Everything you need to know about getting qualified, getting placed, and starting a teaching career in Cambodia.
Destination TEFL · Siem Reap, CambodiaThere are hundreds of TEFL courses, dozens of placement agencies, and no shortage of websites telling you it's the adventure of a lifetime. Most of that noise doesn't help you answer the questions that actually matter: What qualification do you need? How do you get a job? What does it actually cost? Can you do it without a degree?
This guide answers those questions directly, based on what we see work — and what doesn't — with the teachers we train in Siem Reap every intake.
The minimum standard for most teaching jobs in Cambodia is a recognised 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certificate. Some schools ask for a degree; many in Cambodia do not. The certificate matters more than the degree for entry-level positions.
A paper certificate gets you an interview. Real teaching reps get you through it. The gap between candidates who interview well and those who struggle is almost always classroom experience — how many times they've actually stood in front of a class and taught something.
Cambodia is one of the most accessible entry markets for first-time teachers from English-speaking countries. No degree requirement, low cost of living, genuine demand for qualified native English speakers, and a straightforward visa process. It's a good place to start.
Placement support means introductions to schools, preparation for interviews, and help navigating the application process. Done properly, most teachers are placed within weeks of completing their training. Done badly — or not at all — you're on your own with a certificate and no contacts.
Cambodia is not glamorous on paper. It's not the highest-paying market and it's not where most travel blogs point you. It works for first-time teachers for practical reasons:
Which programme is right for you depends on what you already hold. All three include placement support as part of the programme — it is never offered separately.
No TEFL certificate, no teaching experience — this is the full programme. You complete your certification and accumulate more than 25 real teaching reps across three escalating tiers, finishing with observed lessons with real Cambodian students. No degree required.
You hold a recognised 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certificate (not Universal TEFL or Teacher Record — these don't qualify). The Fast Track gives you structured classroom practice and placement support without repeating the theory you've already covered.
No certificate yet, but you want to spread the cost and start the theory before you arrive. Complete your TEFL online, then join us in Siem Reap for the in-person practice and placement support. The $925 covers both phases.
No. Most schools in Cambodia will hire a qualified native English speaker without a university degree. This is one of the reasons Cambodia works well as an entry market for teachers who hold a TEFL certificate but not a degree.
If your certificate is from a recognised provider and is at least 120 hours, you can apply for the Fast Track Programme. If you hold a Universal TEFL or Teacher Record certificate, these aren't accepted on the Fast Track — you'd need the full 4-week Classroom Apprenticeship instead. If you're unsure, get in touch and we'll check before you apply.
We introduce you to schools in our network in Siem Reap and Cambodia, prepare you for interviews, and support you through the application process. Placement support continues until you are placed — it doesn't stop at graduation. It is included in all three programmes and is not offered as a standalone service.
Accommodation ranges from roughly $150 to $350 per month depending on the type of room and location. Food is inexpensive — budget around $150 to $250 per month for meals. A tourist visa on arrival costs approximately $35. These are approximate figures — verify current costs independently before budgeting.
Candidates from outside those countries can enquire, but we'll be honest with you upfront about placement prospects before you invest. Placement difficulty varies significantly depending on nationality. We won't take your money and tell you later.
It's the name we use for our 4-week, 140-hour in-person programme — and for good reason. Unlike a standard TEFL course, the apprenticeship model means you're teaching from day one, accumulating more than 25 real teaching reps across three escalating tiers: peers, peers-as-students, and real Cambodian students. Trainer feedback follows every rep.
Get in touch. We'll tell you which programme suits your situation — or whether Cambodia is the right market for you at all.
Email admissions@destinationtefl.com