Is it possible to make 2,000 a month teaching English in Cambodia?

[Dhroughos]

I understand that TEFL work in Cambodia isn't exactly renowned for being lucrative, but I figured I'd ask if it was even within the realm of possibility. Here's some information about me:

- I'm Canadian (white male, which I know is unfortunately relevant)
- I have one-year's worth of experience teaching English
- I will soon have a master's degree in applied linguistics from a brick-and-mortar British university
- I already have a 120-hour TEFL certificate and intend on getting a CELTA after I graduate

So I feel as though I will be well-qualified in the near future. What places in Cambodia pay the kind of wages I would like? If it's not as high as I'd like, then what is the ceiling for teaching English?

I've heard ACE pays the best, but I don't know what a typical salary would look like and I don't know what the hours are like. Does anyone have any information about that?

I really appreciate any responses I get. You're more than welcome to laugh over my question. I'm aware of Cambodia's reputation for poor wages.

[kansaicanuck]

I may be incorrect but with your qualifications you could probably teach at a proper University or other institution rather than teaching at a local ESL school. You could no doubt get a much better/higher paying job in other parts of Asia so why Cambodia?

[horace]

Yes, I know because I used to earn 1600$ per month for a twelve hour week teaching in a factory. I believe AiA is also earning that kinda of sum doing the army gig for the Oz embassy. So not in schools but other areas. The trouble is you need to start in schools and gain a reputation. I even know a Cambodian teacher who earns an extra 1000$ a month helping high ranking elite kids pass exams to study abroad.

[Dhroughos]

I may be incorrect but with your qualifications you could probably teach at a proper University or other institution rather than teaching at a local ESL school.

Would you know how much one could make teaching at a proper university? I actually have a strong preference for university work. I eventually want to go for a PhD, so I'd like to work with young adults (as opposed to children).

You could no doubt get a much better/higher paying job in other parts of Asia so why Cambodia?

Honestly? There are two reasons. I'm a bit of a history buff, so Cambodia being important for the development of the rest of Southeast Asia's culture is interesting for me. The temples, etc. I used to live in Peru, and in some ways (at least on a superficial level), Cambodia reminds me of Peru. A country that is not very developed in comparison to neighboring countries, yet once was the dominant country in the region. It leads to some interesting internal conflict within the people.

Secondly, the fact that Cambodia is a bit rough-around-the-edges also appeals to me. I've lived in both developing and developed countries, and I enjoy aspects of both. I miss that sort of wild, "anything can happen at any moment" feel I got from Peru. Cambodia seems to have that in spades, without the personal-safety issues I encountered in Peru (e.g. being robbed at gun-point by people pretending to be cops, which happened to acquaintances of mine -- I could do without that).

[Dhroughos]

Yes, I know because I used to earn 1600$ per month for a twelve hour week teaching in a factory. I believe AiA is also earning that kinda of sum doing the army gig for the Oz embassy. So not in schools but other areas. The trouble is you need to start in schools and gain a reputation. I even know a Cambodian teacher who earns an extra 1000$ a month helping high ranking elite kids pass exams to study abroad.

So it seems that developing connections is extremely important to finding a good job in Cambodia, eh?

[TristranandIsolde]

The crime here is much less sophisticated.

So are the people, I hope you understand you will need to be teaching their best just to equate with middle-class students in the West.

University level? Seek RUPP, RULE, PUC, etc. I'm sure there are more.

ISPP and Northbridge are nice high school gigs, with diplomat's kids, etc. All international.

[Dhroughos]

The crime here is much less sophisticated.

So are the people, I hope you understand you will need to be teaching their best just to equate with middle-class students in the West.

University level? Seek RUPP, RULE, PUC, etc. I'm sure there are more.

ISPP and Northbridge are nice high school gigs, with diplomat's kids, etc. All international.

Do you know how much those places would pay? Have you known expats that teach at those universities?

In Cambodia, can one teach at a university without a proper teaching certificate from back home? I've been under the impression that, normally, international schools require their teachers to be teachers (I'll only have my master's in applied linguistics, which doesn't give me the ability to teach at a school back home).

[Lucky Lucan]

University level? Seek RUPP, RULE, PUC, etc. I'm sure there are more.

Do you know how much those places would pay? Have you known expats that teach at those universities?

He hasn't a fucking clue unfortunately, and I seriously doubt that too many people are getting $2000 a month teaching English in any of those institutions.