Dreaming of adventure abroad while kickstarting your career? Moving to Cambodia as an English teacher is an exciting opportunity to experience a vibrant culture, affordable living, and a warm local community.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know — from the correct visa process to some top-notch teaching and volunteer programs tailored for enthusiastic young adults ready to embrace a new life overseas.
Why Choose Cambodia for Teaching English?
Cambodia is a place where modern ambition meets ancient charm.
Here are a few reasons why it might be your perfect teaching destination:
- Cultural Immersion: Explore majestic temples, bustling markets, and a deep-rooted history every day.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with low living costs compared to many Western countries.
- Friendly Expat Community: Connect with fellow adventurers who have taken the leap to live and work abroad.
- Expanding Demand for English: With increasing globalization, local schools and language centers are eager for well-trained, enthusiastic teachers. Furthermore, increased government support for rural education means that your skills can truly help those who really need them!
- Warm Weather & Scenic Landscapes: Trade winters for tropical climates, lively urban centers, and serene countryside escapes.
Navigating the Visa and Work Permit Process
Before you pack your bags, understanding the right visa route is crucial for a smooth transition.
Here’s the lowdown on how to legally work as an English teacher in Cambodia:
- E-class visa (E-Visa):
- Purpose: Designed for individuals who plan to work or conduct business in Cambodia.
- Process: Start by securing a job offer from a reputable language school or educational institution. After obtaining the E Visa, employers need to apply for a work permit on behalf of their foreign employees with the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT).
- Duration and Conversion: Typically issued for 30 days and can be extended.
- Work Permit:
- Requirement: Once you arrive in Cambodia, your employer will help in processing your work permit.
- Documentation: Be prepared to submit proof of your qualifications, a valid contract, and passport photos.
Keep in Mind: Regulations can change, so always check with local authorities or your school’s HR department for the most current information before your departure.
Taking these steps not only ensures you’re legally allowed to work but also protects you under Cambodian labor laws, making your transition into teaching smoother and worry-free.
How to Land a Position as an English Teacher in Cambodia
Breaking into the Cambodian teaching scene is all about preparation and persistence.
Here’s a streamlined roadmap to help you secure your ideal job:
- Research Reputable Institutions: Identify established language schools, private academies, or international programs in major cities like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
- Network Actively: Join online communities, such as Facebook groups for expat teachers, and attend local career fairs or webinars related to teaching abroad.
- Tailor Your Application: Each job posting may have unique requirements. Customize your cover letter and resume for every application to highlight how your skills meet the specific needs of the institution.
- Showcase Your Qualifications: Ensure your resume highlights your TEFL/TESOL certification, any teaching or volunteer experience, and your adaptability to new cultures. Read on for more information on how to boost your application!
Boost Your Credentials with TEFL/TESOL Certification
Having a TEFL or TESOL certification isn’t just a nice-to-have; it can be a game-changer for your teaching career in Cambodia.
Here are two standout programs that are popular among young professionals:
- International TEFL Academy – Phnom Penh: Dive into an intensive certification course designed specifically with Cambodia in mind. This program equips you with proven teaching methodologies, classroom strategies, and all the tools you need to thrive in an international setting.
- GVI’s TEFL and Teaching English Apprenticeship in Cambodia: For those looking for a blend of training and on-the-job experience, this apprenticeship offers hands-on teaching opportunities alongside certification. It’s an ideal way to get real-world experience while earning a recognized qualification.
These certification programs not only bolster your resume but also prepare you practically for the challenges and rewards of teaching abroad.
Experience Cambodia as a Volunteer Teacher
Not quite ready to jump straight into a full-time teaching role? Volunteering can be an excellent pathway to immerse yourself in Cambodian culture, test the waters, and understand the local education scene.
Volunteering provides an excellent preview of life in Cambodia — it’s a chance to build connections, contribute meaningfully to local communities, and decide if a long-term teaching career in Cambodia is for you.
Here are several programs that can help you get started:
Most Popular Guidebooks
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
IVHQ offers immersive teaching experiences in Cambodia.
Their Battambang program places you in local schools, where you teach English to children and teens, enriching communities and gaining hands-on teaching practice. Their Siem Reap program provides opportunities across the country, allowing volunteers to work in various educational settings.
Both programs emphasize cultural immersion, personal growth, and making a positive impact through quality education. With comprehensive support — from orientation to accommodation — these projects empower volunteers to create meaningful change while exploring vibrant Cambodian culture.
GoEco
GoEco’s Sustainable Community Development program in Cambodia immerses volunteers in a rural project focused on meaningful change. Participants support a free community school in Samraong by teaching English to children aged 6 to 13 and assisting with essential construction projects that enhance school facilities.
Volunteers experience authentic Cambodian culture through language lessons and local traditions, while making a significant impact on the community’s future, all in a peaceful, rural setting near Siem Reap.
Projects Abroad
Projects Abroad’s Volunteer Teaching Cambodia program offers a rewarding opportunity for volunteers to teach English and other subjects in various educational settings across Cambodia.
The program includes classroom teaching, community engagement activities, and language exchange. It provides hands-on training, ongoing support, and the chance to broaden participants’ worldviews by contributing to educational development, ultimately making a lasting impact on local communities.
Involvement Volunteers International (IVI)
Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) is a dynamic volunteer organization that empowers individuals to create measurable impact through diverse community projects.
In the Rural School Teaching program, volunteers support education in remote communities by teaching core subjects and enhancing classroom environments. Meanwhile, the English Teaching in Siem Reap program enables volunteers to impart language skills at local schools.
Together, these opportunities promote educational development, cultural exchange, and personal growth, empowering communities and creating lasting impact on children’s futures globally.
Volunteering Solutions (VolSol)
Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) connects passionate individuals with a range of community projects worldwide, enabling impactful volunteering experiences through structured programs.
VolSol’s Teaching English Program in Phnom Penh engages individuals in teaching conversational English and basic grammar at local schools and training centers. Volunteers support educators and empower underprivileged youth, contributing to improved career opportunities and sustainable development.
Global Vision International (GVI)
Global Vision International’s (GVI) program empowers Cambodian Buddhist monks by teaching English. Volunteers immerse in local culture, deliver interactive language lessons, and build cross-cultural connections.
The initiative supports monks in expanding communication skills, enhancing community engagement, and promoting broader cultural understanding, ultimately contributing to personal growth, sustainable development, and inspiring transformation significantly.
Living Ethically as a Foreigner
Before you settle in, it’s important to remember that you’re a guest in a culture with its own rhythms, customs, and ways of life.
Here are a few simple guidelines to help you blend in respectfully and leave a positive impression:
- Learn the Basics of Khmer: Even a few words like“ជំរាបសួរ” (jom reap suor, hello), “អរគុណ” (aw kun, thank you), or “សូមទោស” (som tos, sorry) will go a long way. Locals will appreciate the effort, and it’ll help you navigate markets, tuk‑tuks, and classrooms more smoothly.
- Be Fair When Bargaining: Haggling is part of market life, but remember that many vendors rely on those small profits to feed their families. Aim for a fair deal. If you drive the price down too far, you could be taking away the money they need for basic expenses. Instead, negotiate a price that feels equitable for both of you, and it’s ok if you pay slightly higher than the “local” price sometimes!
- Dress and Act Modestly: Cambodia is generally conservative, especially outside of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Cover your shoulders and knees at temples and rural villages, and remove your hat when entering someone’s home or a religious site.
- Live Within Your Means: Just because you’re a foreigner in a “cheaper” country doesn’t mean you need to live extravagantly or boast about how little things cost. Overspending on yourself can widen the gap with locals and come across as insensitive. Be mindful when sharing on social media — portraying your stay as a bargain‑hunting spree or flaunting luxury can feel exploitative or out of touch. Instead, focus on authentic experiences and respect the local standard of living.
- Support Local, Sustainable Businesses: Seek out family‑run restaurants, handicraft cooperatives, and social‑enterprise guesthouses. Your dollars can empower communities rather than large, foreign‑owned chains.
- Ask Before Photographing: It’s polite to request permission, especially when photographing monks, children, or private ceremonies. A simple “បានទេ?” (ban te? – “May I?”) shows respect.
- Respect Cultural and Religious Practices: Keep your voice and demeanor calm around pagodas, and avoid touching people’s heads (considered the most sacred part of the body). Learn a bit about Buddhist customs so you can participate appropriately, whether it’s removing your shoes or offering alms.
By approaching daily life with humility, curiosity, and kindness, you’ll not only enrich your own experience but also leave a lasting, positive impact on the communities you join.
Live and Thrive in Cambodia!
Moving to Cambodia as an English teacher isn’t just a career move — it’s a transformative experience.
By preparing with the right visa and work permit information, boosting your credentials through reputable TEFL certification programs, or even trying your hand as a volunteer teacher, you’re setting the stage for a rewarding adventure abroad.
Take the leap, do your research, and get ready to explore a country steeped in history, culture, and unparalleled opportunities. Your journey to a fulfilling teaching career and an exciting international lifestyle in Cambodia is just a step away!
Happy teaching, and here’s to your adventure in Cambodia!
Munira Maricar · Travel Writer
With an international living background spanning Singapore, Qatar, Japan, and Mexico, Munira enjoys sharing insights on immersive travel while emphasizing the vital role of cultural respect and ethical engagement. Her extensive experience offers a unique perspective that inspires others to explore the world through service, ensuring that every journey respects and contributes positively to local traditions and communities.