With its pristine beaches, exotic jungles, ancient temples, and French-colonial architecture, Cambodia has become a must-visit country in Southeast Asia. First founded in 1434, Phnom Penh became the Cambodia’s capital during the French colonization. It was dubbed the “Pearl of Asia” and was revered as one of the most beautiful cities in French Indochina. A number of French colonial buildings still line majestic boulevards throughout the city, and gorgeous traditional Khemer-style buildings such as the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, the National Museum, and the Silver Pagoda are popular tourist destinations.
The 20th Century was not kind to Cambodia, but after Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge were driven out of Phnom Penh in 1979, the country was able to rebuild with much international support. Now over 2 million people reside in Phnom Penh, which has developed into the center of Cambodian industry, diplomacy, and culture.
The School
The course in Cambodia provides the standard 100 hours of coursework and combines it with hands-on community teaching experience. You generally work with the same students regularly for 8 to 10 hours each week, allowing you to work together to improve.
Since assignments are often in local service centers (hospital, police station, city hall, orphanage, immigration office, etc.), your student teaching experience directly benefits the community. By the end of the class, your students will have had thirty hours of English language classes for free. This may not seem like much, but it is approximately the same number of hours class in many public schools will get in one academic year.
Please note that for student teaching/observation, it is requested that you adhere to local professional conventions. Women should cover their shoulders. Low-cut necklines and very short skirts are not acceptable. Midriffs must not be visible, even when you lift your arms. Open-toed shoes are acceptable. Men should wear long pants, short- or long-sleeved shirt with a collar, and loafers or dress shoes. Jeans, sandals and tennis shoes are not acceptable when teaching. Long hair should be neatly tied into a ponytail.
Housing
During the course, multiple housing options are available. The most popular option is the villa --a six bedroom, six bath home about ten minutes from the training center, which runs approximately $600/month. Other options include shared apartments, guesthouses, and hotels in the area. Housing options and pricing are dependent upon availability and season at the time of your course.
Transportation
Phnom Penh International Airport is located just 4 miles from the city center. Once you are in the country, taxis, buses, bicycle rickshaws (called “cyclos”), and motorcycle taxis (called “tuk-tuks”) are the primary means of transportation.
Climate
Phnom Penh has two seasons: wet and dry. During the wet season (May – October) the city experiences heavy rainfall and monsoons, which then ushers in the dry season (November – April). Temperatures are hot year round, with some slightly milder temperatures in winter.
Tuition Includes
Tuition Includes:
Tuition DOES NOT Include:
TEFL Institute course fee
Course materials
Job placement assistance
Pre-enrollment and departure advice
Orientation
Accommodation and meals
Homestay and arrangement fee
Personal expenses
Travel to and from the course
Visa, if needed
Airport pickup
Medical insurance (TEFL Institute can recommend medical insurance)
