Cambodia
From the ICAL TEFL wiki
As with many South Asian countries where the economy is poor, well paid teaching opportunities in Cambodia don’t abound.
However, two classes almost at the opposite end of the social spectrum are driving the ELT market in Cambodia. The new affluent Khmers, who want to give their children more opportunities in life by educating them in English, and the less affluent Khmers who want to get better paid jobs in the travel and tourism industry where, to get hired, they need English language skills.
On top of that, Phnom Penh has become a trendy place to be and more and more Westerners want to spend a year or two in the capital and pay for their lifestyles by teaching.
In response to these changes, Cambodia is developing a range of commercial institutes devoted to English language teaching so the demand for English language teachers is there.
How to Apply
The best way to find work is doing the rounds of schools. Potential employers will want to meet with you in person and expect to see you smartly dressed. You should have with you your résumé, some passport photos, plus copies of any certificate and/or degree you have.
Always insist on speaking to the school owner or Director of Studies. If he or she is unavailable, then make an appointment. It is not worth entrusting your papers to a Khmer member of staff.
Make yourself available even at short notice. Teachers turnover is high so don’t be surprised if a potential employer that turned you down in the morning calls you in the afternoon to ask if you are free for a couple of lessons in the evening.
Prior to hiring you, many schools will want to see a demo class but will give you time to prepare for it. Having experience or a good TESL/TEFL course behind you will pay off here.
Pay
Experienced and/or qualified teachers should expect to be paid an hourly rate of about US$8-$10 though you can find schools that will pay you up to US $12. Specialist teachers (Business English, Creative Writing, etc.) are paid even more. Generally speaking, though, $10 an hour is good. Payment in arrears is quite common practice. Some schools will pay monthly by as much as 15 days in arrears whereas some pay twice monthly only a few days in arrears.
Having the right qualifications does make a difference. More and more schools are taking standards seriously and look for teachers with a degree and a TESL/TEFL Certificate so having either (or both) will give you the edge. If you have a teaching degree, plus teaching experience then it might be worth trying the international schools.
Where to Apply
ACE (Australian Centre for Education) has two campuses: one in Phnom Penh, the other in the small provincial capital of Siem Reap. Most of the expatriate staff are native-speaking teachers qualified as teachers of English as a Second or Foreign Language. Expatriate staff come from many countries, with a large majority from Australia, the UK and North America.
Zaman International School is an independent, non-denominational, coed day school offering courses designed for students aged 3 to 18 years. ZIS is certified by the Cambodian Ministry of Education and it is a provisional member of the European Council of International Schools.
The Western International School offers an American English curriculum to average Cambodian students from grades K. to 12. Their qualified teachers are mostly from the United States, Canada, and other English speaking countries.
Logos International School is a Christian, international school serving native, missionary, and public sector Christian families. Visit their webs ite for job vacancies.
iCAN British International School runs an English language co-educational Early Years Unit and Primary School. Their teaching staff is international. In the UK full-time posts are advertised in the Times Educational supplement. Alternatively check their website.
Northbridge International School Cambodia is another international school that provides an American-style curriculum. The school is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) from the United States.
Next there are the universities.
Stay clear of the dozen of cheap makeshift schools scattered around Phnom Penh. They cater for Khmers who want to learn English but can't afford to pay the high fees of more professional schools, and employ local teachers.
