The Best Paid TEFL Internships In Thailand
Last Updated on March 10, 2024
Dreaming of teaching English in Thailand but want to ease into it with training, support, and a salary? Paid TEFL internships are a great way to launch your teaching journey—especially if you’re new to the field, traveling solo, or looking for structure as you settle into life abroad.
Thailand, with its tropical landscapes, friendly locals, and strong demand for English teachers, is one of the best places in Asia to kickstart your TEFL career. This guide covers the top paid TEFL internship programs in Thailand, what makes them worth it, and how to choose the right one for your goals.
Why Choose a Paid TEFL Internship in Thailand?
Landing your first teaching job abroad can feel overwhelming. Between sorting out visas, finding a reliable school, and adjusting to a new culture, there’s a lot to manage. That’s where paid TEFL internships come in—they offer a soft landing into the teaching world, with built-in support every step of the way.
Instead of navigating everything on your own, these internships give you the chance to train, teach, and earn—all while soaking up the vibrant energy of Thai life. Whether you’re fresh out of university, changing careers, or just craving a new adventure, this path lets you build confidence in the classroom while exploring one of Southeast Asia’s most welcoming countries.
- Structured entry: Training, visa support, job placement, and housing guidance all in one.
- Cultural immersion: Many internships include Thai language lessons, school visits, and excursions.
- Guaranteed income: While not sky-high, the salaries cover your local living costs—so you can live, teach, and explore without financial stress.
- Community: Internships let you meet like-minded people and build a support network in a new country.
What to Expect From a Paid TEFL Internship in Thailand
Signing up for a paid TEFL internship in Thailand means stepping into a well-organized path where everything’s taken care of—training, placement, and support. You won’t be dropped into a foreign classroom unprepared. Instead, you'll start with a solid foundation through a TEFL certification course that equips you with practical skills and hands-on experience.
These programs usually begin with a 4-week course that covers teaching theory, lesson planning, classroom management, and real-world practice with Thai students. After that, you're placed in a local school for a 4–5 month teaching assignment, where you’ll earn a monthly salary that’s enough to support your daily life—think motorbike rides to school, iced Thai coffee in the mornings, and weekend trips to nearby islands or mountain towns.
You’ll also get help with essentials like visas, accommodation, and adjusting to life in a completely new culture. It’s an ideal way to step into teaching without the stress of navigating everything alone.
Most paid internships in Thailand offer a combination of:
- A TEFL certification course (typically 4 weeks)
- Classroom observation and practice
- A guaranteed teaching job for 4–5 months
- Ongoing support with visas, housing, and logistics
- A monthly salary to cover living costs
While you’ll pay upfront for the program, it’s a safer and more supportive path—especially for first-time teachers or travelers unfamiliar with Southeast Asia.
Best Paid TEFL Internships in Thailand
🇹🇭 SEE TEFL – Chiang Mai
If you're looking for a trusted and well-rounded internship in Thailand, SEE TEFL in Chiang Mai is a standout choice. This program blends in-depth training with a real teaching job, all while immersing you in the heart of northern Thailand—a region known for its laid-back vibe, stunning mountains, and welcoming community.
The internship kicks off with a 4-week, 120-hour onsite TEFL course that doesn’t just teach theory—it includes six observed teaching practices with real students in local schools. This hands-on approach builds your confidence and helps you hit the ground running once you start your placement.
After completing the course, you’ll head into a 4–5 month paid teaching position, with a guaranteed minimum salary of 35,000 THB per month. Whether you choose to stay in Chiang Mai or teach in a smaller town, the program ensures a reliable job and ongoing support.
The price includes 30 nights of accommodation with breakfast at the Darley Hotel during training, plus visa support, housing assistance, and even a cultural excursion to Doi Suthep Mountain. You’ll also get basic Thai language lessons to help you navigate daily life and connect more deeply with your students and community.
Curriculum & Duration:
- 4-week, 120-hour onsite TEFL course
- 4–5 month guaranteed teaching placement
- 6 observed teaching practices in real Thai schools
Cost:
- $2,650 for Chiang Mai placement
- $2,450 for placements outside Chiang Mai
- Includes 30 nights' hotel stay with breakfast during training
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Cultural immersion: Includes survival Thai lessons, local school visits, and a guided trip to Doi Suthep Mountain
- Great salary for a TEFL internship: At least 35,000 THB/month
- Visa support, long-term housing help, and professional development
- Trusted provider with a long-standing reputation for quality
🇹🇭 TEFL One – Bangkok
For those drawn to the energy and excitement of Bangkok, TEFL One offered a structured internship program that combined TEFL certification with a guaranteed teaching placement in and around Thailand’s capital. The program appealed to new teachers who wanted a smoother transition into the classroom while immersing themselves in city life.
The course was held onsite in Bangkok and provided both practical and theoretical training, preparing participants for a 4–5 month teaching contract at a Thai school. Interns received support with accommodation, visa processes, and cultural adaptation, making it easier to settle into the rhythm of life in Thailand’s largest and most dynamic city.
While the TEFL One internship was one of the more urban-focused options in the country, it still emphasized connection to Thai culture and offered valuable teaching experience for those looking to grow their confidence and skills before going independent.
Curriculum & Duration:
- 4-week onsite TEFL course in Bangkok
- 4–5 month guaranteed teaching placement
- In-class training with hands-on preparation for Thai schools
Cost:
- Pricing details varied depending on housing and placement preferences
- Included training, job placement, visa assistance, and in-country support
What Made It Stand Out:
- Based in Bangkok—ideal for those who thrive in a fast-paced urban environment
- Full-service support with visas and job placement
- Strong local network and post-course guidance for long-term teaching options
Note: TEFL One is not currently accepting new applicants for their internship program. Check their website for updates or alternative TEFL course options in Thailand.
How to Choose the Right Internship Program
Not all TEFL internships are created equal—and what works for one teacher might not suit another. Choosing the right program comes down to knowing your goals, preferences, and comfort level with diving into a new environment.
If you love slower-paced living, mountain views, and a tight-knit expat scene, a program like SEE TEFL in Chiang Mai might be a perfect fit. Prefer buzzing city streets, rooftop cafés, and a faster tempo? Then Bangkok-based options might appeal more—when available.
Also think about how much support you want. Some people are happy to wing it after training, while others want continued guidance with housing, visa runs, and job transitions. Internships that offer full support might cost more upfront, but they save you stress and guesswork later on.
Here are a few things to consider when comparing TEFL internships in Thailand:
- Location preference: Do you want the charm of northern Thailand (Chiang Mai) or the fast pace of Bangkok?
- Length of commitment: Most internships require a 4–5 month teaching placement—make sure that fits your timeline.
- Upfront costs vs. income: These internships pay, but they require an initial investment. Compare what's included (accommodation, training, excursions, etc.).
- Support level: Visa paperwork, housing assistance, and in-country support make a huge difference—especially in your first few months abroad.
Who Should Do a Paid TEFL Internship in Thailand?
Paid TEFL internships are ideal for people who want structure, safety, and support as they launch into life abroad. You don’t need teaching experience or deep travel chops—just a willingness to learn and step outside your comfort zone.
If you’re fresh out of university, switching careers, or simply craving more meaning from your next chapter, these programs offer a guided way in. You’ll gain hands-on experience, build confidence in the classroom, and enjoy real-life immersion—not just in teaching, but in Thai culture too.
A paid TEFL internship is ideal for:
- New teachers with no prior classroom experience
- Travelers who want a smoother landing in a new culture
- Career-changers exploring education before making long-term plans
- Non-degree holders looking for legitimate, supported teaching pathways in Asia
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a meaningful way to start teaching, traveling, and building a new life abroad, Thailand remains one of the most welcoming and accessible places to do it. A paid TEFL internship doesn't just offer training—it gives you a built-in support system, a guaranteed job, and a smoother transition into the realities of life as a teacher overseas.
These programs are especially valuable for those who want a confident start. You’ll gain classroom experience, immerse yourself in a new culture, and meet people on a similar path—all while earning enough to live locally and explore the country.
Whether you're seeking adventure, professional growth, or just a change of pace, a TEFL internship in Thailand could be the beginning of something bigger than you ever expected.
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