Cambodia is a land of natural beauty, awe-inspiring temples, and a vibrant culture. Local people are understandably proud of their country, and nowadays, tourists and expats alike love the place—it hasn’t always been like that. The expat community in Cambodia is flourishing, in part because one of the fastest-growing industries in the country is English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching and learning. The demand for both foreign and Cambodian English teachers is huge.
Why has the demand for foreign and Cambodian English teachers gone through the roof? It’s largely due to Cambodia’s rapidly developing economy, the drive towards self-sufficiency, and opening the doors to the outside world after years of unrest and hardship. Most importantly, Cambodian citizens acknowledge English proficiency as a valuable skill that provides a pathway to a better future. Country-wide, Cambodian citizens have bought into the idea that English, the ‘international language’, is paramount.
For a foreigner, teaching in Cambodia is the perfect way to establish a life for themselves in this dynamic country. From a local perspective, Cambodian English teachers are held in high esteem by compatriots and enjoy work conditions that are typically better than what’s available in the country’s mainstay industries.
In this article, we’ll go into a little more detail about Cambodia’s rapid development and how this has resulted in a callout for both foreign and Cambodian English teachers. Later, we will explain the benefits of acquiring a reputable, internationally recognized TESOL certificate, a core qualification for working as an English teacher, and how this will set you up for success in your career in Cambodia and beyond.
Economic growth
Cambodia’s economy continues to grow at an astounding rate. Here’s why this is occurring.
Direct investment by the Cambodian Government over the past ten to fifteen years has seen an improvement in road networks, close to a total rebuild of the Phnom Penh International Airport, and a raft of other eye-catching infrastructure projects. Moreover, foreign direct investment from countries like China, South Korea, Japan, and Australia has modernized Cambodia’s industrial sector.
Cambodia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia makes the country an ideal regional trade hub. By continuing to improve its infrastructure and invigorate economic policies, Cambodia is well-positioned for ongoing growth in the coming years. The need for English proficiency across countless sectors of the Cambodian economy is a direct byproduct of economic development. For example, in 2023, over 5 million tourists from countries near and far visited Cambodia, significantly boosting the country’s GDP and creating lucrative job opportunities. As international tourists continue to make a beeline for the best of what Cambodia has to offer—Angkor Wat, stunning pagodas, architectural marvels from the French colonial era, and much more—the demand for English proficiency in the tourism sector will only increase, feeding the demand for foreign and Cambodian English teachers.
Rising demand for English teaching in Cambodia
As previously mentioned, the demand for English teaching and learning in Cambodia is substantial—so much so that the Cambodian government has publicly acknowledged its importance for fostering economic independence. Policies have recently been implemented to integrate English education into the national curriculum to equip emerging generations with English proficiency.
This means that English teaching in Cambodia is an attractive proposition for suitably qualified foreigners – and local people – a career path with tangible benefits all around. Foreign English teachers who decide to live and work in Cambodia experience a high quality of life, reaping the benefits of a low cost of living, a vibrant culture, and the opportunity to make a resounding impact on the lives of the students they work with. By training and providing employment opportunities for Cambodian English teachers, the country enriches its educational landscape and moves closer to self-sufficiency.
Get your TESOL certificate at AVSE-TESOL
To embark on your career as an English teacher in Cambodia, some important prerequisites must be met.
While schools expect a foreign English teacher to hold a bachelor’s degree, it’s not a core requirement for a ‘Work Permit’. Schools also expect foreign English teachers to hold internationally accredited TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. TESOL certification shows prospective employers that you are well-equipped with the skill set required to teach English to non-native English speakers. The core requirement for a local person to work as a Cambodian English teacher is a university degree in education or a degree in another discipline supported by internationally recognized TESOL certification at the level provided by AVSE TESOL in Phnom Penh.
Whether you’re a foreigner or a Cambodian citizen, you can obtain TESOL certification from AVSE TESOL (Vietnam and Cambodia). TESOL certification from AVSE TESOL (delivered in both in-person and online modes) is accredited by the Australian Government and recognized internationally. Among other things, during the comprehensive training at AVSE TESOL, you’ll learn about essential teaching methodologies, classroom management, and cultural awareness required to teach English to non-native English speakers. Importantly, the TESOL program at AVSE TESOL also comes with hands-on employment support.
Conclusion
As the Cambodia economy continues to develop at a rapid rate, the demand for both foreign English teachers and Cambodian English teachers is guaranteed to rise. If you are aspiring to teach English in Cambodia, an internationally accredited TESOL certificate from AVSE TESOL will ensure that you are well-equipped with the knowledge and technical skills you need to succeed in your career.
About the author: Originally from the United States, Bill Brampton worked as a foreign English teacher in Phnom Penh from August 2022 to June 2024. During his 20 months living and working in Phnom Penh, Bill witnessed first-hand how economic development and related factors are behind the push for a much higher level of English proficiency in Cambodia – and consequently, great teaching jobs for foreign and Cambodian English teachers.
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