What You Need to Teach English in Cambodia
One of the main reasons Cambodia attracts so many new teachers is its relatively open entry requirements. Compared with more regulated TEFL markets in Asia, it’s possible to start teaching legally in Cambodia without jumping through as many hoops. However, that flexibility also means expectations can vary significantly from one employer to another.
Here’s what you need:
- Bachelor’s degree
Unlike countries such as Vietnam, South Korea, or Japan, a Bachelor’s degree is not a legal requirement to teach English in Cambodia. It’s one of the very few countries in Asia where you can teach English without a degree.
- TEFL Certification
A TEFL certificate is the most important qualification for teaching English in Cambodia. Reputable schools expect teachers to have completed an accredited 120-hour TEFL or TESOL course. Aim for one that includes practical teaching experience.
- English proficiency
Fluent non-native English speakers are widely employed across the country, but you’ll need to be able to show that you have a certified English level of C1 or higher, an IELTS score of 7, or equivalent, as well as demonstrating excellent spoken and written English during your job interview.
- Experience
Previous teaching experience is not required. Employers in Cambodia regularly hire first-time teachers, particularly at private language centres.
- Police background check
You’ll need a clean police background check from your home country. This is worth arranging in advance, as it can be trickier to organise once in Cambodia.
How to Choose the Right TEFL Course in Cambodia
Choosing the right TEFL course is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as you prepare to teach in Cambodia, and it can make the difference between struggling to find stable work and feeling confident in the classroom from the very beginning.
For more about choosing a course, see our 6 Questions to Ask When Choosing a TEFL Course.
While entry requirements in Cambodia are more flexible than in some neighbouring countries, schools quickly recognise whether a teacher has been properly trained. A quality TEFL course not only makes your CV more attractive to employers but also gives you the practical skills you’ll need to manage real classrooms.
When comparing courses, here’s what to look for:
- Accreditation and recognition
Your TEFL certificate should be fully accredited and widely recognised by schools in Cambodia and internationally.
- Observed teaching practice
With real students and feedback from experienced trainers, not just role‑playing with classmates.
- Lesson planning and classroom skills
Make sure the course teaches you how to plan and deliver effective, engaging lessons, including classroom management techniques suited to young learners and large classes.
- Job support
Look for a course that offers guidance on finding work after you qualify, from CV advice and interview preparation to local employer connections and ongoing support.
For more about the importance of accreditation, see TEFL Accreditation: What is it and why is it important?.
Both online and in-person TEFL courses are accepted by schools in Cambodia, but taking your TEFL course in Cambodia itself offers some clear advantages:
- Many employers prefer candidates who are already in Cambodia and available to start quickly.
- You can begin building a local network and may even meet potential employers during your course.
Many teachers who take our Cambodia course at School of TEFL have jobs lined up within a week or two of finishing training.
From Training to Teaching in Cambodia: Getting Your First Job
Once you’ve completed your TEFL course, the transition into your first teaching role is often quicker and less formal than in many other TEFL destinations, but it relies heavily on understanding how the local job market works in practice.
Unlike more centralised markets, Cambodia’s teaching jobs are largely filled locally and through personal contact. While vacancies are advertised online, many schools still prefer to meet candidates face-to-face before making a decision. For this reason, being in Cambodia when you apply can make the process significantly easier.
What Employers Are Looking For
Cambodian employers tend to focus less on rigid checklists and more on how a teacher performs in person. Clear spoken English, confidence in front of a class, and a professional, reliable attitude count for a lot.
Many schools place a strong emphasis on flexibility. Teachers who are open to evening or weekend work, split shifts, or teaching mixed-ability classes are often easier to place, particularly at language centres. Experience with young learners is especially valued, as children’s classes make up a large part of the market.
Interviews and Demo Lessons
Interviews in Cambodia are usually informal and practical. You may be invited to a short interview with an academic coordinator or school manager, followed by a brief demo lesson. In some cases this happens on the same day, particularly at language centres that need teachers quickly.
Demo lessons are typically short and focus on clarity, energy, and student engagement rather than complex methodology. Schools want to see that you can manage a class, give clear instructions, and connect with learners.
Tip: Prepare a simple, adaptable 10–15 minute demo lesson in advance. Having something ready makes it much easier to respond confidently if a school asks you to teach at short notice.
How Teachers Commonly Find Work
Most new teachers find work by approaching schools directly. Walking into language centres with a printed CV is still common in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and this often leads to quicker results than online applications alone.
Schools also frequently post vacancies in Facebook groups and local expat networks, and recommendations from other teachers can open doors that aren’t advertised publicly.
If you take your TEFL course in Cambodia, your training centre may be able to introduce you to trusted employers or point you toward schools that regularly hire newly qualified teachers. This kind of support takes a lot of the guesswork and uncertainty out of the job search.
Timing and Building a Schedule
Hiring in Cambodia happens throughout the year, especially at language centres, although recruitment can slow briefly around major holidays such as Khmer New Year. There is no single intake period, which means you can arrive at different times and still find work.
Schools in Cambodia often move quickly once they’re interested in a candidate. Being reachable and able to respond promptly can make a real difference.
Tip: Employers commonly use Facebook Messenger for initial contact, and Telegram is also widely used. Make sure your contact details are clear on your CV and that you can respond quickly to messages.
For more advice on preparing applications and interviews, see TEFL Interview Questions and How to Answer Them.
Visas and Work Permits: What You Need to Work Legally
Cambodia’s visa process is more straightforward than in many neighbouring countries, but it’s still important to understand how it works before you arrive. Most schools will help guide you through the paperwork once you’re hired, but knowing what to expect in advance will make the transition into work much smoother.
Here’s how the process usually works in practice:
- Enter Cambodia on the appropriate visa
To enter Cambodia, you’ll need either a T-class (tourist) visa or an Ordinary (E-class) visa. If you don’t plan to teach in Cambodia after your course, a T-class visa is sufficient. It’s valid for 30 days and can be extended once for a further 30 days without leaving the country.
- Enter on an Ordinary (E-class) visa if you plan to teach
If you plan to stay and teach in Cambodia after your course, it’s best to enter on an Ordinary (E-class) visa. This visa is also valid for 30 days and (depending on your nationality) can be obtained online, at a Cambodian embassy, or on arrival at the port of entry.
- Extend your E-class visa
Ordinary (E-class) visas can be extended for one, three, six, or twelve months. Six- and twelve-month extensions allow multiple re-entries and make it possible to open a Cambodian bank account, which many employers require.
- Secure a job and arrange your work permit
Once you secure a teaching position, employers in Cambodia often assist with extending your visa and applying for a work permit. The level of support varies depending on the school and your contract, but most reputable employers expect teachers to be properly registered.
- Transitioning from a T-class visa if needed
If you enter Cambodia on a T-class visa and later decide to teach, you may need to leave the country briefly to obtain an Ordinary (E-class) visa before transitioning to a work permit. Some teachers do this via a short border trip, for example from Phnom Penh to the Vietnam border.
The cost of a Cambodian work permit and related visa extension is approximately US $500-$550. This cost is often shared between the employer and the teacher, although arrangements vary by school.
Compared with countries like Vietnam or South Korea, Cambodia’s system involves fewer document legalisation requirements. A university degree and police background check are not always legally required for the visa itself, but many schools will still ask to see them, particularly when applying for longer visa extensions or work permits.
Tip: Bring original copies of your TEFL certificate, degree (if you have one), police background check, and several passport-sized photos. Even if not all documents are required immediately, having them ready makes the process much easier.
Note: Visa regulations can change at short notice. Always check official government sources before making travel or work plans.
Teaching Jobs in Cambodia: Where You’ll Work and What You’ll Earn
Teaching jobs in Cambodia come in a variety of settings, each with its own expectations, schedules, and pay levels. Compared with countries like Vietnam or South Korea, contracts tend to be more flexible and less standardised, and many teachers work on an hourly basis rather than fixed long-term contracts.
Most teachers work between 20 and 30 classroom hours per week, although these hours are often spread across afternoons, evenings, and weekends rather than concentrated into a single block. It’s common to have at least one full day off per week, but paid holidays, sick leave, and benefits vary widely between employers, so it’s important to clarify these details before accepting a job.
Understanding the different types of teaching jobs available will help you choose a role that fits your experience level, lifestyle, and longer-term goals.
- Language Centres
Private language centres cater mainly to children and teenagers after school, as well as adults in the evenings and at weekends. Class sizes are usually smaller than in public schools, often ranging from 10 to 25 students. Salaries are usually around $800–$1,200 per month for teachers working close to full time. While these salaries are modest, living costs in Cambodia are also relatively low.
- Private Schools
Private schools may follow a Cambodian curriculum or a bilingual programme with increased emphasis on English. These schools usually offer more regular daytime hours than language centres, often closer to a traditional school schedule. Some private schools are well organised with clear curricula and support, while others operate more informally. Pay varies widely depending on location, ownership, and expectations, but is generally comparable to language centre work.
- International Schools
International schools offer the highest salaries and most structured working environments, but they are also the most competitive. They follow foreign curricula such as British, American, or IB programmes and usually require a recognised teaching licence and a university degree. Salaries typically range from $1,500–$2,500+ per month, often with additional benefits such as housing allowances, paid holidays, or health insurance.
- NGOs, Educational Projects and Public Schools
NGOs and educational charities play an important role in English education in Cambodia. These roles can be deeply rewarding and offer strong cultural immersion. Pay is often lower than in private schools or language centres, and some positions are voluntary. Facilities and resources may be limited, and placements may be outside major cities. Some foreign teachers also work in public schools, where salaries are typically around $600–$900.
- Private Tutoring
This is common in Cambodia and often used by teachers to supplement their income. Rates typically range from $10–$20 per hour, depending on experience and the type of student. Business English, exam preparation, and specialised classes can command higher rates, but check your contract and visa conditions allow private work.
Tip: Before accepting a job, ask clear questions about how hours are scheduled, how cancellations are handled, and whether you’ll be teaching at more than one location. A slightly higher hourly rate may not be worth it if unpaid gaps and travel time make the schedule inefficient.
When to Apply for Teaching Jobs in Cambodia
Cambodia recruits English teachers throughout the year, particularly at private language centres, which operate on rolling enrolment and regularly replace teachers who finish contracts or move on. Because of this, there is no single “best” time to arrive in Cambodia to look for work. Teachers who are already in the country and flexible about start dates and schedules generally find opportunities regardless of the month.
Demand is usually strongest outside major national holidays, when schools are fully operational. Recruitment can slow briefly during periods such as Khmer New Year (usually in mid-April), when many schools close for one to two weeks.
Private and international schools tend to follow more traditional academic cycles, with most recruitment taking place in the months leading up to the new school year in August or September, and a smaller intake around the start of the calendar year.
Tip: If possible, avoid arriving specifically to job hunt during major holidays such as Khmer New Year or Pchum Ben, when recruitment activity can be noticeably quieter.
Living Costs & How Much You Can Save in Cambodia
Cambodia’s low cost of living is one of the main reasons teachers choose to work here, particularly when compared with more developed TEFL markets in Asia. While salaries are modest, everyday expenses are also relatively low, allowing many teachers to live comfortably, especially outside premium expat areas.
Accommodation is usually your biggest monthly expense. A private one-bedroom apartment in Phnom Penh typically costs between $200–$600 per month, depending on the neighbourhood, building quality, and whether utilities are included. Central and expat-heavy areas such as BKK1 are at the higher end of this range, while neighbourhoods slightly further out are significantly cheaper.
A lot of teachers start out by sharing a flat while they get settled – it keeps costs down and makes it easier to find your feet. In smaller cities such as Siem Reap or Battambang, rent is often lower than in Phnom Penh, although job opportunities may also be more limited.
Food is generally inexpensive if you eat locally. A typical Cambodian meal from a local restaurant or street stall usually costs $2–$4, while Western restaurants and cafés are more expensive, with meals often costing $8–$12, particularly in tourist or expat areas. Groceries from local markets are affordable, though imported products can be noticeably pricier.
Monthly utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, usually fall in the range of $50–$120. Air conditioning is the one thing that can push monthly bills up the most, especially in the hottest months.
Transport costs in Cambodia are relatively low. Many teachers get around using tuk-tuks or ride-hailing apps such as Grab or PassApp, which are inexpensive for short journeys. Others choose to rent or buy a motorbike, with rentals typically costing around $50–$100 per month. Fuel is relatively cheap, but traffic conditions and road safety are worth keeping in mind.
Tip: If you rent a motorbike, use a reputable rental company and check the brakes, tyres, and lights before agreeing to anything. Road conditions and enforcement can be unpredictable, so caution is essential.
With careful budgeting, many teachers are able to live comfortably on around $1,000 per month. Savings are possible with a modest but comfortable lifestyle, but for most teachers the real payoff in Cambodia is the experience and day-to-day lifestyle.
Before arriving, it’s wise to have enough savings to cover your first few weeks. This should include a rent deposit, basic household items, visa and work permit costs, and daily expenses while you wait for your first salary.
Figures above are based on publicly available data sources (actual costs may vary depending on location and lifestyle):
Where You Can Live and Teach in Cambodia
Most teaching jobs in Cambodia are concentrated in a small number of urban centres, with far fewer opportunities available in rural areas. Where you choose to live will have a big impact on the type of work you find, your income, and your overall lifestyle.
The majority of new teachers start in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, where demand is strongest and the job market is most accessible. Smaller towns and provincial areas can offer a more immersive experience, but jobs are fewer and often linked to NGOs or short-term projects.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s main hub for English teaching jobs and offers by far the widest range of opportunities. Most language centres, private schools, and international schools are based here, and competition is generally lower than in more saturated TEFL markets elsewhere in Asia.
The city is busy, spread out, and constantly developing. Many teachers choose to live close to their main workplace to minimise commuting, as traffic can be unpredictable. Popular neighbourhoods among teachers include BKK1 and BKK3, which are central and expat-friendly, as well as Toul Tom Poung (Russian Market), which offers a slightly more local feel with good access to cafés, markets, and schools.
Phnom Penh suits teachers who want the best chance of securing steady work, building a full timetable, and accessing a wider expat community. Living costs are higher than elsewhere in Cambodia, but still modest by Western standards.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is Cambodia’s second most popular base for English teachers. It’s smaller, more relaxed, and closely tied to the tourism industry. Teaching jobs here are mainly in language centres and private schools, with fewer large employers than in Phnom Penh.
Salaries are typically a little lower, but so are living costs. Many teachers choose Siem Reap for its slower pace of life, strong community feel, and proximity to cultural sites. Competition for good positions can be higher, however, and turnover tends to be lower, meaning jobs may not open as frequently.
Other Cities and Provincial Areas
Outside Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, teaching opportunities are more limited and often tied to NGOs, private schools, or short-term projects. These locations, including smaller provincial towns and tourist or coastal areas, can offer lower living costs and deeper cultural immersion, but salaries are usually lower and resources more basic. In popular destinations especially, long-term teachers often hold onto stable positions, so new vacancies can be infrequent. They’re great places to visit or spend a short period, but may not always be the best choice if you’re looking for consistent, full-time teaching work.
Tip: When choosing where to live, consider not just rent but also how close you’ll be to your school. Shorter commutes can make a big difference to your daily routine, especially if you’re teaching evenings or weekends.
Cultural Tips for Teaching in Cambodia
- Respect and hierarchy matter
Cambodian classrooms are generally respectful and teacher-centred. Students may be quiet at first and reluctant to speak publicly.
- Avoid public criticism
Saving face is important. Offer corrections gently and privately, and focus on encouragement rather than confrontation.
- Create a safe space for speaking
Pair and group work help students build confidence before speaking in front of the whole class.
- Dress modestly and professionally
Conservative, neat dress is expected in most schools, especially when teaching children.
- Build relationships gradually
Patience, consistency, and respect for local customs help build trust with students and colleagues.
- Be mindful of religion and tradition
Buddhism plays an important role in Cambodian life. Avoid casual comments about religion, the monarchy, or recent history.
Career Growth and Opportunities in Cambodia
Many teachers come to Cambodia planning to stay for a year and end up remaining longer than expected. While the TEFL market here is less formal and structured than in some other countries, experience, reliability, and strong local connections can open up a range of opportunities over time.
Career progression in Cambodia is often informal and relationship-driven, but teachers who stay, build a good reputation, and continue developing their skills can move into more stable or better-paid roles.
- Move into better-paying schools or increase your hourly rate
With classroom experience and good references, teachers often progress to better-run language centres or private schools that offer higher hourly pay, more consistent schedules, or leadership responsibilities.
- Take on senior teacher or coordinator roles
Larger schools sometimes promote experienced teachers into senior or academic coordinator positions. These roles may involve mentoring new teachers, supporting lesson planning, or overseeing assessments.
- Work with NGOs or education-focused organisations
Teachers with experience may move into NGO or development roles focused on teacher training, curriculum support, or community education. These positions are often more about impact than salary, but can be professionally rewarding.
- Specialise in high-demand areas
Developing expertise in areas such as young learners, exam preparation, or teacher training can lead to more consistent work and higher rates. In Cambodia, proven results and reliability often matter more than formal titles.
- Use Cambodia as a stepping stone
Many teachers use their experience in Cambodia to move on to more regulated TEFL markets such as Vietnam, South Korea, or China. The classroom confidence and practical experience gained here can make that transition much smoother.
While Cambodia may not offer the same long-term career structure as some larger TEFL markets, it provides valuable classroom experience, flexibility, and professional confidence, especially if you’re starting out and want to build real classroom confidence quickly.
Ready to Get Started?
If you choose a solid TEFL course, understand the visa process, and arrive with realistic expectations, Cambodia offers a friendly and accessible start to your TEFL career.
We’ve been helping new teachers take their first steps in TEFL since 2005, and we’re here to help when you’re ready.
Helpful Links
Sources & References
In addition to the cost of living sources, some information in this guide is based on publicly available data from the following official sources:
This guide also draws on over 20 years of experience supporting teachers and schools in Cambodia since 2005.
