China vs Cambodia: Where to Teach English

China and Cambodia offer two very different paths for those looking to teach, explore, and build a new life abroad. One is vast, fast-paced, and structured; the other is laid-back, flexible, and full of untamed charm. Both promise rich cultural experiences, welcoming communities, and classrooms full of eager learners — but the experience you'll have in each place can vary widely.

If you’re torn between the buzz of modern cities and the ease of tropical living, this side-by-side comparison will help you weigh what really matters. From visa rules top salaries, work culture to cost of living, here’s how teaching in China stacks up against Cambodia.

Entry Requirements: Who Can Teach?

China and Cambodia take very different approaches when it comes to who qualifies to teach English. In China, the government maintains strict national guidelines. To legally teach English, you’ll need to be a native English speaker from one of seven approved countries (US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa), hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject, and have a 120-hour TEFL certificate. A clean criminal record and passing a medical check are also mandatory. These requirements are tied to the Z visa, which is necessary for legal employment.

Cambodia, by contrast, is one of the most accessible countries in the world for aspiring English teachers. While many schools prefer native speakers, being a non-native with fluent English can still open doors. A degree is often preferred—but not required—for most positions, making it one of the few countries where you can teach without one. TEFL certification is strongly encouraged, especially if you lack classroom experience, but it’s not a legal obligation. Background checks and medical exams are sometimes requested by schools but aren’t part of the visa process.

If you’re looking for a formal path with clear structure, China offers that—but with more hoops to jump through. If you’re early in your teaching journey, changing careers, or simply want more freedom in how you get started, Cambodia’s flexible entry system can be a big advantage.

Compare:

• China: Requires a degree, TEFL, native speaker status, and Z visa
• Cambodia: No legal degree requirement, non-natives often accepted, easier visa access

Job Market and Hiring Process

The demand for English teachers is strong in both China and Cambodia, but the way jobs are found — and who gets hired — looks very different on the ground.

In China, most schools follow a structured hiring process that begins months in advance. Whether you're applying to public schools, private language centers, or prestigious international institutions, you're likely to go through formal interviews, documentation checks, and a work visa application (Z visa). Recruitment agencies often play a major role in this process, and many teachers secure positions before even setting foot in the country. Most contracts last 10 to 12 months, and schools usually expect a 30-day notice for resignation.

Cambodia, on the other hand, operates on a far more informal system. Walk-in applications are still common, especially in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Many schools are willing to meet candidates in person and hire on the spot, especially if you're already in the country. It’s not unusual to start working within days of arriving. Contracts are often shorter (6 months is common), and flexibility around notice periods or contract renewals is the norm. While international schools and some top-tier language centers may follow a more formalized process, most employers prioritize availability and attitude over paperwork.

This means Cambodia is particularly well-suited to teachers who are already in Southeast Asia or want to try teaching without a long lead time. China, in contrast, favors those who prefer stability and a guaranteed position before departure.

Compare:

• China: Formal hiring, advance applications, visa-based contracts
• Cambodia: Informal hiring, in-country networking, flexible contracts

Salaries and Benefits

Salaries for English teachers in China are among the most competitive in Asia. Depending on the institution, teachers can earn anywhere from $1,300 to over $4,000 per month, with international schools and universities at the top end. In addition to salary, many jobs offer free housing or housing stipends, annual flights, paid holidays, and health insurance. It's common to find positions with 20–25 teaching hours per week, plus office hours. Private tutoring can further boost income, especially in larger cities like Beijing or Shanghai.

Cambodia offers lower base salaries, typically ranging from $700 to $1,500 per month depending on the school type. However, the cost of living is so low that many teachers still live comfortably. Benefits like housing or flights are less common but not unheard of at higher-end schools. One of the biggest advantages in Cambodia is the ability to earn from multiple sources — you can work at more than one school, take on private students, or teach online without many restrictions. Teachers often create a patchwork schedule that fits their lifestyle and income needs.

In short, China offers higher pay and stronger benefits within a more regulated framework. Cambodia offers more freedom, but you may need to hustle a bit to piece together the income you want.

Compare:

• China: Higher base salaries, structured benefits, full-time contracts
• Cambodia: Lower salaries, fewer benefits, but more flexible and freelance-friendly

Cost of Living

Living costs in China can swing dramatically depending on where you’re based. First-tier cities like Beijing and Shanghai come with high rents and international pricing on groceries, coffee, and entertainment — though salaries in these areas often match the expense. In contrast, smaller cities or rural placements offer far cheaper living and can be incredibly budget-friendly. You might pay $1,000+ for a central apartment in a big city or less than $300 in a third-tier town. Food ranges from ultra-cheap street meals to imported grocery splurges, and public transportation is efficient and affordable almost everywhere.

Cambodia, by comparison, is one of Southeast Asia’s most affordable destinations. Rent in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap is a fraction of what you’d pay in China’s urban centers, often under $400 for a private apartment. Eating out is the norm — local restaurants and markets keep daily costs low, and even Western-style cafes and gyms are expat-friendly in pricing. Utilities, transport, and internet are inexpensive, and many teachers find they can live comfortably on modest salaries without needing to budget heavily.

If you’re aiming to save a large portion of your salary, a smaller Chinese city might offer the best income-to-cost ratio. But if you want low overhead and an easygoing, budget-friendly lifestyle, Cambodia makes it simple.

Compare:

• China: Wide spectrum from expensive mega-cities to affordable small towns
• Cambodia: Consistently low cost of living with expat comforts

Daily Work Life

Teaching routines in China tend to follow a structured format, especially in public schools and private language centers. Expect a full schedule — often 20–25 classroom hours per week, plus office hours for planning and meetings. Class sizes can be large (up to 50+ in public schools), and while students are usually respectful and diligent, there’s strong emphasis on performance, exams, and academic outcomes. Schools provide clear curricula, and teachers are often expected to stick to specific guidelines, especially in more traditional institutions. International schools offer more flexibility but demand higher qualifications.

Cambodia’s work environment is typically more relaxed. Class sizes are smaller, especially in private language schools or NGOs, and schedules can vary widely — some teachers work split shifts, others teach just a few concentrated hours per day. There's often less pressure around standardized outcomes, and many schools give teachers the freedom to create their own materials and shape how lessons are delivered. While this flexibility can be empowering, it may also mean less support and fewer resources, especially outside of well-funded international schools.

Those who thrive in organized environments with clear expectations may prefer China. Teachers who value freedom, creativity, and a slower pace might find Cambodia more rewarding day to day.

Compare:

• China: More structured routines, formal expectations, larger class sizes
• Cambodia: Flexible hours, smaller classes, greater creative autonomy

Lifestyle and Expat Life

China delivers a high-energy lifestyle, especially in its larger cities. Expats have access to everything from international restaurants and fast internet to world-class gyms, coworking spaces, and nightlife scenes. The subway systems are modern and efficient, making urban life convenient, even without a car. There are also rural and second-tier cities that offer a slower pace and deeper immersion into Chinese culture, though English-speaking amenities can be limited there. Safety is generally excellent across the country, and digital payments, delivery apps, and e-commerce dominate daily life.

Cambodia, in contrast, offers a slower, more tropical lifestyle. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have growing expat communities, casual café culture, and a laid-back vibe that appeals to many long-term travelers and remote workers. Tuk-tuks replace subway rides, and the slower infrastructure pace can take some adjustment — but most find the rhythm charming. Internet speeds are surprisingly good, especially in cities, and expat services (like English-speaking doctors or co-working spaces) are widely available. It’s easy to make friends, and life tends to revolve around relaxed socializing, weekend getaways, and community events.

If you’re drawn to fast-paced living with endless amenities, China’s big cities deliver. If you’d rather live in flip-flops and enjoy a warm, easygoing atmosphere, Cambodia might feel more like home.

Compare:

• China: Tech-savvy, high-energy cities with strong infrastructure
• Cambodia: Easygoing pace, tropical lifestyle, strong community vibe

Culture and Language

Cultural expectations in China lean heavily toward formality and hierarchy, especially in professional settings. Teachers are respected, but there’s often a clear boundary between staff and students, and schools may expect you to dress and behave in specific ways. Students are generally hardworking and polite, but pressure from exams and parental expectations can create a rigid academic atmosphere. Mandarin is the dominant language, and while many locals are curious and welcoming, day-to-day life outside the major cities can require some basic language skills to get by.

Cambodia, on the other hand, is known for its warmth and informality. Students tend to be friendly and open, and classrooms can feel more casual and communal. While the education system is still evolving, the atmosphere is often more forgiving, with less academic pressure. Khmer is the official language, but English is widely spoken in urban areas — especially by young people and professionals — which makes daily life easier for newcomers.

Navigating life in China may require more adjustment at first, but it also comes with deep cultural richness. Cambodia offers a gentler on-ramp, especially for those newer to Southeast Asia or less experienced with high-pressure teaching environments.

Compare:

• China: Formal work culture, strong student discipline, language barrier outside cities
• Cambodia: Relaxed cultural norms, approachable students, easier English access

Visa Process and Legal Stay

China has a formal and well-regulated visa process — but it’s not always quick or simple. To legally teach, you must secure a Z visa before arrival, which involves providing a notarized degree, TEFL certificate, criminal background check, and a signed contract. Once in China, you’ll convert this to a residence permit. The process can take weeks and occasionally hits bureaucratic snags, but once you're approved, your legal stay is secure. Renewals follow the same structured pattern, and overstaying or working on the wrong visa carries serious consequences.

Cambodia is one of the easiest countries in Asia to enter and stay in long-term, but its visa system operates in more of a legal grey zone. Most teachers enter on an E-class (ordinary) visa, which can be extended for up to a year through a local agent. Technically, a work permit is required to teach legally, but enforcement is inconsistent. Some schools will sponsor proper paperwork; others won’t. Long-term stay is relatively easy through repeated renewals, though it lacks the structured residency or pathway to permanent stay that China offers.

So while China offers more legal clarity and stability once you're in, Cambodia wins on ease and flexibility — especially for newcomers or those still figuring things out.

Compare:

• China: Structured Z visa, strict enforcement, clear legal status
• Cambodia: Easy entry and renewals, but often informal or loosely enforced

Career Growth and Long-Term Opportunities

For teachers looking to build a long-term career, China provides a clear ladder. With experience and qualifications, you can move from entry-level language center roles to leadership positions, university posts, or even curriculum development in international schools. Some teachers transition into education management, teacher training, or roles in EdTech companies. China values credentials — a teaching license or Master’s degree opens doors — and long-term contracts often include raises, bonuses, and professional development.

Cambodia offers less in terms of structured advancement but makes up for it with entrepreneurial freedom. Many teachers work part-time across multiple schools or start their own tutoring businesses. Others shift into roles with NGOs, open cafes or coworking spaces, or combine teaching with online work. There’s room to create your own path — especially in Phnom Penh — but it requires more hustle and initiative. Promotions within schools do happen, especially in international settings, but they're less standardized.

If you're looking for stability, title progression, and long-term roles in education, China has the edge. If you want lifestyle freedom, variety, or the option to try something new on the side, Cambodia might be the better launchpad.

Compare:

• China: Clear career progression, strong demand for experienced teachers
• Cambodia: Entrepreneurial flexibility, opportunities beyond the classroom

Which Country Is Right for You?

Both China and Cambodia offer compelling experiences for English teachers, but the right choice depends on what you value most — structure or spontaneity, high salary or low cost of living, career progression or flexible freedom.

Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you weigh your options:

Who Thrives in China?

• Teachers with a degree and TEFL certificate
• Those seeking high pay and long-term career options
• People who prefer structure, benefits, and urban living
• Professionals ready for a regulated but rewarding teaching role

Who Thrives in Cambodia?

• Teachers without a degree or newcomers to ESL
• Adventurous types who value freedom and spontaneity
• Digital nomads or those mixing teaching with other work
• People who prefer a laid-back, low-cost lifestyle

Final Thoughts

No two ESL journeys are the same—and your ideal destination depends on your goals, flexibility, and lifestyle preferences. Whether you value high salaries and structure, or low barriers and freedom, both China and Cambodia offer unique rewards for the right teacher.

Read next:

• Teach English in China
• Teach English in Cambodia