Teach English in CAMBODIA

Why Teach English in Cambodia?

Angkor Wat is a national symbol and sacred site of Cambodian Buddhism, the complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[/caption]

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 overseas teaching placement, we support you throughout our entire teach abroad experience!  

With TravelBud, you’ll always be talking to someone who has taught abroad before, so you’ll get informed, first-hand advice to guide and prepare you for your experience.

Do I Qualify To Teach English in Cambodia?

You do not need any teaching experience or a bachelor’s degree to teach English in Cambodia, although there are higher earning potentials for those that do.

You do need:

How long is the teaching contract for?

What if I don’t have a TEFL/TESOL certificate?

We highly recommend the140 hour in-class TESOL course.

* There is a TEFL extension program for those with an existing Online TEFL with a separate application process. 

Read about our TEFL/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.

In-class TEFL/TESOL Accreditation Course in Siem Reap

Many TEFL/TESOL courses are not accredited and do not provide adequate preparation for teaching, while others are accredited but aren’t tailored to the actual country you’ll be teaching in.

That’s why we require completing our 140-hour in-class TEFL/TESOL in Siem Reap. It will give you the best possible preparation, both for the classroom and for a successful immersion into day-to-day life and culture and ensures that your students get the best education.

 

We find that too many TEFL/TESOL courses are generalised to every country and do not account for the significant differences that exist in terms of the cultural and professional environments that come with teaching in different countries. The TEFL/TESOL Course is a 4 week course and takes place in Siem Reap, a resort town in northwestern Cambodia, the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, the seat of the Khmer kingdom from the 9th–15th centuries. The course is tailored specifically for those preparing to teach English in Cambodia offers both practical training and classroom sessions to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to teach English to non-native speakers. The following areas/subjects are covered during your 4 weeks:

Course Schedule

Arrival & Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

There is no final examination that determines your pass grade. Your final course result is determined by the combined marks of the assignments above, as well as on your participation and teamwork in class, attendance and behaviour. A grade of at least 70% is required in order to pass the course. More than 50% of this grade is made up of marks for teacher practices. Trainees are awarded with either a ‘pass’, ‘merit’, ‘high merit’ or ‘distinction’. All graduates receive a report, and those who obtain a merit or higher, are also presented with a personalised letter of reference. You’ll head off to your placement feeling as prepared and confident to step into the classroom as you possibly can. 

 

Costs

What Will I Earn?

As an English teacher in Cambodia, you’ll earn within the range of $800 to $2800 * per month (3.2 – 11.4 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.

* USD amounts may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

General Range:

• Non-native English speakers: $800 – $1000*
• No teaching experience, no Degree: $1000 – $1200*
• Any Degree, TEFL certification, teaching experience: $1200 – $1800*
• Education Degree and teaching experience: $1800 – $2800*
• * USD amounts may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

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 Cambodia.

OPTION 1

In-class TEFL/TESOL and Job Placement, Orientation and Support (Highly Recommended)

The in-class TESOL course is tailored specifically to teaching English in Cambodia and will give you valuable insight into Cambodian culture and the specifics of teaching in a Cambodian classroom.

OPTION 2

Already have a TEFL/TESOL Certificate?

Take our TEFL/TESOL Extension Course

For teachers that already have extensive experience in the teaching field, as well as an existing online/in-class 120-hour TESOL/TEFL/CELTA, we offer the 2 week TEFL Extension course.

Ultimately this encompasses a 2 week practical learning course that attaches to your existing TEFL to qualify it to be an “in-class” certificate.

All those applying for the Extension Course will be required to follow and submit special documentation to be approved by the course director prior to acceptance onto the program. Your co-ordinator will guide you through this specialised application process.

What is included in the TravelBud enrollment fee?

Pre-departure Support

As soon as you pay your initial enrollment fee, 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.

24/7 Dedicated Ongoing In-country Support

Teaching Resources and Support from local teachers

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:

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:

Cambodia is generally a cheap place to travel to, so you should be able to manage on a relatively low budget if necessary.

You will be spending at least 2 months in Cambodia before you receive your first pay check from your school.

You will, therefore, need to budget enough money to see you through the first month during the TEFL course and your first month of teaching.

Of course, the amount of money you will need depends on your spending habits.

Please note the below outline is an estimation and may vary depending on different factors.

What do I need to budget for?

Bear in mind that you will be spending at least 2 months in Cambodia before you receive your first paycheck.

You will therefore need to budget enough money to see you through the 1 month TEFL/TESOL course and your first month of teaching.

Of course, the amount of money you need depends on your spending habits and Cambodia is generally an affordable place to travel and live in.

As in most travel destinations, the more touristy activities, restaurants, and transport options will be a lot more expensive but we will guide you on how to live and budget like a local to get the most out of your paycheck.

Take a look through our budget guidelines to see what budget suits your spending habits.

Please note the below outline is an estimation and may vary depending on different factors

Pre-departure Budget

In-Country Budget

First Month Teaching & Visa Costs

You will also need to take over enough spending money to cover living expenses during your first month of teaching.

Chat to us if you have questions about budget and spending.

Once you start earning a salary, your living costs will be comfortably covered, you’ll start to learn how to cut down on your monthly expenses (for example, eating out less and finding the most affordable grocery store in your placement town) and you will be able to enjoy your time teaching and traveling in Cambodia.

When can I start Teaching English in Cambodia?

Start Dates for our In-Class TEFL/TESOL Course in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Please note: If you are already TEFL certified and are enrolling for the TEFL extension program, start dates are two weeks later. See below for exact dates.

Start Dates for TEFL Extension in Siem Reap, Cambodia

How long is the teaching contract for?

Arrival & Orientation

Pre-departure Support

As you prepare for your trip, TravelBud’s support managers will guide you through:

Arriving in Siem Reap, Cambodia

When you arrive in Siem Reap, you can count on:

Course Schedule

Arrival & Week 1

h3>Course Schedule

Arrival & Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Teaching Environment

You’ll head off to your new job as soon as you’ve completed our 140-hour in-class TEFL/TESOL certification course.

We discuss your preferences and then carefully assist you with your teaching position at our reputable schools. We work with select schools which we have carefully vetted to ensure they meet our high standards. 

Where will I be teaching?

Placements are mostly in the bigger cities such as Pnehm Pen and Battambangand are in “International schools”. These are not “international schools” as you might know them, these schools are “international” because they follow Western semester starts and curriculums i.e British schools, Australian schools; American schools.

Your enrolment coordinator will explain the school environment in detail.

While we do our best to meet placement preferences, this cannot be guaranteed.

Keep in mind that placements depend on what jobs are available and the schools ultimately make the hiring decisions.

We will always do our best to accommodate your preferences though and you will receive our full 24/7 ongoing support throughout your placement.

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?

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.

Living Environment

Your first night in Siem Reap, Cambodia

You’ll be picked up from the airport and taken to your accommodation.

Accommodation during the TEFL/TESOL Course

You have 2 options to choose from.

You will need to book your accommodation separately.

Solitaire Damnak Villa

• The property has an undercover pool, onsite restaurant as well as cooking facilities for guests.
• All rooms have A/C, a TV and a small fridge.
• The room rate includes once a week cleaning and FREE WiFi.
• 11 minute walk to your course.

US $350.00 for 4-week full onsite or US $250.00 for 2-week TEFL extension

This rate excludes electricity (approx $70.00 USD)

Solitaire Kamreuk

• The property has an outdoor pool.
• All rooms have A/C, a TV and a small fridge.
• The room rate includes once-a-week cleaning and FREE WiFi.
• 6 minute walk to your course.

US $350.00 for 4-week full onsite or US $250.00 for 2-week TEFL extension

This rate excludes electricity (approx $70.00)

Accommodation during your teaching placement

You will be given guidance on finding accommodation in accessible areas.

There are many real estate properties for rent that are available for all types of spaces and budget. From the single unit apartments to villas, there is always one that will fit your needs.

Popular expat areas in Phnom Penh are BKK1, BKK2 and BKK3, Russian Market, Tonle Bassac, 7 Makara, and Daun Penh.

Almost all apartments are fully furnished and some offer services such as cleaning, 24-hour security, garbage collection, and WiFi.

• Shared accommodation: $100 – $200
• Studio apartment: $150 – $350
• 1 bedroom apartment: $250 – $800
• 2+ bedroom apartment: $300 – $900

Please keep in mind that most apartment buildings will require you to pay 1-2 months’ deposit.

You will be provided with further resources, links and information for finding your accommodation.

We’re here to walk you through the whole process!

The TravelBud Difference

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.

Safety

Moving to another country to live and work is a big step and we realise that safety can be a concern.

What do TravelBud staff and teachers say about safety?

How are the authorities?

The police are generally very helpful towards foreigners. Drug-related offences are taken very seriously.

FAQ

How much does it pay to teach English in Cambodia?

Depends on school type, qualifications, experience and location.

Here is a general range:

• Non-native: $800 – $1000 USD*
• No experience, no degree: $1000 – $1200 USD*
• Any degree, TEFL, experience: $1200 – $1800 USD*
• Education Degree and experience: $1800 – $2800 USD*

* USD amounts may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

Living expenses are not too high so you can live comfortably on your salary, especially if you adopt a local style of living which we always recommend.

Is English spoken in Cambodia?

Basic English is quite widely spoken, but not everyone you meet will speak English. But with the help of English language education provided by you and other teachers, the English literacy rate is consistently improving.

Do you need a degree to teach English in Cambodia?

No. Cambodia is one of the only countries in Asia where you can legally teach without a Bachelor’s Degree. A degree is not required for the documents submission to obtain the work permit. 

How much money can you make teaching English?

You’ll earn around $800-$2800 USD* (3.2 – 11.4 million Riel) per month.

* USD amounts may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

How many days off do I get? When are the school holidays?

You’ll get at least 21 official national holidays (if they fall on work days) and weekends off!

You can generally request vacation leave as well, depending on your contract.

Your contract usually includes paid holidays.

Can participants choose part or full time?

Our Placements are for 1 year and can be renewed if you’d like to stay and continue to teach for longer.

You need to commit to at least 12 months.  Although the position is full time, you’ll only be teaching an average of 4-5 hours per day and typically in the mornings or evenings, which allows you to live a fairly flexible lifestyle compared to more rigorous work hours required by schools in other countries.

What is the main religion in Cambodia?

 

Are teachers in high demand in Cambodia? Why?

Yes, teachers are in high demand. English language education unlocks a lot of growth opportunities for the country’s economy as a whole. Young learners are highly motivated to learn English because of the employment opportunities it can unlock for them. 

Do schools in Cambodia accept Online TEFL/TESOL certificates?

Yes they do, provided your online TEFL/TESOL certificate meets the standards of our partner schools.

Read more about our online TEFL/TESOL course option.

How long does it take to get TEFL/TESOL Certified?

It takes approximately 4 weeks to complete our TEFL/TESOL course. This includes our one-week cultural immersion course part, 16 hours of observed practical teaching in a local school.

What are the benefits of completing the 140-hour In-class TEFL/TESOL Course?

TravelBud’s in-class TEFL certification course in Cambodia is customized to ensure that our TEFL graduates are as prepared as possible for both the classroom environment they will be teaching in as well as the cultural environment they will be living in.

Through multiple in-depth lessons led by experts in the field on Cambodia culture, history, and politics, there is no other TEFL/TESOL course geared to helping you immerse responsibly in culture and society better than TravelBud’s TEFL certification.

You will also receive the benefit of practical in-person training which includes real-life teaching practice in a local Cambodian school, after which you will receive invaluable feedback from your instructor before heading off to your placement. Please note: Due to COVID-19, this practical may be subject to change.

Not only will you gain a strong foundation in Cambodian culture but you will make life-long friends with people from all walks of life who are embarking on the same adventure as you.

I have already completed a TEFL/TESOL course elsewhere. Do I still need to complete TravelBud’s course?

This may be 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 our Extension only option.

Can you guarantee me a job once the TEFL/TESOL Course course has ended?

Granted we have confirmed that you are eligible to teach English and after reviewing your application, meet the other minimal requirements, and you pass the in-class TEFL/TESOL course, we cannot 100% guarantee you a job placement.

We can however say that we’ve helped 99%. of applicants to find jobs via our Placement Assistance services with one of our vetted school partners at the end of our TEFL course.

Do schools pay you a fee/portion of my salary?

No, TravelBud and our partners DO NOT receive a portion of the teacher’s monthly salary.

Can my friend or partner come with me?

Yes!

We provide friends and couples with placements in the same areas and sometimes even at the same schools. 

What are traveling costs?

It is possible to travel affordably, but it depends how you want to do it. Budget travelling, using public transport, will take longer but save you money. Taxis will be more expensive.

Because it is a popular tourist destination with a large expat community, travel costs are rising, but if you budget effectively, you can still travel around at relatively low cost. Our in-country and pre-departure support teams will give you the best advice possible to help you budget carefully.

How safe is it?

It is relatively safe with petty theft being reported at times. Like anywhere else it is recommended that you remain alert of your belongings. 

What about Medical services and insurance?

Medical services are efficient. If you need medical attention, you can go to either a public or private medical facility.

What does the average meal cost?

TBC. Depending on your preference and budget, you can eat quite cheaply.

Where am I going to stay and how much will the accommodation cost me?

Our 24/7 in-country support team will share all your accommodation options and will be on hand to assist you with finding the best accommodation for you.

Is airport pick-up provided?

Yes, airport pick-up is provided. We’ll take you straight to your accommodation. 

What are the age groups you will be teaching?

Most of our placements are at language centers teaching children and young adults.

After the contract can you still travel in the country or do you need to leave immediately?

You can stay as long as you like as you maintain a legal Visa status. You might need to leave the country soon after your contract ends and come back in on a tourist visa if you’d like to travel.

What is the possibility of acquiring a second job to make more money?

It is possible, although this depends on your job placement. If you are motivated to pick up extra work, this can probably be arranged through your language center.

What are the authorities like?

The authorities are genuinely helpful and professional. They should be treated with respect as in your own home country.

What is phone and Internet connectivity like?

WiFi is very good, so you will be able to use your devices as in your home country.

What if you are unhappy in a job? Can you get a new one?

Yes, but we don’t often find this to be a problem. If the teacher really dislikes their job and they have a good reason, we can assist them to an alternative placement within our vetted school network. This however can take time.

What is the dress code for teaching English?

Smart-casual. Typically collar shirts for men and semi-conservative dress for women. As a teacher, you need to appear professional at all times. For women, skirts and dresses are most commonly worn. 

Must the teachers have CV’s or Resumes?

Yes, it is vital for the job placement assistance process to submit an updated version of your resume or CV during TravelBud’s pre-enrollment application process.

Our placement team will work with you to format your CV/resume according to what the schools are looking for to increase your chances of obtaining a sought after placement.

Packing essentials? Sleeping bag, towels?

All our participants are provided with a detailed packing list before departure. You can get all the essentials in the country, but it is not necessarily cheaper than back home, so it’s best to bring all your basics which we will guide you through.

Any serious laws that are very strict?

Drug possession and trafficking are taken very seriously.

What is the general level of English proficiency and behaviour of students? 

This will vary. Literacy levels are high, so you can expect students with a good basic English proficiency but everyone is different so not everyone will be a quick learner.

Do your colleagues speak English?

You will be teaching with other first language English speakers at the language centers, most of which will come from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Will you work with any special needs children?

No.

What are the chances of teaching English in neighbouring countries?

TravelBud offers teaching programs in Bali.

And with our free Lifetime Placement Assistance Guarantee, you can opt to teach in Bali through TravelBud absolutely free of charge, once you’ve successfully completed your contract and provided you meet the requirements of the program.

Are all paperwork and books supplied by the school?

Yes, most of the time. You will also have access to a database of lesson plans, printable graphics, class warmers and flashcards.

What happens if you lose your job? Can you get a new one?

If you are fired, TravelBud and our partners will no longer help with job placement. It’s important that you meet the performance requirements and contractual obligations of your school employer.

Can you drink tap water?

Yes you can, although it is not recommended. You will be advised about this during your first week on the program and the locals are always a great source of information.