Country guide

Teach English in Cambodia

The easiest legal entry point in Asia. No degree required by law.

Cambodia is the most accessible ESL market in Asia because there is no legal degree requirement to teach, and the business visa is cheap and simple to extend indefinitely. Phnom Penh has the deepest market, from budget language centers to well-paid international schools. Pay is modest but so is the cost of living, and hiring happens year-round with a peak before the September and January terms.

Salary

Language centers: 900 to 1,500 USD per month. Better private schools: 1,500 to 2,200 USD. International schools with credentials: 2,500 USD and up. Rent for a modern one-bedroom runs 300 to 500 USD.

Visa

Enter on an e-class (business) visa, then extend it 6 or 12 months through an agent. No degree is legally required, though a 120-hour TEFL certificate is expected by most reputable schools and a degree unlocks the better-paying jobs.

Best for

Teachers without a degree, career changers testing the field, or anyone who wants a low-barrier, low-cost base in Southeast Asia.

Common questions about teaching in Cambodia

Can I really teach in Cambodia without a degree?

Yes. Cambodia does not require a university degree by law, which is rare in Asia. A TEFL certificate and a professional attitude are what most schools actually screen for. A degree still raises your pay ceiling.

How much can I save?

At a language center, expect to break even or save a little. At a good private or international school, saving 400 to 900 USD a month is realistic given low rent and cheap food.

Is the business visa complicated?

No. You arrive on an e-class visa (about 35 USD) and extend it through any local agent for 6 or 12 months. It is one of the simplest long-stay setups in the region.

When should I arrive to find work?

Hiring runs all year, but the strongest windows are August to September and December to January. Many teachers land jobs in person after arriving.