Cambodia has quietly become one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated — yet rewarding — destinations for English teachers. While it may not have the international prestige of Japan or the salary levels of South Korea, what it does offer is just as compelling: low entry requirements, high impact, affordable living, and a deeply immersive cultural experience.
Whether you're just getting started in your TEFL journey or looking for a fresh, meaningful adventure, Cambodia offers an unmatched combination of freedom, purpose, and potential. In this guide, we'll explore the top reasons why teaching English in Cambodia might be the best decision you'll ever make — especially if you're someone who wants to live, work, and grow in one of the most open and fascinating countries in Asia.
🌱 1. Low Barriers to Entry
No Bachelor's Degree? No Problem
Cambodia is one of the few countries in Asia where you can legally teach English without a bachelor’s degree. This opens the door for a much wider range of teachers — from career-changers and travelers to gap year adventurers and self-taught educators. While some schools may prefer degree holders, it’s not a hard requirement, and many teachers find work based on personality, fluency, and enthusiasm alone.
TEFL-Preferred, Not Always Required
While having a 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certificate will definitely boost your job prospects and earning potential, it’s not mandatory at every institution — especially for private tutoring or lower-intensity classroom roles. This flexibility makes Cambodia an ideal place for those looking to dip their toes into teaching without having to commit to a lengthy qualification process upfront.
💰 2. Affordable Living with Decent Salaries
Living Costs
Cambodia’s cost of living is among the lowest in Southeast Asia. In cities like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, you can rent a decent apartment for $250–$400/month, eat out for just a few dollars, and get around via tuk-tuk or motorbike on a small budget. Teachers living outside the capital often enjoy even cheaper prices and a slower pace of life. This makes Cambodia a great option if you're starting out or trying to stretch your savings.
Salaries in Context
Salaries for English teachers usually fall between $900 and $1,500 USD per month, depending on your qualifications and the type of school. While this may sound modest by Western standards, the low cost of living means you can live well and still save money, especially if you pick up private students or teach online on the side. Many teachers find they can cover all their expenses comfortably and still put money toward travel or future plans.
🧑🏫 3. High Demand for English Teachers
Growing Economy = Growing ESL Market
Cambodia’s economy is expanding fast, and with it comes a rising demand for English fluency. From business professionals hoping to engage with international markets to university students preparing for global careers, English has become a vital skill. Even young learners are being introduced to English earlier, leading to a surge in ESL enrollment across the country.
Diverse Job Options
The variety of teaching jobs available in Cambodia is impressive. You’ll find opportunities in language centers, private and international schools, NGOs, and even tourism-focused businesses that want their staff to be fluent in English. Unlike more saturated markets, Cambodia also offers roles in smaller cities and rural areas, making it accessible no matter your experience level or preference for city or countryside life.
🧳 4. Great for First-Time Teachers
Entry-Level Friendly
Cambodia is one of the most accessible ESL job markets for new teachers. Schools are more focused on your ability to communicate clearly and connect with students than on your resume. That makes it an ideal destination for those looking to get their foot in the door, build confidence, and gain real classroom experience without the pressure of perfection.
A Launchpad for ESL Careers
Many ESL teachers use Cambodia as a stepping stone to more competitive markets. After teaching for a year or two and gaining experience, it becomes much easier to transition into higher-paying roles in countries like Vietnam, South Korea, or China, where work permits often require prior teaching history. Cambodia offers a great way to start strong.
🧘 5. Relaxed Lifestyle and Friendly Locals
Slow Pace of Life
Life in Cambodia moves at a gentler pace than in many of its Southeast Asian neighbors. There’s less of the hustle and grind you might find in places like Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you're sipping iced coffee in a roadside café or biking to work on quiet streets, Cambodia offers a sense of calm and simplicity that many teachers come to deeply appreciate.
Warm, Welcoming People
Cambodians are widely known for their hospitality, kindness, and resilience. As a teacher, you’ll likely be welcomed into the community with open arms. It’s common to form genuine, lasting relationships with students and fellow teachers, and many expats say the friendships they build here are among the strongest of their travels.
🏛️ 6. Deep Cultural Immersion
Rich Historical Backdrop
Cambodia’s long and complex history offers a compelling context for anyone living and teaching there. From the awe-inspiring ruins of Angkor Wat to the sobering lessons of the Khmer Rouge era, the country invites you to learn not just from books but from firsthand experience. Teachers often find themselves visiting temples, museums, and historic sites on weekends, gaining a deep appreciation for Cambodian culture and resilience.
Unique Language and Traditions
The Khmer language and cultural customs make Cambodia distinct from its neighbors. While you’re not expected to speak Khmer fluently, learning basic phrases can earn you respect and deeper local connections. Teaching here means getting invited to weddings, Buddhist ceremonies, and traditional celebrations — experiences that turn a teaching job into a genuine cultural exchange.
🌍 7. Chance to Make a Real Impact
English Education as Empowerment
Teaching English in Cambodia isn’t just a job — it’s an opportunity to directly impact lives. Many students, especially in rural or lower-income communities, see English as a bridge to better-paying jobs, scholarships, and global opportunities. As a teacher, you’ll help build their confidence and skills in a way that’s truly transformative.
Volunteer and NGO Work
Cambodia is home to a large number of NGOs and community-based education initiatives that focus on uplifting underserved populations. These schools may not offer the highest salaries, but they deliver something more: meaningful, purpose-driven work. If you're looking to combine teaching with social impact, Cambodia is one of the best places to do it.
🧘 8. Work-Life Balance and Travel
Easy to Explore Cambodia
One of the perks of teaching in Cambodia is the freedom to explore. With a relaxed work culture and plenty of public holidays, you’ll have time to visit highlights like Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, the riverside town of Kampot, or the peaceful beaches of Kep. Most destinations are just a few hours away by bus or train, making weekend getaways simple and affordable.
Southeast Asia at Your Doorstep
Cambodia also serves as a strategic travel hub for Southeast Asia. You can easily hop over to Vietnam, Thailand, or Laos on a short flight or overland trip. Many teachers take advantage of school breaks to explore the region, from Bangkok’s buzz to Bali’s beaches — all while keeping Cambodia as their home base.
🏠 9. A Tight-Knit Expat Community
Support for Newcomers
One of the most reassuring parts of moving to Cambodia is the welcoming expat network. In cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, there are active Facebook groups, teacher meetups, and community events that help you settle in fast. Whether you need advice on job hunting, apartment hunting, or just want to find someone to grab dinner with, there’s always someone willing to help.
Long-Term Friendships
Because of Cambodia’s slower pace and open social atmosphere, it’s easy to form deep friendships with fellow expats. Many teachers come for a year and end up staying far longer — not just for the job, but for the community they build. Whether you’re looking for travel buddies, co-teachers, or just new friends, Cambodia has a way of turning strangers into your new global family.
💼 10. Growing Professional Opportunities
Transition into Leadership Roles
As Cambodia’s education sector expands, experienced teachers can move up fast. Many schools and language centers are actively seeking academic coordinators, head teachers, or curriculum developers, and the bar for entry isn’t as high as in more saturated markets. If you’re looking to build a resume that stands out in the ESL world, Cambodia is a place where career growth can happen quickly.
Business English and Tutoring
Alongside school jobs, there’s a rising demand for corporate English training and exam prep (especially IELTS). Teachers who want more flexibility — or simply want to earn more — often take on private students or contracts with companies. With hourly rates much higher than school salaries, private tutoring and business English gigs can significantly boost your income, especially in cities like Phnom Penh.
🚫 Bonus: Fewer Bureaucratic Hassles
Visa Simplicity
One of the biggest perks of teaching in Cambodia is how easy the visa process is compared to neighboring countries. Most teachers enter on an E-class (business) visa, which can be extended for 6 or 12 months without needing school sponsorship upfront. You don’t need to lock in a job before arrival — many teachers find work on the ground and sort out their paperwork afterward.
No Red Tape
Unlike in Thailand, South Korea, or Japan, Cambodia doesn’t have a complex licensing or credential verification process. There's no need for notarized documents, apostilles, or months of advance planning. That means you can often start teaching within days of finding a job, making Cambodia ideal for spontaneous travelers and digital nomads looking to shift into ESL.
🌟 Conclusion: Cambodia Is the Unsung Hero of TEFL
While countries like South Korea and Japan often dominate the ESL spotlight, Cambodia quietly delivers on everything that matters — ease of entry, lifestyle perks, and real impact. Whether you're starting your teaching journey or looking for a more grounded, meaningful experience, Cambodia offers a rare combination of freedom, warmth, and opportunity.
It might not come with the biggest paycheck or most polished infrastructure, but what it lacks in formality, it makes up for in heart and accessibility. If you're looking for a place to teach, grow, and truly connect with a culture — Cambodia might just be your perfect match.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.