Cambodia: TEFL Course & English Teaching

Introduction

You’ve taken the first step in an adventure that will change your life, as well as those of others! Teaching English as a foreign language is a rewarding experience, and a fulfilling way to discover another part of the world, as well as a new culture. Studying and working abroad is also a great achievement that you can proudly list on your CV/resumé. Cambodia is the ONLY country in SE Asia where you can legally work as a teacher without a degree, so if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, this program is for you! Degree holders are welcome to apply too.

You will get to intimately know the beautiful country of Cambodia, with its famous Angkor Wat temple and the Mighty Mekong River. Most of our jobs are located in the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, and this is where our support base is.

Training

The following areas/subjects are covered during your 4 weeks of TEFL / TESOL training:

• An introduction to South East Asian culture – to help your transition into the local classroom and community.
• Teaching techniques – we provide you with models to teach beginners as well as advanced students, young learners and adults
• Teaching the four skills of language: speaking, listening, reading and writing
• Planning a course for special purposes (such as for a business)
• Grammar – brushing up yours as a teacher, and techniques to teach grammar
• Phonics
• Creating materials for lessons
• Lesson planning
• Suitable activities for the language classroom
• Discipline in the classroom
• Building rapport with your students, including warmers and coolers in the classroom.
• Classroom management, covering all aspects
• Teaching one-to-one, as well as larger classes
• Teaching vocabulary
• Understanding problems for Asian learners (understanding the differences between their language and English) as well as for other key languages, such as Spanish and Russian.
• Error correction techniques
• Preparing your CV/resumé, and tips for the interview process
• Teaching business English
• Teaching practices and assignments:
• You will have the opportunity to conduct several full lessons (teacher practices). These are observed by a trainer, and detailed and constructive feedback is given to you after each lesson, to help you improve for your next lesson, and your career to follow. (You will get an opportunity to teach both young learners and adults). Our qualified trainers will assist you with the lesson planning process.
• Materials project: Here you will present the materials used for lessons, to the class.
• A journal entry assignment
• Various lesson planning and group work assignments
• Various tests and tasks over the 4-week course, covering grammar, punctuation and a few other aspects covered in class. We work with our teachers to adequately prepare them for these tests. All content of the tests is covered during the course.

There is no final examination that determines your pass grade. Your final course result is determined by the combined marks of the assignments above, as well as on your participation and teamwork in class, attendance and behaviour.

A grade of at least 70% is required in order to pass the course. More than 50% of this grade is made up of marks for teacher practices.

Trainees are awarded with their accredited certificate on passing the course. All graduates also receive a report, and those who obtain a distinction, are also presented with a personalised letter of reference.

Working

Placement assistance is offered as per your selected program. Job placements will be subject to the time of the year & current in-country situation. We will endeavour to guide you through the complete placement process, submit your CV to our network of schools and equip you the skills required to ACE your interview with your potential employer.

Teaching placements are available in numerous locations all over Cambodia, including rural and urban areas. During your training, interviews with prospective employers will be held via Skype or phone. You can state your preference for location and school, however you will need to be flexible, as ultimately, it is up to each school to make the decision. Teachers with a university degree and previous experience may have greater choice in placements.

During your placement you should expect to work a normal 40-hour week, Monday to Friday, with approximately 20 hours of teaching. Teachers in Cambodia are accorded a great deal of respect and you will be expected to behave in a manner befitting this level of respect. You will need to dress and behave appropriately at all times. During your training course, you will be given tips and pointers how best to target your CV/resume to the market as well as interview preparation.

Salaries in Cambodia: average $900-1200 USD. Tax is 7-8% about $80/month. Free health care with a NSSF card supplied by most schools. 12 – 18 days paid leave per year plus all public holidays (22 public holidays)
paid. 6 paid sick days per year.

*The above salaries and benefits are based on averages with the schools we deal with. Each contract will differ according to the school.

Fast Track

If you already have a  TEFL certificate, you can apply for our Fast Track course.

We have created the Fast Track course due to high demand from those who already have a TEFL certificate, and therefore do not wish to complete our full course – but want practical training in-country, cultural orientation, and job placement assistance.

However, we need to ensure that the course you have completed is of a similar standard to our TEFL course, and have therefore set the eligibility and application process below, in order to be able to apply to leapfrog Module one and head straight to module 2, ‘TEFL Extension – Practical Teaching in Southeast Asia’

Eligibility

• Min 120-hour TEFL / TESOL certificate (assessed by us during the application process)
• Age 20 years and above
• Native or Native level English Speakers
• UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, or South African Passport Holders
as well as EU nationals with a clear accent and near-native command of English  (other nationalities may apply but visa restrictions might be an issue – please check with us before acceptance)
• Some work experience (does not have to be teaching related)
• University Bachelor’s Degree needed for placement in Vietnam & Thailand, or Indonesia, not required for Cambodia.

• Fit & healthy (any mental or psychological disorders will need pre-approval from us).  NOTE: You need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to attend the course, as schools require this, so you won’t be able to do the practical training without it.
  • Clear criminal record (petty crimes can be overseen)
  • Open to new cultures** We can assist friends and couples wanting to travel together.Application process:
  Please provide us with the following for us to approve your application:
  • Copy of min 120-hour TEFL certificate
  • Letter of recommendation or a report from your TEFL provider
  • 60 min Lesson Plan:
  Instructions:
  Create a lesson plan using the supplied lesson plan template attached. The lesson plan needs to be as follows:
  Subject: The Present Continuous. (assume students already know the Present Simple)

Student level: Elementary learners A1 for students in their early teens
Demo lesson:
·         Record a 10 min demo lesson.
·         The 10 minutes should be on one part of your lesson.
·         Upload your recorded lesson plan and submit the link with your application.
Based on the above application details, you might still have to do a skype/zoom interview with one of our programme directors.

Program details:
• 2 weeks in-country
• 6 to 8 hours of teacher practicums at schools, NGOs, or local businesses
• In-country orientation – Asian Culture
• Interview preparation and job placement assistance
• Recap of lesson planning
• Actual lesson planning and preparation
• Cultural tour
• Cost for all above in Siem Reap, Cambodia, Bali Indonesia or Bangkok Thailand: $725
• EXCLUDING ACCOMMODATION (we have partnered with affordable accommodation, details to follow on signup)
Your placement assistance will be subject to you also doing your part during the interview and placement process. The staff at all the training centres will offer you guidance on conducting yourself during the interview process.

Travel & Accom.

You will need to fly into SIEM REAP airport, where you will be met by a project representative and taken to your accommodation.

Accommodation prices during the course average $350, please discuss this with us when applying.

Requirements

• Minimum age 20. (18 and 19 year olds will be considered on application) No upper age limit applies, though certain employers may impose this, especially if working with young children.
• Placement assistance is offered for native English speakers (UK, Ireland, US, Canada, Aus, NZ and SA).
• No University degree needed, although having one will give you more choice with regards to jobs.
• Willingness to dress and behave appropriately both in training and during your placement.
• Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Willingness to adhere to and respect local customs and traditions.
• Necessary vaccinations. (Subject to change, enquire when booking)
• Necessary flights & visas.
• Initial one month business visa 35USD. Then one year business visa (no border runs required) $300USD p/y. Sometimes paid for by the school, but not always so budget for this at $188 USD p/y.
• Full travel & medical insurance. Details to be provided on sign up.

Costs

4 week TEFL course + Placement Services

$1,695 USD Project Fee*

* Placements are secured through a non-refundable $500 deposit on the project fee.
**All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee.

Fast Track Course

$825 USD Project Fee*

* Placements are secured through a non-refundable $200 deposit on the project fee.
**All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee.

Salary:

Depending on your background and previous experience as well as location of your teaching placement, you can expect to earn around $900 – $1200 per month.

What’s included:

• Pre-course onboarding
• Arrival visa assistance
• Accommodation booking on behalf of the participant.
• Airport pick-up
• Teachers’ bag with course-related stationery
• TEFL training by highly qualified and experienced trainers
  • 4-week, 140-hour intensive TEFL training or,
  • 2-week, Fast Track Job Preparation and Placement 
• Programme dinner (could be a welcome dinner or mid-programme dinner)
• Full-day cultural tour (differs from month to month)
• All programme-related transport
• Destination-specific language lessons
• Visa assistance and guidance after the course
• In-country support and guidance
• Access to the student portal with additional teaching resources, interactive local maps, alumni network groups and the jobs platform.

What’s Not included:

• Flights
• Visas
• Vaccinations
• Insurance
• Food
• Accommodation
• Domestic travel are not included. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.