Teach English in Cambodia | TravelBud

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

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) per month.

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?

Theravada Buddhism is the official religion in Cambodia, which is practiced by 95 percent of the population, just like that of Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka.

However, Christianity and Cham Muslim are being active and popular among a large number of population as well in the capital and provinces, showing a sign of growth.

Daoism and Confucianism are also commonly practiced among the Chinese people.

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.