Phnom Penh, Cambodia
4 week TEFL Course
- Government accredited
- 8 hours teaching practice
More info
Deposit Refund Guarantee
We're confident in the quality of our training: If you complete the course and don't pass, we'll refund your deposit.
Government accredited
Australian Government accredited Certificate IV in TESOL, exceeding international standards.
What's included?
4 week, 150 hour (+/-) course
8 hours of teaching practice
6 hours observing experienced teachers
Pre-course support, including visa advice
Expert tuition from certified vocational trainers
Lifetime job support
Accommodation assistance
Welcome dinner and drinks
- Save $100 with our January offer
Lifetime job support (in addition to the partner centre job support)
Deposit refund guarantee
FREE add-on Grammar Course
FREE lesson plan subscription
FREE starter pack of resources
Cambodia is exploding in popularity as a destination for qualified teachers, with demand for English language classes from students of all ages skyrocketing. This makes Cambodia, and Phnom Penh in particular, a great place to start your TEFL career, with far more teaching jobs than people to fill them.
Whether you decide to stay in Cambodia or not, our accredited, 4-week TEFL course qualifies you for thousands of English teaching jobs worldwide, and comes with expert job support.
The course
This is a full-time, intensive course, involving a commitment of time and work. Most trainees find the course immensely rewarding and attest to an enormous sense of achievement when they complete it. Please read What can I expect? and our FAQ below to learn more about what’s involved.The training centre
The training centre is in Daun Penh District, the commercial hub of Phnom Penh, and just a 10-minute walk from the famous Riverside area, known for its nightlife. Near to the training centre are businesses, residential dwellings, bars, restaurants and coffee shops of all sizes, as well as some of the best street food in Cambodia.Class size
The average number of students on the course is 12. Courses tend to get fully booked up to three months before the start of the course.Schedule
The course runs for 150 hours over 4 weeks. You can expect to be in class from 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday for the first 3 weeks. The last week focuses mainly on completing assessment tasks and job placement. The practical component of 14 hours teaching practice and observations is spread over the 4 weeks. Weekends are free, but with the expectation of some work completing assignments and assessments. Please see What can I expect? for more detail about the “day to day” of the course.Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, is home to two million people, and a small-ish but ever increasing number of expats, a large number of whom are English teachers.
As a teaching destination, it’s hard to beat: Relaxed working hours, a high income relative to the cost of living, a tropical climate and an abundance of teaching jobs make it ideal both for newly qualified and experienced teachers.
The city is a mix of old and new. There are reminders of its colonial past in government buildings, shops, transport hubs and old French villas, along with traditional markets and temples and modern bars, restaurants and shopping malls.
Getting around is cheap and easy, with tuk tuks and motorcycle taxis on every street corner. They’ll take you to some unmissable landmarks, such as the Royal Palace, the boardwalk along the Tonle Sap river and Wat Ounalom, the headquarters of Buddhism in Cambodia, as well as to some more sobering landmarks that allow you to reflect on and reconcile with Cambodia’s tragic past.
The nightlife scene is exciting and diverse. Phnom Penh has more than its fair share of bars, clubs, restaurants and street food stalls, mainly centred around the Riverside area and Bassac Quarter.
Phnom Penh can be challenging, with chaotic traffic, noise, poor and very basic infrastructure, and abject poverty that you’ll encounter daily. But if you are willing to manage and respond to these challenges, the rewards of living and working in this fascinating city are plentiful, with incredible resilience in the face of adversity that will leave a lasting impact.
What can I expect?
Before the course
Once you’ve enrolled, we’ll get in touch with our partner centre, who will look at your application before confirming your place on the course. You may be invited for a Zoom chat first.
(If for any reason we or the partner centre are unable to offer you a place on the course, you’ll receive a full refund of your deposit payment.)
The School of TEFL team and partner centre will keep in close contact with you until the course starts, providing information and advice about visas and documentation, arranging your accommodation and other practicalities, and answering any questions you have.
You’ll pay the balance payment directly to our partner centre approximately two weeks before the course starts. (If you enrol closer to the start date though, that’s no problem).
On the Saturday and Sunday before the study component of the course starts, there is a Welcome Party and city tour, to help you get to know the neighbourhood surrounding the training centre and the people you will spend a month with during the course.
Day to day on the course
Theory
In weeks 1-3 of the course you’ll gain a solid foundation in English language teaching theory. You’ll have input sessions and workshops from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 3pm, covering a range of topics. You’ll learn about the language itself, teaching skills and techniques, classroom management strategies and much more. By the end of the first three weeks, you’ll have a strong grasp of the theory behind Teaching English as a Second Language. In week 4, the focus is mainly on providing support with completing the assessment tasks, as well as job placement and support.Practice
The practical part of the course takes place across the four weeks. You’ll have the opportunity to observe experienced teachers giving real classes as early as day one. You’ll then jump straight into planning, teaching and evaluating 8 hours of classes with real students. You’ll have plenty of guidance and support throughout this process, with feedback sessions from your trainer and lesson planning assistance.The practical teaching and observation component may involve some evenings and parts of weekends, and you’ll leave the course with invaluable hands-on experience.
Coursework and assessment
In addition to the practical component, you’ll be completing coursework and assessments throughout the four weeks. This includes self-evaluation of your teaching, building a portfolio of teaching resources (which you will take with you after the course), short-answer question assignments, a short research report, and creating a detailed learning plan for one student. The assessment process is designed to prepare you for real-life teaching scenarios you’ll encounter when you start paid employment.By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and practical experience you need to confidently pursue a career in English language teaching.
What will I learn?
You’ll learn everything you need to start teaching English: teaching skills, how to manage a class, teaching theory and much more. Here’s a summary of the main areas you’ll cover on the course:
- Language awareness (learning about how the language works, including grammar and phonology)
- Lesson planning and lesson structure
- Different teaching methodologies and how to apply them
- Teaching group classes
- Teaching one-to-one
- How to teach grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation
- How to teach speaking and writing
- How to teach reading and listening
- Classroom management
- Error correction
- Testing and assessment of learners
- Preparing learners for English language tests
- How to find and develop materials and resources
- Using visual and audio aids
- How to teach children
- How to teach Business English
- Cultural awareness in English language teaching
- Job-finding skills and strategies
Accommodation
Our partner centre has compiled a list of recommended hotels (below), all close to the training centre in Daun Penh district in Phnom Penh. We would recommend choosing one of these, according to your budget, but you are of course welcome to find somewhere different that is right for you. If you do, we recommend staying in or close to Daun Penh district to minimise your commute! Our partner centre is also on hand to help with alternative options.
Recommended budget hotels
Best Central
35, Street 172, Chhey Chumneas
Average price: US$17 / nightCity Lodge
77-79, Street 130, Doun Penh
Average price: US$17 / nightRecommended medium-priced hotels
Vacation Boutique
128 Street 136, Daun Penh
Average price: US$20 / nightHotel: Zing
105 – 107 Street 126, Daun Penh
Average price: US$20 / nightRecommended higher-priced hotels
Silver Mounts
Building No.37, Street 172, Daun Penh
Average price: US$25 / nightAltos
85 Street 19 (corner of Street 148), Daun Penh
Average price: US$25 / nightAfter the course
What can I do with my TEFL certificate from School of TEFL in Cambodia?
The School of TEFL course trains you to teach in Cambodia or anywhere in the world. If you decide to stay in Cambodia, you’ll find job opportunities far exceeding the number of qualified teachers available, and it’s likely that you will secure a paid position within days of completing the course.
Our partner centre has an extensive network of schools and language centres built up over a number of years. They will introduce you to some of these schools and centres as part of their hands-on job support, as well as helping you craft a CV tailored to Cambodia’s market conditions.
Where can I teach?
You could work in Phnom Penh, taking advantage of the abundance of teaching opportunities at language schools and private international schools across the city. Or you could head north to Siem Reap or south to the coastal city of Sihanoukville, where more and more jobs are becoming available. Cambodia’s economy is booming, and with it the demand for English language teachers across the country. Wherever you teach in Cambodia, the relaxed working hours and high income relative to the cost of living make it hard to beat. As a relatively new teaching destination, Cambodia is a great place to start your career after getting qualified.
If you decide to leave Cambodia, there is quite literally a whole world of possibilities open to you, with teaching jobs in just about every country on every continent.
Again, the School of TEFL team and the specialist staff at our partner centre will provide you with advice and support, and we take this commitment to you very seriously. We’ll help you create a CV tailored to the job market’s requirements and work with you to explore prospects with language schools and other potential employers.
Requirements
Minimum 18 years of age.
Proficient in all aspects of English.
Secondary education to pre-university level and able to complete an intensive university-level course.
Clean police/criminal record check from your home country.
Clear understanding of professional conduct, punctuality, cultural sensitivity and the ability to get along with others.
Upcoming dates
| Dates | Spaces | Deposit | Enrol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrol now, choose dates later | $550 $450 | Enrol | |
| 9th Feb - 3rd Mar 2025 | Last few | $550 $450 | Enrol |
| 9th Mar - 31st Mar 2025 | Limited | $550 $450 | Enrol |
| 6th Apr - 28th Apr 2025 | Limited | $550 $450 | Enrol |
| 4th May - 26th May 2025 | Available | $550 $450 | Enrol |
| 1st Jun - 23rd Jun 2025 | Available | $550 $450 | Enrol |
| 29th Jun - 21st Jul 2025 | Available | $550 $450 | Enrol |
| 27th Jul - 18th Aug 2025 | Available | $550 $450 | Enrol |
| 24th Aug - 15th Sep 2025 | Available | $550 $450 | Enrol |
| 21st Sep - 13th Oct 2025 | Available | $550 $450 | Enrol |
| 19th Oct - 10th Nov 2025 | Available | $550 $450 | Enrol |
| 16th Nov - 8th Dec 2025 | Available | $550 $450 | Enrol |
| 14th Dec 2025 - 5th Jan 2026 | Available | $550 $450 | Enrol |
FAQ about the course and Cambodia
Course FAQ
Who is the course accredited by?
The course is Australian government accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), giving graduates a Certificate IV in TESOL. This certification is equivalent to CELTA and the Trinity CertTESOL.
How much does the course cost?
The course costs $1,657. You’ll pay a deposit of $550 when you enrol and the balance directly to the partner centre approximately two weeks before the start of the course.
Please note:
These prices may be lower if you see an offer listed on our site or have a discount code.What's included in the course price?
Included in the price of the course are:
– Pre-course support – visa, insurance and documentation advice
– The 4-week, Australian Government accredited course
– 8 hours of teaching practice
– 6 hours observing experienced teachers
– Expert tuition from certified vocational trainers
– Help finding very well priced accommodation to suit your needs – most within walking distance
– Access to the partner centre Student Learning Portal
– Welcome dinner and drinks
– Job support from the partner centre and from School of TEFL
– Online grammar courseHow easy/difficult is the course?
This is an intensive, university-level course that requires dedication and hard work! It’s not a ‘shortcut’ TEFL course. However, with your commitment, you’ll emerge from it well-prepared and highly motivated to start your teaching journey.
Will I teach actual students on the course?
Yes, you’ll teach actual local ESL students for 8 hours.
Will I learn how to teach both adults and children?
Yes, the course trains you how to teach both adults and young learners. You’ll learn core teaching skills applicable to all age groups, along with specific strategies for teaching young learners.
How will I be assessed?
In the first 3 weeks of the course you will be assessed on your 8 hours of teaching practice, and on your reflections of observing experienced teachers. The assessment of teaching practice includes the production of detailed lesson plans.
In the fourth week, you’ll be assessed on a portfolio of teaching and testing resources, a short research project and a completed workbook, amongst other things. There is no final exam.
Our partner centre employs qualified assessors working under strict Australian Government compliance standards to ensure that you are ready to teach as soon as you’ve completed the course.
Who is the course suitable for?
The course is suitable for motivated individuals of all ages and backgrounds who want to teach English in Cambodia, around the world or online.
How early should I book?
The course tends to get fully booked up to two or three months in advance, so it’s best to book as early as you can.
How many other people will be on the course with me?
There is an average of 12 trainees on each course.
What should I bring/wear for the course?
You’ll need a laptop. If you don’t have one, our partner centre can hire one for you on request for the duration of the course, for a very reasonable fee and a refundable deposit.
When teaching or observing classes, you need to wear professional, business clothing (no jeans, shorts, flip-flops or t-shirts). When not teaching or observing, you can wear casual clothes.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the course?
You don’t need to prepare in any way. However, we would recommend taking our add-on Grammar Course (free when you enrol). You’ll learn grammar on the course, but this will give you a head start.
If you want to read about English teaching before the course, Learning Teaching by Jim Scrivener and The Practice of English Language Teaching by Jeremy Harmer are both good options. Again, this is optional, as you’ll learn all you need to know about the theory and practice of teaching on the course itself, but some trainees find it helpful to be familiar with some of the terms and concepts before starting the course.
Do I need to speak Khmer to take the course?
No – TEFL courses show you how to teach without needing to know the language of your students. If you go on to teach in an English speaking country, you’ll probably have classes of mixed nationality/first language, so using the students’ first language isn’t an option anyway!
What kind of job help and support is provided?
Our partner centre provides help with creating a CV tailored to market demands, referral to the partner schools in their network, advice on employment agreements and conditions, and mock interviews. You’ll have input sessions during the course, and access to the partner centre’s knowledgeable team throughout.
In addition to the job help provided by the partner centre, School of TEFL provides lifetime job guidance and support. Before, during and after the course we’re on hand with expert advice on preparing your CV, applying for jobs, succeeding at interviews and building your TEFL career, for as long as you need us, and we take this commitment to you very seriously. To access this support, all you need to do is send us an email or give us a call at any time, and we’ll give you one-on-one, personalised support.
What else can the partner centre help with / provide?
Our partner centre can help with the following:
– Airport pickup and accommodation check in
– Arranging Khmer language lessons
– Laptop hire
– Accommodation for extra nights
– Motorbike or bicycle hire
– Tour and flight bookings
– Laundry services
– Visa extensions
– Local SIM cards
– Help opening a local bank accountPlease feel free to ask if you need help with anything else as well – the partner centre team will do their best to assist you or point you in the right direction wherever they can!
Cambodia FAQ and practicalities
What are the requirements to teach English in Cambodia?
To teach in Cambodia, you must:
- be 18 years of age
- have a government accredited TEFL qualification
- pass a basic health check as part of the process to obtain a work permit
- have a passport valid for at least 12 months
- produce a clean background check within the last six months, notarised in your home country
A Bachelor's degree is not a requirement, but can be helpful. If you have one, the certificate needs to be notarised in your home country.What type of visa do I need to teach English in Cambodia?
To enter Cambodia you need either a T Class visa or an Ordinary Visa E Class.
If you don't plan to teach in Cambodia after the course, a T Class visa is sufficient. It's valid for 30 days and can be renewed once for a further 30 days without leaving the country.
If you plan to stay and teach in Cambodia after the course, it's best to enter on an Ordinary Visa E Class. These are also valid for 30 days and can be obtained from a Cambodian embassy or at the port of entry. They can be extended once for one, three, six or twelve months. If you extend for six or twelve months, you'll be able to leave and re-enter the country as many times as you like, and open a bank account in Cambodia. When you secure a teaching job, your employer will sponsor your work permit and have it processed, along with the visa extension.
While your work permit is being processed, you may have to do a "border run" to get a new visa. This is a simple process; it involves putting aside a day to take a bus from Phnom Penh to the Vietnam border. It costs around $120, which includes the cost of the visa.
Our partner centre will be on hand to help you with everything to do with visas, and you can read our more detailed information about visas here.What paperwork do I need to bring to teach English in Cambodia?
You should bring your notarised degree certificate (if you have one) and background check with you.
Please see our information about background checks for more info.Can non-native English speakers teach English in Cambodia?
Yes, it is possible to teach in Cambodia as a non-native speaker.
What are the typical working conditions when teaching English in Cambodia?
Most full-time English teaching jobs require 20 to 30 classroom teaching hours per week. Working hours are mostly during the day, from Monday to Friday, with at least one day off per week, depending on the employer. Evening and weekend classes are quite rare. Paid holiday and sick leave also depend on the employer. Teaching contracts can be up to 12 months (renewable) and you'll typically need to commit for a minimum of 3 months.
What types of teaching jobs are available in Cambodia, and where are they?
The majority of job opportunities are in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, in privately owned English language schools and international schools. Private tutoring is also possible. There may be some opportunities in regional cities and in more rural locations.
Is accommodation provided with teaching jobs in Cambodia?
In regional cities and rural locations, accommodation is often provided for free. This is less common in bigger cities.
How much will I earn teaching English in Cambodia?
A typical salary for foreign ESL teachers is between $1300 and $1600 net per month, or $13 to $16 net per hour.
Will I be able to save money teaching English in Cambodia?
Yes, a teacher with typical outgoings can generally expect to save around half their earnings.
Our support for Room to Read
We believe everyone should have access to the education and future opportunities they need to thrive. That's why for every TEFL course we sell in 2024, we're donating £5 to Room to Read via Work for Good.
