Teach English in Cambodia

Quick Facts

Eligibility Requirements

You don’t need to have any teaching experience to teach English in Cambodia. You do need:

Required

• A passport from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa
• No teaching experience required
• A Native English Speaker

Preferred on case-by-case basis

• Between 20 and 59 years of age
• No major medical or mental health diagnosis or medication in the past 5 years
• No communicable diseases
• No criminal conviction whatsoever (even misdemeanors)
• No visible tattoos, such as on the face, neck and hands

Apply Now

Unsure? Apply for a Free Consultation

Submit a quick application and we’ll let you know your eligibility and best program fit.

Program Options

What’s included for each Program Option

Full Program Highlights

• Comprehensive pre-departure support and guidance

  • 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.

• Logistics and safety when arriving

  • Airport pickup and transfer to accommodation (provided you opt to stay in one of the recommended accommodation options).
  • We’ll provide guidance on obtaining a sim card upon your arrival.

• A toolkit for navigating Cambodian culture

  • Cultural Orientation.
  • Social events and meet and greets.

• Practical Teacher Training

  • To hone your craft and ensure confidence before you begin teaching professionally.

• Guaranteed Job Placement

  • At carefully vetted schools.

• An Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL certification

  • The knowledge required to teach english successfully.

• A support network of fellow teachers

  • Lifelong friendships and travel opportunities.

• 24/7 In-country support

  • Ex-foreign teachers and local, on-the-ground support staff provide you with personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience.
  • You can rest assured knowing that any queries will be answered such as translation help, legalities, emergencies, travel options or school queries. Someone is on hand.
  • Teacher meet-ups.
  • We check in with you regularly and keep up to date with your teach abroad experience.

• Lifetime Placement Assistance Guarantee

  • Teach placement assistance on any qualifying program on Program Line A.

• Self-development and advantageous future employability

  • Add teaching abroad to your CV to stand out from the crowd.

Guaranteed Job Placement

We find you a teaching job or jobs to ensure you have the maximum work hours allowed under your visa.

• Teaching philosophy and environment
• Teaching materials
• School code of conduct
• Local staff support and English proficiency
• After school activities and requirements
• Disciplinary processes
• And many more considerations!

So you might find a job but you’ll be unprepared from a teaching, cultural, financial and emotional perspective.

Lifetime Placement Assistance

• Pay one fee and you’re able to teach in any partner school on your program line as long as you like.
• It’s a once-off fee for a lifetime of opportunities to make a difference in the lives of your students and travel the world in a sustainable way.
• For example, once you’re finished in Cambodia you can travel over to Vietnam and experience a whole new cultural adventure.

Boost your employability

You might think you’re taking a step back by taking a year off but nothing could be further from the truth!

Although you may think it’s a halt in your education journey, you’re actually fast tracking yourself through:

• Learning independence.
• Learning how you react to different situations.
• Learning how to master and grow your confidence in public speaking.
• Learning how to overcome obstacles.
• Learning about yourself through your own personal self discovery.
• Learning how to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.

These would normally take much longer in a normal, sheltered environment and wouldn’t be nearly as much fun!

When you do head back home, you’re not just another resume in a pile of resumes – you are someone different who’s done something interesting and rewarding.

Teaching Placements

Teaching Placement Overview

Teaching Placements

English Teachers in Cambodia teach mainly in private schools.

Most people in Cambodia send their children to private schools as the quality of public-school education is very low.

There may also be limited language school classes.

Teaching Hours

Teaching hours differ between the two.

Language schools are busiest Saturday and Sunday so teachers work many classes on the weekends and then have time off during the week.

Private and international schools usually run Monday to Friday and so teachers work during the week and have the weekends off.

Note that for language schools teaching days vary from 5 to 6 days of teaching per week. If teaching 6 days per week, the teacher is given multiple paid vacation days to offset.

Teaching hours per week range from 22 to 30 or 4.5 to 6 hours of teaching per day.

Most positions are teaching young learners but there are also some high school positions.

It is important to note that teachers in Cambodia will be expected to teach other subjects through English, such as math, science, health, gym, art, etc. If asked to teach other subjects, these subjects would all be taught in English. If the school requires the teacher to teach another subject, this will be made known to the teacher when the interview opportunity is presented.

Schools provide an English teaching curriculum for teachers to follow.

Class sizes range from 15 to 25 students.

Salaries

You’ll earn within the range of $700 to $1,800 USD * per month (2.8 – 7.4 million Riel) depending on your qualifications, experience and placement location.

This will comfortably cover your living expenses and weekend adventures due to the low cost of living.

General salary range:

• Non degree holders: $7000 – $1000+ *
• Degree holders: $900 – $1,800 *

* USD amounts may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

Taxes

All participants will pay taxes in Cambodia of 10-15%.

Saving Potential

Saving potential depends strongly on your lifestyle and placement location, but on average the living expenses generally range from $100 – $200 USD.

Teaching Placement Locations

While every effort is made to match your placement requirements, we encourage you to approach your placement with an open mind and embrace the spirit of wanderlust as placements are contingent on available positions at the time of job assignment.

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 offer you placement assistance for a different job within our vetted school network.

That being said, 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 fully support you and will check in with you throughout your teaching adventure.

What is the dress code for teaching English in Cambodia?

The dress code for English teachers is smart-casual. You are expected to look professional at all times when you are in the classroom bearing in mind that some schools may expect smarter clothing than others, so come prepared.

Here are some pointers:

• Skirt to the knee (Pencil or A-line, not too flowing) or smart trousers. Blouse that is not revealing. No sheer. No cleavage. Shoulders covered.
• Tattoos covered. Extra piercings removed.
• Collared shirts. Smart trousers. Closed Shoes (slip-ons are fine). Wear a tie to an interview if possible!
• Clean shaven or neat beard. Neat hair. Neat nails.

Cultural Preparation

Part of the success of your experience comes from understanding the culture that you’re going to be living and working in.

Our Program Includes:

Pre-departure Support

We assist you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgets, booking flights and any questions or information you need. 

Pre departure Support

• We’ll outline the entire process you’ll follow to realise the teaching abroad dream.
• You’ll be provided comprehensive information relating to each step in the pre-departure process and you’ll have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like, no matter how silly you may think they are!
• We’ll explain and help you get the necessary documentation prepared prior to departure.
• We’ll assist you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgeting and booking flights.
• We’ll ease any anxieties you may have regarding your trip and share the positive and life-changing adventures of the teach abroad experience.

Logistics and Safety when arriving

We’ll pick you up from the airport and introduce you to your support team in-country.

Logistics and Safety when arriving

• Airport pickup in Thailand and Cambodia (provided participants land within two days of start date, and are going to the designated hotel. Note that airport pickup in Phnom Penh will be using a TukTuk.).
• We’ll introduce you to your 24/7 support team on the ground.
• Transfer from the airport to your accommodation. Read more about accommodation during the TEFL course in Thailand here. Cambodia accommodation options are outlined below.
• We provide guidance on SIM cards (SIM cards, airtime and data for your own account) so that you can contact your loved ones back home and your new friends you’re about to make on your epic orientation!
• We provide guidance setting up a local bank account so you can save money on international withdrawal fees. Your salary is paid into your local bank account.
• You’ll get to meet and greet fellow teacher travellers.

A toolkit for navigating your new country

The perfect foundation for adjusting to life in your new country and meeting your fellow teachers and in-country stafff members.

A toolkit for navigating Thailand – In-Class TEFL Participants only

Our 1 week cultural orientation on Thai culture and language gives you the perfect foundation for adjusting to life in Thailand as well as an opportunity to bond with your fellow teachers-in-training and in-country staff members.

Learn foundational Thai language

We help you with foundational language to help you navigate:

• The bustling markets.
• Grabbing a taxi.
• Ordering a delicious mea.
• Garnering respect from locals.

(plus it’s pretty cool to impress your mates at home or add it to your resume!)

Cultural and History lessons

• Learn from local Thai staff and ex-foreign teachers who have made their home in Thailand.
• You’ll understand the cultural dynamics so that you don’t feel like a fish out of water.
• You won’t be making any faux pas or disrespecting the locals.
• How to address locals and your fellow teachers.
• You will know what you can and can’t do in Thai classrooms.

Relevant Cultural Excursions

Excursions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Visit Buddhist temples and learn about Buddhist philosophy.
• Visit local Thai markets and learn how to barter and purchase fresh local produce.
• Take part in a Thai cooking course.
• Volunteer in a stray animal rescue organization.
• Self-empowerment workshops.

A toolkit for navigating Cambodia – For both In-Class TEFL and Placement Only participants

Our cultural orientation sessions on Cambodian culture and language gives you the perfect foundation for adjusting to life in Cambodia as well as an opportunity to bond with your fellow teachers-in-training and in-country staff members.

Learn foundational Khmer language

We help you with foundational language to help you navigate:

• The bustling markets.
• Grabbing a taxi.
• Ordering a delicious meal.
• Garnering respect from locals.

(plus it’s pretty cool to impress your mates at home or add it to your resume!)

Cultural and History lessons

• Learn from local Cambodian staff and ex-foreign teachers who have made their home in Cambodia.
• You’ll understand the cultural dynamics so that you don’t feel like a fish out of water.
• You won’t be making any faux pas or disrespecting the locals.
• How to address locals and your fellow teachers.
• You will know what you can and can’t do in Cambodian classrooms.

Cultural Excursions

Excursions could include, but are not limited to, one of the following options, dependent on the time of year, weather, size of the group and a number of other factors:

• Local market visit
• Visit to local Buddhist temple to learn about religion and receive a blessing from a Cambodian monk
• Visit to the Royal Palace
• Killing Fields excursion
• Welcome Dinner at the end of the orientation

A support network of fellow teacher travelers

In addition the personal assistance and 24/7 support we provide, you’ll also have a support network of fellow teachers.

24/7 In-Country Support

• Ex-foreign teachers and local, on-the-ground support staff provide you with personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience.
• You can rest assured knowing that any queries will be answered such as translation help, culture shock, legalities, emergencies, travel options or school queries. Someone is on hand.
• Teacher meet-ups.
• We check in with you regularly and keep up to date with your teach abroad experience.

Have some fun and embrace your new adventure!

Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL Certification

There are so many options when it comes to TEFL/TESOL courses that it can be quite overwhelming to understand what’s legitimate and what high quality schools require from teaching staff.

A quality TEFL/TESOL course helps teachers avoid the frustration and pitfalls of being unprepared in the classroom and provides all the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively teach English.

Educational Philosophy

In-Class TEFL/TESOL Course Location

The TEFL/TESOL course in Thailand is offered in the beautiful beach resort setting in Hua Hin.

Hua Hin

Hua Hin is one of the most charming beach resort towns in Thailand. It is recognized by TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice as one of the top ten cities in Thailand and one of the world’s top 20 best cities to retire in.

Hua Hin is a 2.5 hour drive south of Bangkok and sits between a mountain range to the west and a calm sea on the Gulf of Thailand to the east. The sea in Hua Hin is adorned with small islands, fishing boats, and majestic rock formations, which dot the horizon of the coastline under a sun filled sky.

Hua Hin is known as Thailand’s Royal Beach Resort. It is the oldest and most traditional Thai resort in the country and also the current residence of the Royal Family.

Hua Hin strikes the perfect balance between traditional Thai culture and modern amenities. Hua Hin has a rich diversity of Thai temples and a genuine Thai hospitality. It also boasts a lively downtown district, as well as international quality hospitals, malls, accommodation, and transport.

Course Components

• Information and discussion about Thai/Cambodian culture, history, politics, and society to provide exposure and help students navigate their new environment.
• Significant instruction in Thai/Khmer language (6 Hours).
• Strong grounding in the history and theory of teaching English as a foreign/second language. This is taught in a way that emphasizes application of theory to enhance success in the classroom.
• Significant practical training in teaching listening, reading, speaking and writing in the classroom, including extensive lesson planning, presentation, and feedback from peers and instructors.
• Tons of tips, tricks and examples of how to teach English to every age group.
• Advice and guidance for effective classroom management.
• Practical training and assessment through participation in a non-profit English camp for disadvantaged kids.

Detailed TEFL/TESOL Course Overview

Week One – Orientation

The first week of the course is an amazing, interactive orientation on Thai culture and language, as well as an opportunity to bond with other teachers-in-training and staff members.

The program is held in Hua Hin and encompasses Thai language, culture, and society. The course is taught by area experts and includes several exciting and informative cultural excursions.

Week Two

The second week of the course is a deeper exploration of theory in the discipline of English as a second language and how to teach grammar. Students learn about the structure and key elements of a lesson plan. Every lesson requires a detailed lesson plan that lays out the procedures of the class, and encourages teachers to consider the challenges, technology resources, and other factors that can impact a successful lesson in the classroom.

During week two, students will also learn how to teach speaking and grammar. Grammar can be challenging to teach. One of the reasons for this is that it has been a long time since native English speakers have reviewed grammar rules, so we provides students with a bit of a refresher. The major assignments for week two are to create a lesson plan for teaching grammar and to present a full lesson just as a teacher would in a classroom.

Week Three

The third week of the course focuses on how to teach reading and listening. The major assignments for this week are to create lesson plans for teaching reading and present full lessons just as a teacher would in the classroom. During this week participants will learn more about teaching young learners and practice planning lessons for kindergarten students. Additionally, our participants will learn about curriculum development for long term learning goals for their students.

Week Four

The final week of the course is dedicated to classroom management and preparing for and conducting the English camp.

While classroom management may be the final topic covered, it is in fact extremely important, especially in cross-cultural contexts.

Classroom management is about setting ground rules, apply them consistently, getting to know your students, and earning and maintaining their respect and commitment.

Students spend several days preparing their lessons for the English camp. The camp typically lasts 2-3 days.

During the final week there will also be an in-class final exam.

International Accreditation

Our internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL course is accepted by employers around the world and is accredited by Accreditat. Accreditat is registered under the UKRLP (UK Register of Learning Providers), Number 10065351. Registration on the UKRLP means they have been verified against a recognised legal source.

Graduates of our internationally accredited 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course have used their TEFL/TESOL certificate to successfully find employment in ESL teaching and education fields in nearly every Western, native-English speaking country, as well as across Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Hua Hin, Thailand for your TEFL/TESOL course

Accommodations are new and modern and at a minimum the rooms will have air con, Wi-Fi, TV, and be conveniently located with respect to the TESOL school and Hua Hin town center.

Room prices will vary from 5,000 to 10,000 baht for the month excluding a room deposit.

Accommodation during orientation in Cambodia

During the in-country orientation, participants will study at our campus in Phnom Penh. The location of our office is #KH1+KH2, St.105, Sangkat Toul Sangke I, Khan Reuseykeo, Phnom Penh.

They will have shared accommodation during the orientation week a short distance from our campus.

For the orientation program in Phnom Penh, we use a high-quality hotel with dormitory and
single room options.

The name of the accommodation is: PoolTop Hotel. It is right in the heart of 16 Pnom Penh and close to the river.

It is also only an 8-minute tuk tuk ride from our office.

Pooltop Hotel has dormitory accommodation as well as single rooms at an additional cost. Note that all participants will receive accommodation in the dormitory but may opt for single accommodation, if available, at an extra charge of USD $20 per night.

Accommodation is provided from Sunday to Friday during the orientation week.

Accommodation Location:
40 Chivapol (St.90), Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Accommodation during your placement

Accommodations in Cambodia range from free to around USD 250 per month for one room studio with private bath.

Free options are typically provided by schools in the provinces in medium sized towns.

Here are some examples of accommodations at different price ranges.

Note that these accommodations are in Phnom Penh. Accommodations in the provinces are not quite as modern but they are also much less expensive.

Dates

Already have an accredited TEFL/TESOL Certificate?

If you have already completed your 120 hour accredited TEFL / TESOL certificate and are looking for assistance with job placement and in country orientation and support then you may qualify for our Placement Only program.

You’ll travel directly to Cambodia for the 1-week in-country culture and language orientation before heading to your placement.

Need TEFL Certification?

Complete your 120 hour accredited TEFL / TESOL certification in Hua Hin, Thailand and be placed in Cambodia after your course. Speak to our enrollments coordinators for all the information and options. 

TEFL in Thailand → Placement in Cambodia

TESOL courses in 2024-2025 will take place in Hua Hin. If taking the TESOL course in Thailand first, once the course is complete, teachers will travel to Phnom Penh and go straight to their placement.

• You’ll get a chance to explore two countries
• You’ll build your friend network across multiple countries for traveling

Budgets

• Cambodia is generally a cheap place to travel to. You should be able to manage on a relatively low budget if necessary.
• Although Cambodia may appear inexpensive, costs add up and it can be easy to overspend.
• This guide is to provide you with an approximate budget for your initial few months.
• These values will vary depending on your personal budget and spending habits.

Fees