The Top Programs For Teaching English in Cambodia

Cambodia has quietly become one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets for new English teachers. It’s affordable, welcoming, and remarkably easy to get started — even for those with no prior teaching experience.

Cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville are full of language schools, NGOs, and community centers in need of English teachers. The demand is high, and the entry barriers are low — but that doesn’t mean you should jump in blindly.

Unlike some neighboring countries, Cambodia doesn’t have a formal, government-run English teaching program. Instead, the best way to get started legally and confidently is through a structured TEFL course with job placement support.

This guide introduces you to the most reliable program-style options — starting with the highly regarded Destination TEFL — so you can teach, live, and explore Cambodia with the right foundation.

🥇 TEFL Course + Job Placement Programs (Your Smartest Entry Route)

What These Programs Offer

If you're new to teaching or new to Cambodia, enrolling in a TEFL certification program that includes job placement is your best move. These programs do much more than teach grammar — they walk you through every step of becoming a confident, legally employed ESL teacher in Cambodia.

Here’s what you can typically expect:

• Internationally recognized 120–140 hour TEFL certification, accepted by schools across Southeast Asia
• Hands-on classroom practice, including peer feedback and real teaching with Cambodian students
• Pre-arrival guidance on visas, documentation, and what to pack
• Housing assistance during your course and beyond
• Job placement support — with connections to vetted language schools, NGOs, and training centers

Why They’re Considered “Programs”

These aren’t just TEFL courses you complete and forget. They’re end-to-end programs that provide:

• Structure: A step-by-step path from the moment you apply until you land a job
• Support: Help with legal work permits, interviews, accommodation, and cultural adaptation
• Credibility: Schools trust the training and connections these programs provide
• Community: You’ll join a network of fellow trainees, instructors, and alumni

If you want to teach English in Cambodia and avoid the trial-and-error approach, these TEFL + placement programs are the smartest, safest way to begin.

🧑‍🏫 Destination TEFL (Siem Reap or Phnom Penh)

2.1 Overview

When it comes to launching your ESL teaching career in Cambodia, Destination TEFL is one of the most trusted and well-established names. With training centers in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, this program offers a full-service experience — combining international certification, cultural immersion, and job placement support.

Designed for aspiring teachers who want more than just a certificate, Destination TEFL delivers practical, hands-on training and helps graduates find work not only in Cambodia, but also in Thailand, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia.

2.2 What You’ll Get

• A 140-hour accredited TEFL certificate that meets international hiring standards
• Observed classroom teaching practice with real Cambodian students — a must for building confidence and employability
• Pre-arrival support, including visa guidance and help with documentation
• Housing assistance during the course, with tips for settling in long-term
• Lifetime job placement assistance, connecting graduates with a network of reputable schools and NGOs

Graduates often praise the course not just for its content, but for the personal care and community that makes relocating to Cambodia feel much more manageable.

Who It’s Best For

• New teachers who want to feel confident and classroom-ready before applying for jobs
• Expats and travelers seeking a responsible, guided way to live and work in Cambodia
• Those who value training, mentorship, and connection over “winging it” alone
• People who want to contribute meaningfully to Cambodian education, rather than just passing through

Learn more about Destination TEFL

✅ Why Choose a Program Over Going Solo?

Teaching in Cambodia may seem easy to dive into — but if you don’t know the landscape, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or fall into a poor contract. Programs like Destination TEFL are designed to eliminate the guesswork and set you up for success.

Here’s why going through a program is worth it:

• Legal Work Support
  Cambodia is visa-friendly, but you still need to follow proper channels. A TEFL program walks you through work permits, business visas, and documentation so you stay legal and stress-free.

• Teaching Readiness
  Schools increasingly want teachers with classroom experience, not just online certificates. Destination TEFL gives you real teaching practice that builds confidence and credibility.

• Avoiding Scams
  From shady recruiters to unreliable job offers, the risks are real. Programs help you avoid the bad apples by connecting you with vetted, reputable employers.

• Built-in Community
  You won’t be alone — your classmates become instant friends and colleagues. This community makes moving to a new country easier and more fun.

• Faster Job Access
  Destination TEFL’s placement support means you’ll likely land a job within days or weeks of graduating — not months of trial and error.

Whether it’s your first teaching job or your first time abroad, a structured program helps you do it right.

📌 Are There Other Programs?

Cambodia currently has no centralized, government-run English teaching program, unlike countries such as South Korea or Taiwan. That said, structured options do exist — and more may emerge over time.

• Destination TEFL remains the most established and recognized TEFL program in Cambodia, combining in-country training with job placement support.
• A small number of NGOs and non-profits offer volunteer teaching roles in rural or underserved communities. These can be meaningful but are generally unpaid, unstructured, and better suited for those with prior teaching or volunteer experience.

If your priority is legal, sustainable work with real classroom training and support, Destination TEFL is your best starting point for now.

🎯 Who Are These Programs Best For?

Structured TEFL + job placement programs like Destination TEFL are ideal for a wide range of aspiring teachers and travelers:

• First-time TEFL teachers looking for guided training and real-world classroom practice
• Backpackers and long-term travelers who want to live in Cambodia ethically and legally while making a positive impact
• Career switchers seeking a practical and supported transition into teaching abroad
• Adventurers hoping to use Cambodia as a springboard into neighboring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, or Laos

Whether you’re staying six months or setting down roots, these programs help you get started with confidence and purpose.

🌟 Cambodia Offers Freedom — If You Follow a Smart Path

Cambodia stands out as one of Southeast Asia’s most open and welcoming countries for new English teachers. It’s budget-friendly, culturally rich, and full of opportunities for those who are willing to contribute and grow.

While there’s no government-run teaching program, structured TEFL options like Destination TEFL provide all the tools you need: accredited training, classroom experience, legal job access, and long-term support.

If you’re dreaming of meaningful travel, a new career direction, or a life filled with purpose and community, Cambodia may be the place to start. And a program like Destination TEFL is the smartest way to do it right from day one.