongoing In-country Support
- On-the-ground support and personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience.
- In the event of an emergency, we’ll be on hand 24/7
- TravelBud’s support managers will also check in with you regularly for the duration of your teaching English in Myanmar experience.
Lifetime of job placement opportunities
- Your once-off placement fee guarantees you a lifetime of job placement with TravelBud.
- If you want to teach somewhere else after your time in Myanmar, we will organise job placement for you – as long as you qualify to teach in that country.
Teaching Resources and Support from local teachers
- Access to online teaching resources such as printable lesson plans and worksheets which will make your job a whole lot easier!
- There is always a supervisor that teachers can go to for help with their teaching tasks.
What is included in the TravelBud Program fee?
Once you’ve paid your enrollment fee, you’ll unlock all the benefits of your pre-departure support and placement process. The last thing you’ll need to pay is your final fee, this is the remainder of the cost for the program you’re signed up for. Here’s what’s included in that:
- 3 Week in-class TESOL course with an experienced instructor, tailored to teaching in a Burmese classroom (if you qualified for the orientation & placement only option on this program, your final fee will have been adjusted to exclude this)
- 1 Week cultural orientation packed with activities, classes and lessons to help you make the most of your time in the country
- Airport pickup, sim card and more
- Guaranteed Job Placement at a carefully vetted school where every effort is made to match your placement requirements
- 24/7 in-country support for everything from basic advice to help resolving issues which might arise with your employer or landlord to crisis management in the case of emergencies
- Access to our teacher network, our TEFL/TESOL education team and a wide array of online teaching resources to help you in your job in the classroom
- Lifetime placement guarantee ensuring placement on any qualifying program where there is availability on our Asian network for FREE, once you’ve completed your first contract
We understand it’s hard to take this all in.
With TravelBud, you’ll always be talking to someone who has taught or volunteered abroad before, so you’ll get informed, first-hand advice to guide and prepare you for your experience.
Budgets
What are the other costs involved prior to departing?
The above tables detail costs you’ll need to pay TravelBud in order to join the program.
You’ll also need to budget for various other expenses, not payable to TravelBud, which allow you to legally teach abroad plus the cost of travel to your destination and insurance for your trip.
Our support team will walk you through everything prior to you departing to ensure you have exactly what you need by when you need to have it. The following is what you’ll need to budget for:
FlightsFlight prices vary dependent on where you travel from and when you book. Prices can occasionally exceed this range. We recommend booking 2-3 months in advance or more for the best rates. | $750 - $2000 |
InsuranceTravel insurance prices can vary dependent on things like provider, your age, country of origin and duration of your stay. This range is for TravelBud's recommended policies based on stays of 6 months or 1 year. Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all TravelBud programs. | $200 - $750 |
DocumentationThis budget is assuming all of your current documentation is in English and that you hold a valid passport. | $15 - $100 |
TOTAL | $965 - $2850 |
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What do I need to budget for?
Bear in mind that you will receive your first paycheck at the end of your first teaching month. You will therefore need to budget enough money to see you through the 1 month TESOL course and your first month of teaching.Currency Converter
Change to your currency. Default prices in US Dollar (USD). Please take note that the amount reflected above is based on the current exchange rate and may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility on the day of being invoiced.
Budget for 1 month TESOL course in Yangon, Myanmar
Accommodation DepositFor our in-country partner residence, you will need to put down a deposit, which will be returned to you at the end of the course minus utilities (water and electricity). | $250 (refundable) |
Day-to-day expensesFood, transport, laundry, etc. These costs can vary depending on how tight your budget is. Eating local food and using shared public transport can dramatically reduce your spending | $140 - $200 |
Optional expenses (nightlife, entertainment, shopping, weekend excursions)Depending on your needs and interests, these costs can vary. Chat to us for specific advice. | $0 - $100 |
TOTAL | $300 - $900 |
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Budget for first month of teaching
Transportation to Your PlacementAt the end of the week, the placement team will advise you on the best way to get to your placement. They will assist you in purchasing the correct van, bus, train, or plane ticket. The bus system is the most common (and cheapest) form of transport.Most people will take a bus to their placement and the bus tickets will cost about 17,000 MMK depending on distance. * Note, it is unlikely you will fly to your placement, but if so, please add on an extra cost to your total of 130 USD. | $13 - $16 |
Daily Expenses (Food, transportation to school and around town,This amount depends a lot depending on your placement area and spending habits. The amount given here is a safe approximation for most placements in Myanmar. | $132 - $264 |
AccommodationAccommodation can be tricky to newcomers as landlords may have certain practices westerners are unused to. Luckily, we have a few options for you! 1. Though it seems odd, most landlords will ask renters to pay six months of rent up front when you rent an accommodation in Myanmar. Depending on your location, type of accommodation you choose, and if you are sharing the accommodation with others or if it is private, the rent will cost anywhere from 250,000 MMK – 400,000 MMK. You may be able to find an accommodation that you can pay the normal month to month, but they are few and far between and the rent per month may be higher than if you were to pay six months up front. 2. You may also be able to find accommodations that will rent to you for three months at a time, but again, these can be more difficult to find. Depending on your electricity usage you can expect to spend approximately 50,000 MMK per month on electricity and other utilities like water and wifi. This is the cost you should budget for the most! Rent tends to cost a lot in Myanmar while everything else is very cheap. Please make sure you budget accordingly for rent. * Note, while this may be a high upfront cost it is important to point out that then you have no more monthly rent for an extended period. 3. We may be able to have you stay at the accommodation for a few months while you search for your own accommodation, but this is dependent on available space. If you choose to stay at the accommodation, you can pay month to month. The cost of this is 250,000 MMK for a bed in the four-bed room, or 300,000 MMK for a bed in the two-bed room. This includes utilities for the month. Please remember though, how long you can stay depends on if there is space available. We may ask you to move out, with plenty of notice given, to make room for new teachers that are arriving. 4. If there is no space available for you to stay at the accommodation, we can also suggest cheap hotels and hostels you can stay at while you look for your own accommodation | $140 - $2001. 990 – 1580 (6 months total) 2. 489 – 782 (3 months total) 3. 163 – 195 (per month total) 4. 137 (per month total) |
TOTAL | $620 - $1059(Based off paying 3 months of rent at a time) |
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Budget Totals
Month on TEFL/TESOL Course Total | $650 - $900 |
Visa Run (If applicable) | $0 - $132 |
First Month Teaching Total | $620 - $1059(based off paying 3 months of rent at a time) |
Approximate Total | $1270 - $2091 |
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- We strongly suggest that you bring no less than $1500 USD with you when you arrive in Myanmar, or have access via ATM, to buffer any unforeseen costs prior to your first pay check.
When can I start Teaching English in Myanmar?
Myanmar In-Class TESOL Dates – Highly Recommended
2025 | ||
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3 February 2025 | CLOSING SOON- LAST CHANCE TO ENROL | Apply |
28 April 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
23 June 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
27 October 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
Thailand TEFL/TESOL Dates if you cannot make dates above
These courses are tailored to teaching and living in Thailand. We, therefore, recommend you choose our Myanmar course listed above. In the event that you cannot make the Myanmar course dates, you may complete your TESOL in Thailand before flying to Myanmar to start your job placement.
2024 | ||
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2025 | ||
31 March 2025 | HIGHLY RECOMMENDED START DATE | Apply |
28 April 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
26 May 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
23 June 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
21 July 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
18 August 2025 (Online TEFL & Placement and Placement Only) | Spaces Available | Apply |
1 September 2025 (Online TEFL & Placement and Placement Only) | Spaces Available | Apply |
29 September 2025 | HIGHLY RECOMMENDED START DATE | Apply |
27 October 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
24 November 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
How long is the teaching contract for?
- Placements are for 3, 6 and 12 months with an option to extend for free.
Arrival & Orientation
Pre-departure Support
As you prepare for your trip, TravelBud’s support managers will guide you through:- Packing
- Visas
- Budget
- Travel insurance
- And any questions you might have to help ease any anxieties during the pre-departure process.
Arriving in Myanmar
When you arrive in Yangon, you can count on:- Airport pickup.
- Arranged accommodation.
- Cultural Orientation.
Week 1 (Cultural Orientation)
- Learn about Myanmar’s culture, history, politics, language, religion and more
- Meet and get to know your fellow teachers
- Participate in cultural excursions including:
- Guided tour of the Shwedagon Pagoda
- Walking tour of downtown
- Circle Train
- Lethwei class (Burmese Boxing)
- Intro to Buddhism and meditation
- Please note: excursions are subject to change based on your program and weather
Weeks 2 – 4 (TESOL Training)
Teaching Environment
Your teaching job is guaranteed with TravelBud. We discuss your preferences and then carefully select and guarantee your teaching position around Myanmar. You’ll head off to your new job as soon as you’ve completed the 120-hour in-class TESOL.Where will I be teaching?
We can place teachers in:- Yangon, a bustling and steadily growing city
- Outside of Yangon, in small, medium, and large sized towns and cities.
- Language Schools
- Private Schools
Do schools provide lunches?
Most schools don’t provide lunch, but you’ll be able to find many cheap options in the area.Can I be placed with my friend or partner?
Yes, we can place you in the same town as your friend or partner. You might be teaching in the same school or in nearby schools, depending on the availability of jobs.What are the working hours?
- You will generally teach for 25 to 35 hours per week.
- You will have two days per week off, however these days may not always be consecutive.
- If you work in a language school, you should be prepared to teach on Saturdays and Sundays, as these are the busiest days of the week for language schools.
What type of school will I teach in?
Schools typically do not provide teaching resources or course books. They often want teachers to form their own materials and activities. However, most schools will have a printer and library that you can use to help create lesson plans. If you have any supplies of your own (worksheets, flashcards, games, etc.) we encourage you to bring them over! These will enrich your students’ experience, though you shouldn’t worry if you don’t. There are a few shops in Yangon that have English educational postcards, flashcards, and more.What if I am unhappy with my job? Can I be placed somewhere else?
If you are unhappy and there are clear reasons why the job is not working out for you, TravelBud will place you in a different job. We have strong relationships with our partner schools and our applicants are generally very happy with their placements. We are also available 24/7 to chat about how things are going and will check in with you throughout your adventure.What is the dress code for teaching?
The dress code is professional dress, unless otherwise negotiated with the school.Living Environment
How does accommodation work?
Our in-country partners will provide assistance with finding suitable accommodation once you have been placed, but you will have to cover all costs related to rent, utilities, etc.In-class TESOL Course Accommodation
During the TESOL course you’ll have a private or shared room with an open communal area that is shared with other teachers.Your Teacher Placement Accommodation – What accommodation can I expect to have?
Once you’ve completed your orientation and TESOL, your accommodation will vary from place to place, but it is typically somewhat basic. Some accommodations may have a kitchen area, air conditioning, and even a laundry machine for washing. Usually, internet is not included in rent prices. However, it is very cheap to purchase a subscription or data for your phone. Alternatively, you can head over to a local internet cafe in major cities. Mobile services are usually very fast, with most networks running on 5G speeds. Otherwise, connectivity is somewhat slow, especially in smaller villages, where internet access is still limited.How much will rent cost?
Rent will vary depending on where you are living, but it is generally between $200 USD to $350 USD per month, not including electricity and water.Will I be living with someone?
If you are placed with a friend or partner, you will be able to live together. Otherwise, you might be living alone or sharing with another ESL teacher. Let us know what your needs are in terms of accommodation and we’ll assist with finding the best living environment for you. We’re available to talk you through the whole process!Why Teach English in Myanmar with TravelBud?
It can be scary and intimidating traveling to a foreign country and the complex documentation and requirements can be overwhelming and confusing. We know. We’ve all taught abroad before.Pre-departure supportOur support managers will assist with all planning, packing, visas, costs, documentation, booking flights and answering any questions you might have. | |
24/7 In-country supportOur in-country partners will be available for the duration of your time in Myanmar. If you need any assistance or advice, or in the event of an emergency, we’ll be on hand! | |
Accredited in-class TESOL in MyanmarIncluding shared accommodation for the duration of your course. | |
Job Placement Guaranteed | |
Lifetime job placement with your once-off program feeIf you’d like to move to another program after teaching in Myanmar, we will facilitate this at no cost. | |
Cultural orientation coursePrepares you for your teaching experience in Myanmar and introduces you to Myanmar history, language, politics and culture. | |
Placement Accommodation, transport and spending moneyChat to our enrollment coordinators for more specific details about budgeting. | |
Knowledge and adviceOur enrollment coordinators have all taught abroad and have first-hand insights on our teach abroad destinations and programs. | |
Airport pickup in YangonWithin four days of the program start date. | |
Flights | |
Flight and visa assistance | |
Travel insuranceWe'll assist you with the additional purchase of your travel insurance via our insurance partners. | |
Teaching resourcesYou’ll have access to a database of lesson plans, worksheets, flashcards and printable materials for your classroom. |
Safety
Moving to another country to live and work is a big step and we realise that safety can be a concern. Yangon and Bagan are incredibly safe, with foreigners reporting there is very little crime. There are some areas in Myanmar that are not safe due to continued border problems or occasional political unrest. These areas have restrictions and Westerners are not permitted to travel there. We do not place teachers anywhere near these areas.Safety Tips
- Be cautious with eating food that has not been cooked as fresh fruit and vegetables can be washed in tap water which might make you sick.
- Don’t drink tap water.
- Be alert and keep your valuables in a safe place, especially in a particularly touristy area.
Teach English in Myanmar FAQ
How much does it pay to teach English in Myanmar?
$650 – $900 USD* (1.4 million to 2 million kyat) per month.* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.
Are teachers in high demand in Myanmar? Why?
Yes because they are very behind in their English in Myanmar. Foreigners can’t work in public schools but there are plenty of language centers and international schools that need teachers.Do schools in Myanmar accept Online TEFL/TESOL certificates?
Yes they do. We recommend the CultureRoute Online TEFL/TESOL Course if you’re looking for an internationally accredited, interactive and highly rated online TEFL/TESOL course.How long does it take to get a TEFL/TESOL in Myanmar?
You have 2 options for Myanmar in terms of a teaching certificate. You can do an online TEFL/TESOL course that has to be accredited and at least 120 hours in duration. For an in-class TEFL/TESOL, you can view our Myanmar TEFL course.What are the expected tax deductions from your paycheck? Does is differ from school to school?
Depending on the school. Some schools will take out 2% from the monthly salary and some won’t.Do schools pay you a fee/portion of my salary? If so, Why?
No, TravelBud and our partners DO NOT receive a portion of the teacher’s monthly salaryWhat is the big difference between language schools, private schools, government schools and varsity?
We do not work with government schools. Private international schools we only deal with a few of them as a number of them only employ teachers with a degree and years of experience, Language centers are everywhere and are very busy on weekends and during the summer.Do you need a degree to teach English in Myanmar?
If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree there is still a good chance you could get placed in Myanmar, a country which has only recently opened its doors to foreigners. They’re looking to improve the English skills of locals to help in their burgeoning tourism business and to provide further opportunities in business and study.Can my friend or partner come with me?
Yes! We provide friends and couples with placements in the same towns and sometimes at the same schools.I have already completed a TESOL/TEFL course elsewhere. Do I still need to complete TravelBud’s course in Myanmar?
This is possible for degree holders. With many courses out there not being accredited and providing the necessary training, our placement team will first need to review your certificate before accepting you for placement only.Reviews from our Teachers
Teach English in Myanmar Blog Articles
A Crash Course Guide to Myanmar’s Culture and History
It might not be time to wipe the dust off your luggage just yet, but the time is drawing near. In the meantime, take heart in the fact that the ancient Pagodas and rich history of the raw and authentic Myanmar, will still be there when this is all over, as they have...
Teach English in Myanmar: Accommodation in Yangon and Mandalay
If you’re looking for a truly raw and deep cultural experience on the road less traveled, then our Teach English in Myanmar program is for you. We thought it might be a good idea to compile a blog post with the types of accommodation teachers can expect to find in...
A Photo Journey Through Bagan, Myanmar’s 1000 Year Old City
I probably first saw a picture of Myanmar’s Bagan - a vast plain of 900 year old semi-ruined temples - about 10 years ago and it’s been lurking on my travel bucket list ever since. It was one of those places you say you’ll definitely see one day but secretly believe...
How Teaching English in Myanmar Has Changed My Life – Michelle’s Story
With so many of our team having taught English abroad, we know how daunting the thought of leaving your life back home can be. This is why we are constantly seeking new ways to make your transition to your new life as smooth as possible. When it comes to teaching...
The Top 5 Movies & Documentaries You Need To watch Before Teaching English in Myanmar
If you’re looking for a truly raw and deep cultural experience on the road less traveled, then our Teach English in Myanmar program is for you. Below we’ve listed five movies and documentaries that will give you an intro to Myanmar and it’s fascinating history and...
What it was like for me teaching English in Myanmar – Jordan’s story
Myanmar is now one of the top teaching and travel destinations in southeast Asia. Ever since it opened its doors to the world, just a few short years ago, it's quickly becoming the name on every traveler's lips. The country is developing extremely fast, thus having a...
Where to find the Best Beaches in Myanmar
When you think of beautiful beaches in South east Asia, you think of Thailand, Bali or the Philippines. But there isn’t a more perfect coastline than that of Western Myanmar. With its gorgeous white sands, lush palm trees and crystal clear waters, it's sure one of the...
A Journey Through Myanmar – Liam’s Story
Watch this space, Myanmar is a name you'll soon be hearing on every traveler's lips! This once hermit military dictatorship has begun opening up to foreigners and is already drawing eager crowds of adventurers from across the globe. Not only that but it's tourism...
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