How to Teach English in Cambodia

Learning English is mandatory in Cambodia.

The need for a decent education in developing countries continues and likely will indefinitely. Cambodia is one of those countries where learning English has become a top priority in order for young people there to get a decent job. Teaching English in Cambodia is a rare chance to gain teaching experience and interact with a different culture.

Things You'll Need

• Teaching certification
• Money to live on in Cambodia
• Resume
• Phone in Cambodian living quarters

Instructions

Teaching Certification

1. Acquire your teaching certification first through TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) International. You can take classes in different forms to get the training needed to teach English in Cambodia or any country.

2. Take the full certification course at TEFL if you can afford it. You'll be able to have first-hand experience teaching English in foreign countries.

3. Save money by taking TEFL's online courses that are as low as $190 and have 100 hours of class time. While these might not give you first-hand experience, you'll be able to get your certification from home before deciding to move to Cambodia to find work.

Applying for Teaching Jobs in Cambodia

1. Email specific public schools in Cambodia and tell them that you're interested in a teaching position and will be visiting there soon.

2. Take enough money to live on in Cambodia for at least six months to a year, since you might have to do volunteer teaching. Cambodia is still a developing nation and can't always afford to pay salaries, depending on the city.

3. Hail an inexpensive motorbike taxi to get around the Cambodian city you've decided to live in. Ask the motorbike driver whether they have any insider knowledge about schools around the area and let them take you there.

4. Have your updated resume with you and drop it off directly to the schools you're interested in. Discuss everything you want to know about the school with the teachers and administrators. Ask them for a tour of the school if they have the time.

5. Set up a phone in the place you're living so you can leave your phone number with the school administrators. If they call for an interview, dress professionally and play up your English certification to prove your worth.

Tips & Warnings

• Should you be hired for pay, understand that you'll likely only get between $8-$10 an hour. But the cost of living in most Cambodian cities is very low. If you'll be doing this for only a year or two, the experience will be well worth it.

References

• TEFL International: How to teach English in Cambodia

Resources

• TEFL International: English certification courses
• Yellow Pages for Cambodia: Public school listings