Teaching English in Cambodia: Public Vs Private Schools

Cambodia has quietly become one of Southeast Asia’s most accessible and welcoming destinations for new and experienced English teachers alike. With fewer barriers to entry than neighboring countries, it draws a steady stream of teachers seeking adventure, cultural immersion, and meaningful work.

Two of the most common teaching paths are through public (government) schools and private language centers. Each setting offers a different rhythm, different responsibilities, and a different kind of day-to-day life. Some teachers thrive on the structure of the private sector, while others prefer the laid-back, community-rooted feel of public schools.

Choosing where to teach isn’t just about salary — it’s about the kind of life you want to build while living and working abroad.

🏫 What is a Public School in Cambodia?

Public schools in Cambodia are government-run institutions that serve local communities across the country — from Phnom Penh to small rural towns. These schools often operate with limited resources, meaning classrooms can be sparsely equipped and teaching materials may be minimal. Despite the challenges, they provide a unique window into Cambodia’s culture and education system.

Teaching in a public school typically means working daytime hours, Monday to Friday, following a set curriculum. Class sizes can be large (30–50 students or more), and English levels may vary widely. Foreign teachers often collaborate with Khmer staff or co-teachers, which can be both a challenge and a rewarding opportunity for cross-cultural connection.

For those seeking authenticity and meaningful community engagement, public schools can offer a deeper sense of purpose — especially outside the major cities where foreign teachers are still a novelty.

🏢 What is a Private Language School?

Private language schools in Cambodia are for-profit institutions that specialize in English education — often focusing on practical, communicative skills. These schools operate outside of regular public school hours, which means most classes are held in the late afternoon, evenings, or on weekends.

Students range from young learners to university students and working adults looking to improve their job prospects. Class sizes are usually smaller (10–20 students), and the schools tend to have better infrastructure — think air-conditioned classrooms, whiteboards, and access to digital materials. The curriculum is generally more structured, and teachers are expected to follow lesson plans closely and track student progress.

This setting tends to attract teachers looking for more predictable teaching environments, modern facilities, and the chance to work with motivated learners. While you may work non-traditional hours, the trade-off is often greater comfort and support in your teaching role.

⏰ Schedule and Workload

One of the biggest differences between public and private schools in Cambodia is the daily schedule — and how it affects your lifestyle.

Public schools operate on a fixed schedule, typically from Monday to Friday, with teaching hours during the daytime. Weekends and national holidays are usually off, giving you a predictable routine and more opportunity for travel or relaxation. However, the workload can include large class sizes and minimal planning support.

Private language schools, on the other hand, often run classes in the late afternoon, evening, and on weekends. This setup caters to students who study or work during the day. While the hours are less conventional, private schools usually offer more flexibility in terms of part-time work or choosing your shifts — especially in larger cities.

Your decision might come down to how you want to balance free time, side gigs like tutoring or online teaching, and your overall lifestyle in Cambodia.

💰 Salary and Benefits Comparison

When it comes to pay, both public and private schools in Cambodia offer modest but livable salaries — with private schools usually offering a slight edge.

Public school teachers typically earn between $700 and $1,000 USD per month, depending on experience, hours taught, and whether you're working in Phnom Penh or a smaller town. Benefits are often minimal, but some schools provide basic housing assistance or transportation allowances.

Private language schools usually pay between $800 and $1,200 USD per month, and they may offer bonuses for attendance or performance. Some better-known institutions also provide paid leave, visa support, or even partial housing subsidies — though this varies widely.

Regardless of where you work, many teachers in Cambodia boost their earnings through private tutoring, weekend classes, or online teaching, especially in urban areas where demand is high. With smart budgeting, it's possible to live comfortably — and even save — while teaching in Cambodia.

📚 Curriculum and Teaching Styles

Teaching styles and curriculum expectations can vary widely depending on the type of school.

Public schools in Cambodia generally follow a national curriculum, which means the content is fairly rigid and may not always prioritize communicative English. Lessons often rely on repetition, grammar drills, and textbook-based learning. Many public schools have limited resources, and foreign teachers may be expected to create their own materials with little guidance. This setting can feel more traditional but gives you the chance to bring creativity into a system that needs it.

Private language schools usually offer a more structured and supportive teaching environment. These schools tend to emphasize conversational English, student participation, and interactive activities. You’re more likely to receive teacher training, lesson plans, and access to technology or teaching materials. While expectations may be higher in terms of professionalism and classroom management, there’s often more room for dynamic, engaging teaching.

Ultimately, your freedom in the classroom and the kind of teaching you'll do depends heavily on the school type — and your own initiative.

👨‍🏫 Class Size, Facilities, and Student Behavior

One of the clearest differences between public and private schools in Cambodia is the classroom environment.

Public schools often have large class sizes, sometimes exceeding 40 or even 50 students per room. Resources can be limited — think chalkboards, fans instead of air conditioning, and shared or outdated textbooks. The range of English ability within one class is usually wide, and discipline can vary depending on the school culture and age group. That said, these settings offer a more authentic connection with the local education system, and many teachers find the relationships they build with students to be meaningful.

Private language schools, on the other hand, tend to feature smaller class sizes — typically between 10 and 25 students. Facilities are generally more modern, with access to whiteboards, projectors, air-conditioned rooms, and better teaching materials. Students (and their parents) are usually paying customers, which means expectations for discipline, attendance, and performance are higher. You’ll often work with learners who are more motivated and accustomed to interacting with foreign teachers.

The classroom vibe you prefer — energetic and unpredictable, or structured and resource-rich — will help guide your decision.

🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle, Pressure, and Routine

Your day-to-day lifestyle as a teacher in Cambodia will be shaped heavily by the school environment you choose.

Public schools typically offer a more relaxed, low-pressure atmosphere. The workload may be lighter, and you're less likely to face intense administrative oversight. However, this comes with trade-offs — schedules might change last minute, resources may be lacking, and support from school leadership can be inconsistent. This kind of environment suits laid-back teachers, travelers, or those looking for cultural immersion over career-building.

Private schools, by contrast, tend to run with more structure and higher expectations. You’re likely to have regular schedules, clearer lesson plans, and a chain of command that holds you accountable. There’s more support — and more pressure. Performance reviews, parent expectations, and stricter discipline policies are common. This setup is better for career educators, those seeking long-term roles, or teachers who prefer a professional and organized routine.

Whether you're chasing flexibility or structure, Cambodia has space for both styles — it just depends on what balance you want.

🌍 Immersion vs Expat Networks

One of the biggest lifestyle differences between teaching in public and private schools in Cambodia is how connected you are to the local culture — and to other expats.

Public schools offer a chance for deep cultural immersion. You’re likely to be one of the few (if not the only) foreign teachers on staff. Your coworkers will mostly be Khmer, and your daily life will naturally bring you closer to local customs, language, and school traditions. This setting fosters a strong sense of community and allows for authentic connection — ideal for teachers who want to live like locals and understand Cambodian society from the inside.

Private schools, especially larger language centers, usually hire a higher proportion of expat staff. You may find yourself in a team with teachers from the US, UK, South Africa, the Philippines, and beyond. Communication will be easier in English, and there’s often a built-in social circle of fellow foreigners. The environment is more familiar and often more supportive for first-time teachers, but with less immersion into local life.

Both settings offer social and professional rewards — it just depends whether you’re seeking cross-cultural challenge or an expat-friendly springboard.

🔄 Can You Switch Between the Two?

Absolutely — many teachers in Cambodia end up experiencing both public schools and private language centers at different points in their journey.

It’s not uncommon to start in a private school, especially if you’re new to teaching or want the support of a structured environment. After gaining confidence and classroom experience, some teachers transition to public schools for a slower pace, more holidays, or a deeper cultural experience. Others may do the reverse: leaving public roles for better pay or clearer career paths in the private sector.

Switching is fairly straightforward, but there are a few logistics to consider. Contracts may include clauses about notice periods, and your work permit is usually tied to your employer, so a switch might mean a brief visa or paperwork adjustment. Still, schools and visa agents in Cambodia are used to these changes — and the process is usually smooth with proper planning.

In fact, having experience in both types of schools can make you a more versatile, in-demand teacher. Each setting builds different skills, and switching allows you to grow professionally while keeping your experience fresh.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Choosing What Fits Your Cambodia Journey

Teaching English in Cambodia can take many forms — from lively language centers in Phnom Penh to rural public schools where the pace is slower but the immersion runs deep.

If you’re looking for structure, consistency, and a built-in expat network, private schools may be your best fit. They offer competitive salaries, modern classrooms, and more predictable expectations. On the other hand, public schools invite you into the heart of Cambodian life, offering flexibility, meaningful cultural connection, and a chance to stretch your resourcefulness as a teacher.

There’s no “better” path — just the one that aligns with what you’re after. Whether your goal is to save money, grow professionally, dive into local culture, or simply live an adventure with purpose, Cambodia has a place for you.

Reflect on your teaching style, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals. With an open mind and a TEFL certificate in hand, you can shape a teaching journey in Cambodia that’s uniquely your own.