Finding Teaching Jobs in Cambodia for Non-Native Speakers

If you're a non-native English speaker dreaming of teaching abroad, Cambodia might be your best entry point into Asia’s TEFL world. Unlike countries that restrict English teaching jobs to native speakers, Cambodia welcomes fluent, qualified educators from all over the world — and that makes it one of the most accessible (and underrated) TEFL destinations out there.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking for a fresh teaching opportunity with fewer hoops to jump through, Cambodia offers real options: flexible hiring, low visa barriers, and a chance to make an impact where your skills are truly needed.

✅ Qualifications: What Do You Actually Need?

One of the biggest reasons Cambodia is popular among non-native English speakers? The bar for entry is refreshingly reasonable.

What’s usually required:

• A TEFL certificate (120+ hours) – This is the main qualification schools look for.
• English fluency – If you’re confident in your speaking and writing skills, you’re in a good position.
• A bachelor’s degree? Preferred, but not always required — especially for language centers or volunteer teaching.
• Experience? Helpful, but not a must. Many schools hire based on enthusiasm and trainability.

🎓 Pro tip: A TEFL certificate can often substitute for a degree here — especially if you show strong language skills and a willingness to learn.

🏫 Where You Can Work: Schools That Hire Non-Native Speakers

Cambodia’s education market is still developing, which means there’s high demand and not enough teachers to go around — especially outside the capital. That’s good news for you.

Types of institutions that hire non-native speakers:

• Private language schools – The most flexible and beginner-friendly option.
• NGOs and community centers – Especially in rural areas, they love teachers with passion and purpose.
• International and private schools – More competitive, but not impossible if you’ve got experience or a degree.
• Online teaching (based in Cambodia) – Some teachers base themselves in Cambodia while working for online platforms.

Salaries may not be sky-high (more on that soon), but low living costs mean you can live comfortably, explore the region, and gain meaningful experience.

🌏 Compared to Other Countries: Why Cambodia Stands Out

If you’ve been frustrated by the strict native speaker rules in places like South Korea or China, Cambodia will feel like a breath of fresh air.

🇰🇷 South Korea – Almost entirely closed

In South Korea only passport holders from 7 "native English-speaking" countries can qualify for an E-2 teaching visa. That rules out most non-native speakers, even fluent ones.

🇨🇳 China – Strict, but not impossible

In China English teachers must be native speakers for visa approval. However, there are loopholes in subject teaching (math, science in English) or bilingual roles — though these usually require strong academic backgrounds.

🇰🇭 Cambodia – Open and accessible

Cambodia does not require native-speaker status for a visa or work permit. As long as you’re fluent in English and have a TEFL, you can find work — and often be judged on your skills and personality, not your passport.

✨ Bottom line? Cambodia is one of the few places where you’re truly judged by your ability — not your accent, not your nationality, and not your country of birth. That makes it a golden opportunity for non-native English speakers looking to break into the TEFL world.

💼 Finding Jobs in Cambodia as a Non-Native English Speaker

Cambodia has a small but growing TEFL job market — and the hiring process is often more casual and flexible than in other countries.

Where to Look for Jobs

• Job boards like Teast list teaching jobs in Cambodia for non-native English speakers.
• Facebook Groups – Try "English Teachers in Cambodia" or "Expats in Phnom Penh" for leads.
• Local walk-ins – In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, many schools still hire in person. Print your CV, dress professionally, and go door-to-door.
• NGOs and volunteer programs – Great for gaining experience, especially if you’re just starting out or don’t have a degree.

Cambodia isn’t flooded with recruiters, so job-hunting often comes down to showing up, connecting, and being persistent. It’s very much a “boots on the ground” kind of place.

💰 Salary, Cost of Living, and Lifestyle

Let’s keep it real — you won’t get rich teaching in Cambodia. But you can live well, travel often, and enjoy a simple, fulfilling lifestyle.

What you can expect:

• Salaries: $700–$1,500 USD/month (sometimes more at international schools)
• Cost of living: Around $500–$800/month for rent, food, and basics
• Visa costs: Around $300/year (easy to renew)
• Start-up budget: Have at least $1,000–$2,000 saved before you go

Life in Cambodia is…

• Relaxed and welcoming
• Warm (literally and figuratively)
• A mix of ancient tradition and emerging urban energy
• A place where your presence really matters — especially in smaller towns where English teachers are few and far between

🛂 Visas and Work Permits: The Basics

Here’s what non-native speakers need to legally work in Cambodia — it’s easier than almost anywhere else in Asia.

Step-by-step:

1. Arrive on a Business (E-class) Visa – You can get this on arrival or ahead of time. It’s valid for 30 days and can be extended for a year.
2. Find a job – Most employers will help you with the paperwork for your work permit.
3. Apply for a Work Permit – Once hired, your school or language center submits documents for your legal right to work. This includes:
   • A copy of your passport
   • Your TEFL certificate
   • A health check (done locally)
   • Employer sponsorship

📝 Good to know: Cambodia doesn’t require a native passport for visa or permit approval. Fluency and professionalism are what matter most.

📝 Building a Strong Application

Being a non-native speaker means you need to put a little extra shine on your resume — but it’s absolutely doable.

How to stand out:

• Include your TEFL certification up top – Make it clear you're trained and ready to teach.
• List any English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL) – Especially if your native language isn’t English.
• Emphasize your teaching story – Why do you teach? What makes you passionate about it?
• Use your multilingualism as a strength – Highlight your own journey as an English learner — it helps students relate to you.
• Include a professional photo – In Cambodia, resumes often include a headshot (simple, friendly, professional).

💬 Pro tip: Confidence is key. If you walk into an interview prepared, fluent, and enthusiastic, most Cambodian employers won’t care where your passport is from — they’ll care about how you connect with students.

🎒 Life in the Classroom: Teaching Culture and Daily Dynamics

Teaching in Cambodia is often more informal and flexible than in neighboring countries. That said, respect and connection still play a huge role in your classroom success.

👩‍🏫 What to Expect

• Small class sizes in many language centers (10–20 students)
• Mixed-level English ability – even within the same class
• Traditional methods are still common, but schools are open to creative, student-centered approaches

💡 Tips for Non-Native Speakers in the Classroom

• Be confident in your English – Most schools care more about how you teach than where you're from.
• Use visual aids and storytelling – These go a long way in lower-resource classrooms.
• Draw from your own journey – Students love hearing how you learned English.

Whether you're in Phnom Penh or a rural village, Cambodian students tend to be warm, curious, and excited to learn — and they’ll quickly see your dedication.

🌏 Community, Culture, and Local Life

Living and teaching in Cambodia is more than a job — it’s a cultural experience.

🤝 Connect and Belong

• Join teacher groups or expat circles (in-person or on Facebook)
• Attend cultural festivals and community events
• Learn some basic Khmer – locals appreciate the effort, even if you only manage a few greetings!

Many teachers say Cambodia feels more like home than anywhere else in Asia — partly because of how welcoming people are, and partly because you can really become part of the community.

🚀 Long-Term Growth for Non-Native English Teachers

Cambodia isn’t just a stopgap — it can be a launching pad or a long-term career move.

Growth Opportunities

• Move into higher-paying roles in international schools or NGOs
• Specialize in areas like business English, exam prep, or teacher training
• Start your own classes or tutoring business
• Network into regional roles – Some teachers move on to roles in education management, curriculum design, or regional training

✨ Bottom line: Cambodia doesn’t just offer a chance to teach — it offers space to grow.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Why Cambodia Works for Non-Native Speakers

If you’ve been turned away from South Korea, Japan, or even Taiwan because of your passport, Cambodia is your “yes”.

It’s a country where:

• Your skills matter more than your accent
• Schools are open to diverse teachers
• The barriers are low, but the impact is high

Whether you're here to gain experience, explore Southeast Asia, or start a meaningful teaching career — Cambodia welcomes you.