Everything You Need to Know to Teach in Cambodia: A Comprehensive Guide

Cambodia, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, is an increasingly popular destination for educators looking to make a difference abroad. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of teaching English in the bustling streets of Phnom Penh or contributing to educational initiatives in the tranquil surroundings of Siem Reap, embarking on this journey can be both rewarding and life-changing. Here’s everything you need to know about how to teach in Cambodia, from requirements and salary expectations to visas and health precautions.

Getting Started: Qualifications and Requirements

To teach in Cambodia, the qualifications can vary depending on the type of institution you’re aiming to work with. For those looking at teaching in Cambodian international schools, a bachelor’s degree in education and a teaching license from your home country are often required. Additionally, experience teaching the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum can be a plus.

However, if you’re interested in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) positions, such as teaching English in Cambodia jobs, the requirements can be more flexible. Many positions do not require a degree; thus, opportunities to teach in Cambodia with no degree are quite prevalent. A TEFL certification is usually sufficient, opening doors to teaching English in Cambodia for non-native speakers and even for those without a degree.

Entry and Health Requirements

As of 2024, Cambodia has implemented several entry and health requirements for foreign tourists:

• Health Advice: Consult a healthcare professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations. Be sure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling, regardless of your destination. Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, varicella (chickenpox), influenza, and others​​. Consult CDC guidelines before your trip for all the information.
• COVID-19 Vaccination: As of March 17, 2022, Cambodia no longer requires a negative COVID-19 PCR test result and rapid test upon arrival. Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to quarantine and do not need COVID-19 testing on arrival. You must present a vaccination card/certificate to be considered fully vaccinated​.
• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Cambodia. If you plan to extend your stay, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the extension period​.
• Cambodia e-Arrival Application: In January 2024, the Government of Cambodia introduced the Cambodia e-Arrival application (CeA). As of July 1, 2024, the electronic form in the app will replace the standard immigration, customs, and health forms. You must complete your e-Arrival forms within 7 days of your scheduled arrival​.

Visas

Cambodia has Visa-Exemption Agreements for citizens of the following countries. Check with the Cambodian Embassy in your country for the latest information.

If you’re planning to stay for a short period, you can enter Cambodia on a tourist visa. Known as the Visa T, it costs $36 USD to apply and is valid for 30 days.  

For extended periods, you might want to go for a Visa E instead. Also known as an Ordinary Visa encompassing both paid and unpaid work, such as volunteering, and includes studying/training/internship purposes. This visa is first valid for 30 days and can be extended when you’re in Cambodia with Cambodia’s General Department of Immigration. 

Both visas can be applied for online. 

Other Entry Requirements: An onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds may be required. Additionally, Cambodian immigration requires that foreign nationals in Cambodia be registered on the Foreigners Presence in Cambodia System (FPCS) for safety and security in case of an emergency. Verify with your accommodation staff or owners if they have registered your information on the system, or you can do so via their app.

It’s important to check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements before your trip, as these can change. For more detailed information, you can consult with the Royal Embassy of Cambodia. You can also discuss this with your placement organization directly. They can provide specific information and guidance on the type of visa you should apply for based on the duration and nature of your work. Partnering with reputable providers can be a great way to take the hassle out of paperwork. 

Budgeting and Salary Expectations

Cambodia’s teaching salary range can vary widely. In international schools, salaries are competitive, often ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 per month, sometimes including benefits like housing, insurance, and flights. On the other hand, salaries at language centers or public schools tend to be lower, with earnings between $1,000 to $1,500 per month. However, the cost of living in Cambodia is relatively low, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and even savings, depending on your spending habits.

Living in Cambodia can be incredibly affordable, with cheap local food, affordable housing, and low transportation costs.

Get Started Teaching in Cambodia

There are numerous avenues to explore when looking for teaching jobs in Cambodia for foreigners. Online job boards, recruitment agencies specializing in education, and networking within expat communities are all effective strategies. 

You can also explore the following providers to help you get started on your journey teaching in Cambodia!

International TEFL Academy – Get your TEFL/TESOL in Cambodia

In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, you have the opportunity to earn an accredited TEFL/TESOL certification in a 4-week intensive course. This program is designed to qualify you for numerous English teaching jobs both in Cambodia and around the world. It offers expert-led training and recognized qualifications, along with personalized job placement assistance globally.

Your commitment involves 150 hours of university-level coursework over four weeks. This includes class observation, teaching practice, and completion of various assignments like course journals, lesson plans, and essays on student motivation and course design. You’ll be teaching local Cambodian students in a real school environment, gaining hands-on experience.

Accommodation is part of the package, located conveniently near the school. The course, capped at 16 students and accredited by the Australian International College of Language, ensures a focused and supportive learning environment. You’re expected to have a good grasp of English grammar as the course aims to provide you with the skills to teach it effectively. With this certification, you’ll receive lifetime job search guidance, helping you to embark on your English teaching career.

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

IVHQ’s comprehensive programs in Cambodia offer volunteers the chance to engage in a variety of projects, including teaching English. IVHQ participants in Cambodia are embraced by a community-focused experience, with program fees that include airport pick-up, orientation, accommodations, meals, and constant in-country support. By staying in volunteer houses or homestays, participants are fully immersed in the local culture. 

IVHQ also offers an Online TEFL course to get you prepared for your teaching journey. 

Here are a few programs to get you started teaching in Cambodia:

• Teaching English Volunteering in Battambang: Ideal for those seeking a teaching career in Cambodia, this program offers a unique opportunity to improve local children’s English skills, essential for their education and future employment in tourism and hospitality.
• Teaching English Volunteer Program in Siem Reap: This program enables volunteers to contribute to quality education by teaching English, opening up better job prospects for students in Cambodia’s burgeoning tourism sector—an enriching experience in the iconic setting of Siem Reap.
• Childcare Volunteer Program in Phnom Penh: For those interested in early childhood education, volunteering in Phnom Penh’s childcare centers provides essential support to understaffed facilities. It’s a chance to nurture young minds and offer them a brighter start, enriching your teaching portfolio.

GoEco

GoEco’s volunteer programs in Cambodia have no prerequisite for prior experience, so their programs are suited for those who want to get started! 

• Cambodia – Sustainable Community Development: GoEco’s Sustainable Community Development program allows you to help underprivileged children in Samraong through education and construction projects. You can work on teaching English, environmental education, and health and hygiene sessions. For an extra fee, you can join a Cambodian Culture Week to deepen your understanding of the region.

The program fee is all-inclusive, so upon arriving at Samraong, you’ll settle into the volunteer house, meet fellow volunteers, and receive an orientation with cultural and language lessons. Your accommodation in a community house includes three meals on weekdays and two on weekends. 

Fees vary based on stay duration, with extra costs for private rooms and airport transfers.

Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad’s programs in Cambodia offer participants the chance to choose from various projects tailored to improving education where resources are scarce.

Volunteers with Projects Abroad in Cambodia have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, including supporting early childhood development and teaching English in kindergartens. 

Projects Abroad offers 24/7 staff assistance to ensure volunteers have a secure and enjoyable experience. From airport pickup to orientation and throughout the volunteer placement, the team provides guidance and support. Additionally, the organization offers detailed information on arrival procedures, accommodation, and local travel, ensuring that volunteers are well-prepared for their service in Cambodia.

• Volunteer to Teach English in Cambodia: You’ll be placed in kindergartens and primary schools in Phnom Penh, to enrich children’s conversational English skills through interactive games. This program is perfect if you’re enthusiastic about working with children and want to improve teaching techniques. It’s a great way to add practical teaching experience to your resume and positively impact young learners’ lives.
• Volunteer with Children in Cambodia: This program offers a hands-on opportunity to enrich the lives of children in Phnom Penh, focusing on early childhood development. Volunteers support educational and health initiatives, making it ideal for those pursuing a career in teaching or childcare in Cambodia.
• Volunteering with Children in Cambodia for Teens: It’s never too early to start working on your dreams, and if you’re aged between 15 and 18 with aspirations of being a teacher in Cambodia, this program is for you. It provides a nurturing environment where you can teach and interact with disadvantaged children in Phnom Penh, focusing on educational activities. You will assist local teachers in providing education to Cambodian children, improving learning environments, and offering play-based education.

IVI

Volunteering in Cambodia with IVI is a unique opportunity for you to contribute to vital causes like education in rural areas where 90% of Cambodia’s underserved live. 

With program fees starting at $405, IVI provides a complete package for volunteers, including accommodation, meals, airport pickup, local transportation, a one-day orientation, 24/7 in-country support, project materials, and a Certificate of Completion. 

These programs are perfect for those looking to experience Cambodia authentically, participate in local daily activities, and benefit those less fortunate. Here are a couple of programs that are ideal for those seeking to teach in Cambodia.

• Teach English in Rural Primary School Cambodia: In the Rural Primary School Teaching program in Samraong, Cambodia, you have the opportunity to teach and impact children’s lives in underprivileged rural areas. You’ll be teaching English conversational skills, writing, reading, and involving students in creative activities like painting, drawing, crafts, and sports. This project is ideal for those who want to experience teaching in a rural setting with limited resources and who are creative and enjoy outdoor activities.
• Sports Coaching in Samraong, Cambodia: You can teach other things apart from just English! In the Sports Coaching program in Samraong, you can make a significant impact by coaching football at a local school. Your role will involve teaching children from the local football team, requiring a love for football, some knowledge or experience in the sport, and team management skills. You’ll lead your group with drills, ideas, and fitness exercises, being creative and resourceful due to limited equipment. This project is perfect if you’re passionate about sports and keen on teaching, offering a fulfilling experience in coaching and cultural exchange.

Volunteering Solutions

Programs in Cambodia with Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) are suitable for a wide range of volunteers, including those who want to start teaching in Cambodia. Accommodations are provided, and volunteers are expected to work for about 5 to 6 hours a day, leaving weekends free for exploring the country.

Throughout their stay, volunteers receive ongoing support from the local team, and upon completion, volunteers can request a certificate. Here are some programs that are great for those looking to teach in Cambodia.

• Volunteer Teaching English Program in Cambodia: Volunteering in Phnom Penh as an English teacher allows you to help students from underprivileged backgrounds who need English proficiency for better job prospects in the growing tourism industry. Your role as a volunteer involves teaching conversational English and basic grammar in local schools and training centers, where you will work alongside local teachers, and possibly even monks, to enhance students’ language skills.
• Childcare Volunteer Program in Cambodia: In Phnom Penh, you’ll be placed at local centers where you can make a significant difference in the lives of children aged 3 to 16 years. Your responsibilities include teaching basic lessons, caring for the children, and assisting local staff with day-to-day activities. 

The Online TEFL Course by Volunteering Solutions and TEFL UK is a 120-hour program suitable for anyone from high school graduates to experienced professionals, offering the flexibility to learn essential English teaching skills at your own pace, even from home, and opening doors to global teaching opportunities.

Global Vision International (GVI)

Volunteering in Cambodia with GVI presents an opportunity to contribute to locally-led community initiatives in Siem Reap. Accommodation is provided in a guesthouse located in the heart of Siem Reap, close to cultural and historical sites. Here are a few initiatives ideal for those looking to teach in Cambodia:

• Teaching English in Early-years Education in Cambodia: You’ll assist in teaching English, facilitating educational games, and contributing to early childhood development initiatives. You’ll work with young students through creative activities like educational games, arts, and crafts. You’ll be responsible for splitting your day between English classes, lesson planning, and leading interactive activities for the students. This experience not only involves teaching from an English curriculum but also facilitating fun and engaging extracurricular activities.
• Teach English to Cambodian Buddhist Monks: You will make a positive impact by contributing to the education of local Buddhist monks and children. Your task will be to improve the English proficiency of Buddhist monks in the mornings and teach children in the evenings, enhancing their chances of higher education and skilled employment.
• TEFL and Teaching English Apprenticeship in Cambodia: This comprehensive 24-week program, combining TEFL certification with a practical teaching apprenticeship in Siem Reap, offers an unparalleled introduction to teaching English in Cambodia. It’s perfect for those seeking to make a profound educational impact while gaining invaluable career experience and networking opportunities in the local community.
• Teaching Internship in Cambodia: A versatile opportunity ranging from 2 to 12 weeks where interns can teach English across various levels and ages in Siem Reap. It’s designed for those aiming to develop their teaching skills and curriculum planning and gain practical experience in an international setting, contributing significantly to their career readiness in education.

The Reward of Teaching in Cambodia

Beyond the practical aspects of moving abroad to teach, it’s the intangible rewards that often leave the deepest impact. From forming meaningful connections with students and fellow educators to experiencing the daily life and traditions of Cambodia, teaching here offers a unique opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.

The journey to teach in Cambodia might require some preparation and adjustment, but the experiences and memories you’ll gain are priceless. As you embark on this adventure, keep an open mind, be adaptable, and embrace Cambodia’s incredible culture and people.