Moving to Phnom Penh to teach English...a few questions..

MsJane · Post by **MsJane** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 12:58 am

Hello!

I've been lurking on this forum on and off since I first toyed with the idea of moving to Phnom Penh a few years ago. I was initially drawn to teaching in Cambodia due to the low entry requirements as I don't have a BA (I was studying towards one when my dad was diagnosed with a terminal illness, dropped out and after the tuition fee hikes and my age I feel I have missed the boat)

So here's the deal, I'm 26 year old woman with plenty of experience of teaching. Until recently I worked at a multicultural children's center with a mix of kids from variety of nationalities. It's the best job I've ever had and took to teaching like a duck to water, prior to this I was tutoring an after school art club and prior to that working as a photographer/airbrusher(Very well payed but left for a minimum wage tutor job because I hate the industry)

I'm not a money motivated person and I have a desire to genuinely help people but after reading a few articles that Cambodia is regarded as 'the last refuge of the fuck-ups' I'm a bit concerned about meeting other like minded people. I've also heard there's a ton of gossip among the expat community which is something else I find highly undesirable. Also a lot of forums/articles I've read seem very male orientated and soon turn into a discussion about getting laid.

So here are my questions:

1. What kind of salary can I expect? (I'm a young looking, moderately attractive, blonde hair blue eyed 26 year old. I know that shouldn't matter but after speaking to friends who've traveled Asia this is apparently important. Could I try for a higher salary based on this?)

2.What does your average working week look like for an English teacher? How many hours in the classroom/planning etc.. what time do you start/finish, how many days do you get off from work?

3. What are the schools like? What kind of classroom set up can I expect.

3. I've heard Cambodia is safe for women, but is there any women out there who have moved here alone and can share their experience?

4. I'm a frugal person and the idea is to save while in Cambodia. I'd eat at the local places or cook for myself. I've seen rooms with aircon for about $300 including bills. Does that sound about right? I feel I could get by on $600 a month but are there any other expenses I should take into account?

5. What is the best month to go to find a job?

I know these questions have probably been asked/answered a thousand times, but I think I'd feel a bit more confident about the situation by having a direct dialog.

Thank you

Lucky Lucan · Post by **Lucky Lucan** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 1:01 am

Have you actually been here before? How much experience do you have living abroad?

MsJane · Post by **MsJane** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 1:09 am

I haven't been before. I lived in Prague for a little bit visiting a friend and traveled about in Europe which probably doesn't even compare. All I've got is the unwavering desire to teach children and travel. I know that sounds rather naive but it's all I have is the internet for reference, but there you go.

The thing is I have one shot of saving up at the moment. I'm in the incredibly lucky situation at the moment of living/running a pub with some friends so no rent/bills to worry about. We have a 6 month contract and if it doesn't work out it's back to been a wage slave in England and paying propitiously high rent and bills and no chance of saving.

Lucky Lucan · Post by **Lucky Lucan** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 1:13 am

Have you read up on the current political scene here?

MsJane · Post by **MsJane** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 1:25 am

Yes, I have an idea. It's a one party country and the leader of a recent opposition was killed? Is that correct? I know it's not great over there politics wise. I have read more about the recent history of Cambodia.

vladimir · Post by **vladimir** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 7:18 am

So here are my questions:

1. What kind of salary can I expect? (I'm a young looking, moderately attractive, blonde hair blue eyed 26 year old. I know that shouldn't matter but after speaking to friends who've traveled Asia this is apparently important. Could I try for a higher salary based on this?)

A: Around 1000-1100, if you don't mention/they don't acre about no degree. Find a better apartment deal by reading this:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=42684&p=559162&hil ... an#p559162

2.What does your average working week look like for an English teacher? How many hours in the classroom/planning etc.. what time do you start/finish, how many days do you get off from work?

730-1030, then 130-430, some slavemasters expect you to sit around on Saturday mornings until noon.

3. What are the schools like? What kind of classroom set up can I expect.

A The ones you're qualified to work in...meh. Class room set-up? Communist!
Disclaimer: blonde, blue eyes, attractive...no problem. Degree? What degree? Russian friend of mine got offered $1100 almost no interview

3. I've heard Cambodia is safe for women, but is there any women out there who have moved here alone and can share their experience?

A: No. They were all sold into slavery in Saudi, with Hillary's blessing.

4. I'm a frugal person and the idea is to save while in Cambodia. I'd eat at the local places or cook for myself. I've seen rooms with aircon for about $300 including bills. Does that sound about right? I feel I could get by on $600 a month but are there any other expenses I should take into account?

A: Frugal = different things to different people. You will not save anything in Cambodia on a TEFLer's salary. This is a fact. Find a rich boyfriend.(I'm not available) Rent a moto for $60/month, huge savings. But get healthcare before you come!

5. What is the best month to go to find a job?

A: Different schools follow different calendars, language school mostly just carry on. If you can put on a wife-beater, talk like an Ozzie and stop shaving, you might be able to get into ACE. Many take summer break in July...so I imagine June.

Advice: do a CELTA, never hassle to find work again, better salary/rate

Mine is red wine.

newkidontheblock · Post by **newkidontheblock** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 7:21 am

The local ruler couldn't care less about foreigners teaching English. The oppression is pretty much on the locals to keep them in line for the upcoming elections. No junta like Thailand trying the to transform the country into something that it isn't.

Just don't participate in any political demonstrations and you'll be fine.

violet · Post by **violet** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 7:39 am

vladimir wrote:So here are my questions:

1. What kind of salary can I expect? (I'm a young looking, moderately attractive, blonde hair blue eyed 26 year old. I know that shouldn't matter but after speaking to friends who've traveled Asia this is apparently important. Could I try for a higher salary based on this?)

....

A: Different schools follow different calendars, language school mostly just carry on. If you can put on a wife-beater, talk like an Ozzie and stop shaving, you might be able to get into ACE. Many take summer break in July...so I imagine June.

Advice: do a CELTA, never hassle to find work again, better salary/rate

Mine is red wine.

Is PUC auto correcting to ACE?
Nope.

Why is Vlad deliberately stating mis_info. You are very unlikely to be employed by ACE without a CELTA and degree.

gavinmac · Post by **gavinmac** » Thu Mar 02, 2017 8:24 am

I recommend reading everything on the movetocambodia.com website.

Baconroll · Post by **Baconroll** » Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:46 am

" I'm 26 year old XXXXX with plenty of experience of teaching" plenty uh thats good enough to be a Chef here....

CambodianDevil · Post by **CambodianDevil** » Tue Mar 21, 2017 12:51 pm

If you might be sold on Siem Reap, the International schools here are always looking and don't require a degree. Siem Reap also offers the only CELTA certification training in Cambodia if that interests you. Here the rate is about $1000/ month, rent with AC is about $220-250/ month.