Teach English in Cambodia

Cambodia has one of the richest cultures in Asia. Once the seat to Asia’s largest empire Angkor Wat, it is an upcoming country in the region with a rich history and a friendly populous.

Over the past two decades, Cambodia has grown quickly, increasing demand for English language education. This has led to an influx of English teachers into the country. With good teaching salaries and high quality of life, it is also a very safe environment for foreigners and there is a large expat population.

For these reasons, Cambodia is a great country in which to teach English.

Greenheart Travel’s program is ideal if you:

• Want to make an impact in a local community
• Want to experience a culture completely different than what you are used to
• Love trying different and new foods

Program at a Glance:

• Guaranteed paid English teaching positions throughout Cambodia. Most placements in cities such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, but also some placements in medium-sized towns.
• Salary USD 700 (non-degree base) to 1,100 (degree holder base) per month for 22- 30 in-class hours per week. Degree holders can make up to USD 1,800
• Academic year contracts.
• 1-week orientation*

*Applicants who sign up for  TESOL + Placement program, will receive 2 orientation weeks, one in Thailand and one in Cambodia!

• Native English speaker
• Citizen of the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand
• Non-degree holders are welcome for TESOL + Placement program option
• Bachelor’s degree (required for Placement Only program option)
• Age 19-40
• Clean criminal record
• Good physical and mental health* 
• Fully vaccinated against Covid 19

Unfortunately, we are unable to make any exceptions to these requirements.

*Please note there is a health check required for the work permit 

If you have a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree:

• A completed degree equivalent to a U.S. 4 year Bachelor’s degree (if you are not American, you will have to have completed a degree that is equivalent to a Bachelor’s in your home country)
• A TEFL/TESOL certification is required unless you majored in Education (but you can add this on as part of your program if you don’t have one yet!)

If you do not have a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree*: 

• TESOL Certification (must be completed through this program in Thailand)

Still need your TEFL/TESOL certificate?

Add on a 3-week 120 hour TESOL certification course in Hua Hin Thailand on ANY start date. The TESOL course is required for those participants who did not major in Education or have a formal teaching license. Those who take the course will continue their training for three additional weeks after the one week cultural orientation upon arrival.

Why should you take the course in Thailand?

Taking an in-person course instead of an online course is highly preferred by hiring schools not just in Asia, but all over the world. By taking the course in Thailand you will get hands-on experience with students, as well as personal and helpful guidance from your TESOL teachers. You’ll also get to spend an additional 3 weeks in Hua Hin with all of your new friends taking the course before you spread out into your placements – and it’s a lot of fun!

If I need to take the TESOL course, do I arrive 4 weeks before my chosen start date?

No, we have TESOL courses on EVERY start date listed on the website so the date you choose on your application will be your first day in Thailand. We run courses every month, all year long. Everyone (regardless of if they need to do the course) will start to do the 1 week orientation together, and those taking the course will stay an additional 3 weeks after orientation.

Accreditation Information

This TESOL course is internationally accredited by the Online TESOL and TEFL Standards Agency (OTTSA). The course is audited quarterly by OTTSA staff, and will qualify you to teach anywhere in the world that requires or prefers a TEFL or TESOL certification. The certification lasts for the rest of your life!

• Costs and Inclusions

  Teaching Placement +  Online TESOL certification course: $2,210
  Ideal if you don’t have a TESOL yet and have a BA

  Teaching Placement +  TESOL certification course: $2,800
  Ideal if you don’t have a TESOL yet and have a BA

  Teaching Placement +  Online TESOL certification course: $2,370
  Ideal if you don’t have a TESOL yet and don’t have a BA

  Teaching Placement +  TESOL certification course: $2,990 (Offering a $100 discount on this option for all 2024 start dates)
  Ideal if you don’t have a TESOL yet and don’t have a BA

  Teaching Placement Only: $1,960
  Only an option if you’re already earned your BA and are TESOL.

  Packaged into the Price (TESOL + Placement):

  • Guaranteed teaching placement in Cambodia
    • Salary – USD 700 (non-degree base) to 1,000 (degree holder base) per month for 22- 30 in-class hours per week. Degree holders can make up to USD 1,800
  • Accommodation assistance 
  • 6 Months of Medical Insurance
  • TESOL Certification Course (if chosen): classroom, instructors, learning materials
  • 1-month of accommodation during orientation week and TESOL course in Cambodia
  • Airport pickup and transfer to hotel
  • One-week group orientation upon arrival including all excursions
  • Group Dinner during orientation
  • Cambodian SIM card (excluding Blackberry services)
  • Access to Greenheart Travel Facebook groupsto connect with alumni and others on your start date ahead of your program.
  • Greenheart Atlas Program 

  Our Support and Services: 

  • Visa Assistance in applying for the visa ahead of arrival, including visa paperwork and extensive directions and support.
  • Extensive pre-departure advice and support from your program managers! They will be able to answer all your questions. They will be with you from your first inquiry, all the way through preparing to leave and your arrival in Cambodia.
  • Online webinar logistical orientation before you leave
  • Highly experienced team of 20+ in-country support staff members
  • 24 hour in-country and emergency support for duration of the program, including 24 hour emergency phone numbers to reach a program manager at any time.
  • Free Program Extension – You never have to pay a program fee again if you extend your contract past your first semester – it’s a one-time fee!
  • Lifetime job placement assistance in Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, or Myanmar upon successful completion of first contract.
  • Opportunity to apply for a Greenheart Grant to give back to your community at home or abroad

  Additional Expenses You’ll Need to Cover (Estimates):

  • Flights ($800)
  • Visa fee or any costs associated with obtaining documents required for the visa ($100)
  • Meals ($5-$7/day)
  • Day-to-day transport (including to job interviews) ($12/day)
  • A laptop:  Teachers are responsible for bringing a laptop computer to Thailand with them for lesson planning
  • Rent during your teaching contract ($150/month)
  • Day-to-day living expenses ($150/month)
  • Bank account set up and fees ($15)
  • Work permit and business visa ($200)
  • Accommodation deposit 1 month deposit ($150/month)

  Payment Details:

  • $300 Application Fee due to move onto the interview 
    • Refunded if you are not accepted
  • $300 Commitment Payment due after acceptance
    • Confirms your spot on a start date 
  • Remaining Balance Due 60 Days Prior to Start Date:
    • Placement Only: $1,310
    • With TESOL course: $2,060
    • With TESOL course (non-degree): $2,310

   

TESOL courses in 2023 and 2024 will take place in Hua Hin. Once the course is complete, the teacher will travel to Phnom Penh for the one-week culture and language orientation and then go to their placement.

The TESOL course begins on Monday morning, we typically have a welcome meeting on the Sunday afternoon before the intake. Participants are expected to arrive by Sunday afternoon before their course starts.

We have different program start dates for applicants who are signing up for the Placement Only program option, which entails coming directly to Cambodia for the in-country culture and language orientation.

Placement Schools

English Teachers in Cambodia teach in language schools and private schools. Most people in Cambodia send their children to private schools.

Teaching hours differ between the two. Language schools are busiest Saturday and Sunday, so teachers work many classes on the weekends and then have time off during the week. Private and international schools usually run Monday to Friday and so teachers work during the week and have the weekends off. It is also worth noting that for language schools teaching days vary from 5 to 6 days of teaching per week. If teaching 6 days per week, the teacher is given multiple paid vacation days to offset.

Most positions are teaching young learners but there are also some high school positions. Teaching hours per week range from 22 to 30 or 4.5 to 6 hours of teaching per day.

Schools provide an English teaching curriculum for teachers to follow. Class sizes range from 15 to 25 students.

Placement Locations

The vast majority of placements are in the capital city of Phnom Penh and in the second largest city of Siem Reap. Seim Reap is home to Angkor Wat, one of the most majestic ancient cities in the world and a very popular tourist destination.

The graphic below shows the top placement locations in Cambodia. 

Accommodation

In Your Placement City

Accommodations in Cambodia range from free to around USD 250 per month for one room studio with private bath. Free options are typically provided by schools in the provinces in medium sized towns. If your school does not provide accommodation, our team will provide you guidance and resources to find something suitable to your location.  

Below are some examples of accommodations at different price ranges. For apartments across Cambodia, you can see many more examples at this link: https://www.realestate.com.kh/rent/phnom-penh

Note that these accommodations are in Phnom Penh. Accommodations in the provinces are not quite as modern but they are also much less expensive.

• Greenheart Travel has been working on Teach Abroad  programs for many years, and there are advantages of applying for this program through us:
  • 33 years of experience with cultural exchange programs
  • Friendly, responsive, and professional support from your program manager.
  • Connect with alumni and others on the program via our Greenheart Travel only Facebook forums, before you even leave!
  • We try and make our program fees as inclusive as we can. We include things like extensive medical insurance for 6 months (medical maximum of $150,000 and prescription coverage with $0 copay) and accommodation for the entire TESOL course in Hua Hin, so you don’t run into any hidden fees down the line.
  • Greenheart Atlas Program. The Greenheart Travel Atlas is a cultural training interactive guidebook alongside five videos where you will find three main topics covered: Personal/Professional Development, Cultural Understanding, & Environmental Awareness.
  • Guaranteed job placement. Take the stress out of finding a job, we 100% guarantee we’ll find one for you!
  • Our alumni recommend us! GoOverseas.com Reviews // GoAbroad.com Reviews
  • Hands on support and personal attention every step of the way
  • 24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time
  • Pre-departure Webinar before you leave
  • Discounts for future Greenheart Travel programs
  • We are a non-profit, mission based organization
  • Continued support throughout your contract

  We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Travel teachers and alumni!

  Greenheart Grants

  Greenheart Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart Travel participants to use for community development projects in their host or home country. A Greenheart Grant is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see our past winners on our blog here.

  Greenheart Alumni Program

  We created the Greenheart Travel Alumni Program to provide resources and a community to support alumni in their advancement as global leaders, and a way to celebrate and reward our participants for being ambitious, inspiring catalysts of cultural exchange!

  Want to know more? Read our reviews!

Greenheart Travel Reviews 

I’m nervous about moving abroad!

We know that this is a big move, so we’re here to support you in every step, from the day you apply to your very last day in Cambodia. We’ll assist you through the visa process and prepare you for your departure. When you arrive in Cambodia, staff member will be waiting at the airport. You’ll have extensive training, orientation, and continuing education to make your teaching job a success, and you’ll have a ready-made group of friends at your school!

Can I apply with my friend or significant other?

Absolutely! As long as you’re both eligible, you can apply together. If you are both accepted, we can place you together. You may be at different schools, but you’d be placed in the same city and can live together.

What type of visa will I be working on?

You’ll be on a business visa. We will provide you with the paperwork and instructions on how to apply.

Will I have insurance?

The school will provide insurance to cover any accidents that happen while you’re at school, but we recommend you purchase separate health insurance to cover you outside of school as well.

Is Cambodia safe?

Cambodia is a very safe country. However, just like in any country, you should exercise caution and practice good judgment: Be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings, don’t walk alone late at night, etc.

Will I be able to meet other teachers on the program?

Yes! This program offers a great community of foreign teachers and Cambodian support staff. You’ll attend a group orientation, live with another teacher, and have regularly sponsored cultural and social events! All teachers are placed in schools with other teachers.

Are there any required vaccinations for Cambodia?

Make sure you’re up to date on all of your standard vaccines, and check the CDC website for up-to-date information on any additional vaccines you should get. All teachers need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 before arriving in Cambodia.

Will I receive any language lessons? How will I understand my students?

During your orientation week, you will have several Khmer language lessons to get you started. One of the key things to remember in your classroom is to gesture your directions. You may find that your students have a lower proficiency of English than you were expecting, but overtime you will learn to communicate with your students and colleagues.

What is phone and Internet connectivity like?

WIFI can be spotty all over Cambodia so we recommend getting a larger data plan on your phone in case you need to hot spot your other devices. Phone connectivity is really good and cheap and there are many places to assist you with this process. We will provide you with a SIM card upon arrival.

Are there any serious laws they are very strict on?

Cambodia has a zero tolerance on drug possession and speaking negatively about the government.

What us the dress code for teaching?

Men are expected to wear smart trousers and a collared shirt. Depending on the school you may also be required to wear a tie. Women are expected to where a skirt and a smart shirt or blouse or a dress. Some schools may permit women to wear trousers. The dress code varies depending on the school, but you should plan to dress to impress.

After my contract can I still travel in the country or do I need to leave straight away?

You can stay as long as you like as long as you maintain a legal visa status.

1. Start Your Application Here. You will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application.

2. Submit Basic Program Information: The first step in our application portal will be basic things like your chosen start date, etc.

3. Submit your Application Fee: A $300 fee is required in order to apply for the program. This is subtracted from your total program fee. If we are unable to accept you following your interview (very unlikely!) we will refund your Application Fee in full.

4. Complete Application & Documents: Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts. You will also submit your documents (below) within your portal account.

5. Zoom Interview: Once you have submitted your online application and paid your application fee, you will be asked to schedule a video interview with a Greenheart Travel representative.

6. You’re Accepted! Woohoo! We are usually able to accept people within 1-2 weeks of their interviews.

7. Commitment Payment: Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to submit a $300 commitment payment within 14 days to confirm your spot on the program. Once you submit your commitment payment you will unlock the acceptance portion of your portal, which includes things like pre-departure videos, travel and arrival information, the Greenheart Travel Atlas, and more.

9. Book your flights, and get ready for your adventure to Cambodia!