ESL Job Prospect in Cambodia

Most positions teaching English in Cambodia are on a volunteer basis though there are salaried positions in the bigger cities, due to Cambodia being a developing nation. However, this is gradually beginning to change as Cambodians begin to realize the importance of knowledge of English especially for career advancements. TEFL training is also becoming more necessary for foreigners to attain desirable English teaching positions. The pay is not great, but the cost of living is low.

TEFL trained teachers will find it easier to be in Cambodia to really get teaching work. However, it might be possible to contact a few schools by email to let them know you will be coming. The best thing to do is to drop your resume off at different schools and meet the teachers and administrators there. Motorbike taxis are very inexpensive, and the quickest way to get around town. The drivers may also have some inside knowledge on the schools in the area. Make sure that you have a phone number they can reach you.

Teaching jobs can also be found in language institutes and universities. Very few contracts exist. Schools rarely recruit online, and most interviews are conducted in person. Yet again, it is easier for TEFL trained teachers to find such opportunities. Teaching jobs usually pay around $9-10 an hour with the best school paying $15. Most good schools also help teachers find accommodation during the teaching tenure. The cost of living is quite low, so you'll be able to live comfortably on this amount - in any event you'll be way richer than almost any local. Visas are a non-issue: you simply pay for a one-year visa at a travel agency, no questions asked. Phnom Phenh is where the vast majority of teachers are. A beautiful town, with a great riverside location, there are lots of old French architecture, and great restaurants. It does have a dark underbelly to it; street crime, drugs, prostitution, and gangs are fairly common.