There’s a ‘miracle’ playing out in Cambodia right now. Once considered a rural backwater and best known for war, Cambodia is rapidly moving towards ‘economic powerhouse’ status in Southeast Asia. The insatiable demand from the population for English language skills – and the related demand for people with the skills to teach the language are ‘byproducts’ of the transformation that’s taking place. Currently, there are significantly more English teaching jobs available in Cambodia than there are TESOL certified people to fill them. This is excellent news for prospective English language teachers who can make the move now.

Capital city

Phnom Penh is the capital city of Cambodia and home to over two million people. From the 1860s through to the 1950s (other than a short period of Japanese occupation), Phnom Penh (and greater Cambodia) was part of the French Indochina ‘protectorate’. Even now, it’s hard to miss Phnom Penh’s colonial past with government buildings, transport hubs, shops and old French villas from the era dominating much of the streetscape. It’s also hard to miss the increase in the number of foreigners over the past three to four years, many of whom are pursuing English teaching jobs in Phnom Penh and the surrounding districts. While the size of the expat community in Cambodia is growing, it remains miniscule compared to neighbouring Vietnam and Thailand.

Given that Phnom Penh is small and less developed than other capital cities in Southeast Asia, getting from ‘Point A to Point B’ is easy to organise and cheap. TUK TUKs and motorbike taxis can be found on every street corner. It’s possible to travel by TUK TUK from the centre of Phnom Penh to an outer district (four or five kilometres) for no more than US $2.00 assuming you don’t might to haggle and are skilled at holding your ground. .

Climate

The climate in Phnom Penh is typically hot and humid. There are two distinct seasons – the dry season and the wet season. In the dry season, it’s hot, not as humid as the wet season, and it’s likely that you won’t see a drop of rain. High humidity, a daily downpour and flooding are the key characteristics of the wet season. The flooding makes it difficult to get where you need to go, at least for an hour or two. As quick as the rain and floods come during the wet season, they disappear, and everyday life returns to normal.

Out & about

In addition to the infamous sites from the tragic Khmer Rouge period, there is a lot to see and do in Phnom Penh. Feedback from AVSE-TESOL alumni suggests the following places are well-worth checking out: The Royal Palace, the boardwalk along the Tonle Sap River, the National Museum, the Silver Pagoda and the Central Market. The ‘Old Chinese House’ located on Sisowath Quay and the Post Office built by the French in the 1800s near Street 104 are also well-worth visiting.

Venues in Phnom Penh for nighttime entertainment are plentiful. The following places come recommended by former TESOL students at AVSE-TESOL: The Duplex Café and Night Club, the Mad Monkey, Pontoon Night Club, the Score Bar (great pool tables), Oscar’s on the Corner, Larry’s Bar and Grill (try the pork tenderloins with mustard sauce) or simply taking a leisurely walk around the Riverside precinct. The Phnom Penh Night Market receives an honourable mention.

TESOL course

English teaching jobs in Phnom Penh and across Cambodia require quality TESOL certification. This is precisely what AVSE-TESOL delivers – certification that’s accredited by the Australian Government.

The TESOL programme at AVSE-TESOL in Phnom Penh is delivered in collaboration with four of the most respected schools in Cambodia, the ELT Institute, Westline International School, Western International School, and the Worldwide International School. The Cambodia Youth Institute, a leading Non-Government Organisation (NGO) in Phnom Penh, is also a key partner.

Collectively, our partner schools have more than 30,000 students from young learners through to adults across 43 campuses the length and breadth of Cambodia. By any measure, the combined size of our partner schools is substantial. Our TESOL trainees are direct beneficiaries through observation and ‘real-life’ teaching practice opportunities in a fully functioning school environment from day one of their TESOL course. The level of immersion during the TESOL course at AVSE-TESOL is a key reason why our graduates consistently secure the best English teaching jobs in Phnom Penh and outlying areas.

AVSE-TESOL is co-located with the ELT Institute in Phnom Penh. Our street address is: 7-9 Street 136, Phsar Thmey 3, Daun Penh District. The famous Riverside area, well-known for its abundant nightlife, is a 10-minute walk. The neighbourhood surrounding our training base is ‘classic Cambodia’, with residential dwellings dispersed among businesses of all shapes and sizes. Bars, restaurants, coffee shops, laundry services and arguably the best ‘street food’ in the whole of Cambodia are within walking distance. There are even western-style shopping malls close by for those who are missing some of the comforts of home.

It’s noteworthy that Cambodia has more Public Holidays than any other country on earth. The last count was 28 days per year, doubling the number of Public Holidays in Australia and tripling the number in the United Kingdom and the United States. Quite a few of Cambodia’s Public Holidays last for more than one day, which can impact your preparation for English teaching jobs in Phnom Penh or getting a start in a new job because schools are closed. It’s wise to familiarise yourself with the Public Holiday schedule in Cambodia while planning your trip.

There is no doubt that Phnom Penh and pretty much all of Cambodia can be confronting at first – the noise, the traffic, problematic infrastructure, vermin, food choices and suchlike. After you acclimatise, you’ll almost certainly share the opinion of many others who walked in your shoes – Phnom Penh is a brilliant place to do the TESOL training programme with AVSE-TESOL. Moreover, with TESOL certification from AVSE-TESOL, you’ll be in a strong position for the best English teaching jobs in Phnom Penh and other parts of Cambodia.

Phnom Penh – Course dates

The table below provides dates for AVSE’s TESOL / TEFL course in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, through to the end of 2024. You are encouraged to apply at least three months before the start date of the course that’s best for you. Teaching English in Cambodia is an experience like none other. Grab this opportunity now.