Why do people teach English abroad? It’s not for the fame and glory, not for a cushy 9-5 lifestyle; no, it’s something more. It’s for the life-changing moments, the worldly adventures, and the crazy cultural exchanges. It’s tough, but rewarding.
Consider English teaching jobs in Cambodia and watch rewarding moments come to life.
Living abroad is always a wonderful rollercoaster of excitement and difficulties. People who teach abroad are obviously in for a challenge, and teaching English in Cambodia is the perfect way to spice up your life without setting your world on fire. The laid-back lifestyle and not-too-hot curry makes for the perfect spice balance your life needs.
ESL teaching jobs in Cambodia are sooo easy to get, and living in Southeast Asia is basically a mandatory life stage these days. Teaching jobs in Cambodia for expats are perfect for people looking to live their best life. Is it really the 21st century if you haven’t lived in Asia? No, it is not.
You might as well make that experience worthwhile by helping people learn English! The country has so much to offer. Helluva history, crazy cool culture, fantastic food, and particularly patient people.
Why teach English in Cambodia?
1. Affordable cost of living
People teach English in Cambodia for a myriad of reasons, and saving boatloads of cash-monayyy is one of them. Spend $2-3 on a nice dinner, less than a dollar on your tuk tuk ride home, and tuck in for a night of sweet slumber in a house you only pay $170-$350 a month for. That’s, um, very nice if you ask us.
There are also established expat communities in Cambodia that can help you connect to local deals and give insider tips on how to save money. If you want to save money and find teaching jobs in Cambodia for expats, just introduce yourself in a Facebook group.
You won’t dread paying your rent when the price is reasonable and you’re living in a beautiful new location.
It should be noted that places where the cost of living is low typically have salaries to match. So while you won’t be spending a ton of cash (thanks, exchange rate!), you won’t be making so much that you’ll be swimming in it. But that’s pretty common when you go abroad to teach English.
Cambodia is still a great landing place if you’re looking to save money. If you have a little saved up, you can live comfortably in Cambodia for a long time!
2. Historical hotspot
If you’re going to teach English in Cambodia, you should probably take time to learn about the country and the people. Luckily, Cambodia has a LOT to offer. There is a rich culture born from Buddhism, French colonialism, ancient temples, and sadly, war.
To truly understand a country you need to know its history, and Cambodia has a heavy story to tell. Take the time to learn about the sobering yet powerful history of Khmer people by taking a trip to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. It honors the history of the 1.5 million Cambodians who were killed in the ‘70s. While difficult to learn about, knowing about the history will help you understand the people better.
There are so many things to learn about the world when you go abroad to teach English. Cambodia has a lot of history packed into it! Enter: Angkor. Just one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, no biggie. You’ve probably seen the picturesque Angkor Wat at Angkor Thom The Khmer in a Nat Geo at some point.
But those temples only make up a small part of the over 400 square kilometers of the UNESCO Heritage Site. The sprawling temple complex is impossible to adequately explore in a day. If you’re teaching English in Cambodia, you’ll have the chance to visit multiple times to fully experience the glory.
3. Amazing food
You’ll look forward to every meal when you teach English in Cambodia!
ESL teaching jobs in Cambodia are a one-way ticket to Yummsville. The French influence extends to the food, where you’ll find baguettes and strong coffee alongside traditional Asian staples like rice and curry.
Khmer curry is fairly mild and sweeter than its flaming Thai and Indian curry cousins. Amok curry is Cambodia’s signature dish and you MUST have it while teaching English in Cambodia! It’s a creamy coconut-based curry, traditionally served with buttery freshwater fish that melts in your mouth.
The yellow curry flava-flav comes from kroeung paste, which is a yummy Cambodian spice mixture with turmeric, kaffir lime, and lemongrass. Those goodies are mixed and steamed in a banana leaf bowl. Oh, and it’s usually only three bucks a pop! #CHA-CHING.
If that eclectic dish doesn’t draw you in, you can experiment with a popular street food: bugs.
That’s right, you’ll find fried silkworms, red ants, and more in local vendor stalls along the street.
If that makes you a little squeamish, maybe check a quirky little place called Bugs Cafe in Siem Reap. They have spring rolls...stuffed with ants. Or maybe order a Bug Mac?! Insect burgers with a side of sweet potato fries. Mmmmmm…??
4. Adventures galore
English teaching jobs in Cambodia are perfect for people who are interested in adventuring in their free time. School schedules will have you working 20-25 hours a week with lots of holidays and off time to explore. And Cambodia has a lot to offer.
Obviously, Angkor Wat will be on the top of your list. But after you’ve run through the jungle-laden ruins for a few days, you should look into adventure travel in Cambodia. The country was made to explore (Indiana Jones style, based on all those ruins).
When you plan adventures while teaching English in Cambodia, you’ll see enchanted ruins and beautiful greenery.
Lake Tonle Sap is one of the world's richest sources of freshwater fish, and there’s a village floating out there. There are multiple mountain ranges, and vast low-lying plains. So find a way to tour those floating villages, sign up for horseback riding, or go backpacking in the jungle.
You could be trekking through forests, rafting down the Mekong River, and maybe even scuba diving in the Gulf of Thailand during your time off teaching. If you decide to teach English in Cambodia, treat yo’ self to an adventure; teachers need field trips too!
5. Career move, yo
Whether you need a gap year, volunteer experience, or some self-discovery, teaching English in Cambodia is a great career move. It looks good, feels good, and might open a door you never knew existed.
Maybe you want to teach English in Cambodia because you’re already a teacher, and you need to spice things up a bit. Teaching abroad is a great way to challenge yourself and dive into your current skill set, making you a better teacher when you come home.
Maybe you are looking at ESL teaching jobs in Cambodia because you’re exploring a different career, and you’ve never taught a day in your life. Perfect. You don’t need a teaching background to get English teaching jobs in Cambodia — some places don’t even require a college degree. Getting TEFL certified in Cambodia is a surefire way to getting hired.
Since you’re already in Cambodia, learn Khmer! Living in a foreign country is the best way to learn the language, and being multilingual is extremely marketable. Use your time teaching in Cambodia wisely; make some career moves.
6. You can volunteer while you’re there
Make a difference in your new community when you teach English in Cambodia.
It feels good to volunteer, but sometimes it can feel like a hassle to get involved. We get it! It’s hard to be a good human. But if you’re already teaching English in Cambodia, you have no excuse. There are tons of volunteer opportunities in the country, so you have options.
Volunteer in Cambodia with human rights organizations to promote social change, or conservation groups to protect Asiatic black bears or to support ocean clean-up initiatives. You can even find English teaching jobs as a volunteer. In Cambodia, rural areas are in dire need of teachers. The country relies on tourism for much of its GDP, so learning English is important to Cambodians.
7. You’re already hired
Tourism is a big part of the economy and people want to learn English. That means it’s super easy to get a job if you’re willing and able to teach English in Cambodia. Hello, job security!
If you’re a beginner with no previous experience, never fear! There are programs that will help connect you to jobs you're qualified for. Each school is different, but there are options for people without college degrees or TEFL certificates to teach English. Cambodia is looking for native English speakers to teach kids and adults alike.
8. Do it for the CHILDREN!
...and for the people in general. Cambodians are amazingly optimistic people, universally known for an inviting and welcoming attitude. Be warned: even if you’re not teaching English in Cambodia, it’s not uncommon for strangers to approach you to practice speaking English.
About 90% of people in Cambodia are Buddhist, so you’ll experience Buddhist ideals resonating throughout tightly-knit communities. They are inspiring, resilient people who have managed to bounce back after a tragic history. ESL teaching jobs in Cambodia come with an easy-going pace of living, so feel free to relax.
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Teaching English in Cambodia will be Phnomenal!
ESL teaching jobs in Cambodia will provide a beautiful and life-changing experience.
Teaching English in Cambodia is a perfect way to reset. Western culture tends to push you to your limit. If you’re not in school, you’re working 80 hours a week. If you’re not working, you should probably find a hobby anyway.
Expats make their way to places like Cambodia for a reason: they are ready for a break. If you are craving a more relaxed lifestyle, start skimming through ESL teaching jobs in Cambodia.
You’ll be able to live comfortably and affordably, eat exotic and tantalizing food, have free time to volunteer AND adventure. It’s really a no-brainer. There are even teaching jobs in Cambodia for expats looking to boost the ol’ resume for future endeavours.
But no need to rush, no need to stress, that’s not the Cambodian way. If you’re ready to teach English, Cambodia is ready, too.
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