English teachers in Malaysia can expect to find jobs year round, as this is a very large and lucrative ESL job market.  Most English teaching job interviews are conducted in advance over the phone and via e-mail for Malaysia. English teachers are responsible for airfare and housing expenses. Most teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many room with coworkers.

Malaysia is a relatively open state-oriented and newly industrialized market economy.  In 2007, the economy of Malaysia was the 3rd largest in Southeast Asia, and 29th largest economy in the world by purchasing power parity with a growth rate of 5% to 7% since 2007.

Malaysia is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. The country participates in many international organizations such as the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Developing 8 Countries and the Non-Aligned Movement. As a former British colony, it is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy situated in Southeast Asia. It is separated by the South China Sea into two regions, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo (known as West and East Malaysia respectively).  Land borders are shared with Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines. Peninsular Malaysia is connected to Singapore via a causeway and a bridge. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. The population as of 2009 stood at over 28 million.

The Malaysian constitution guarantees it's citizens freedom of religion, although Islam is the largest and official religion. Approximately 60.4% of the population practiced Islam; 19.2% Buddhism; 9.1% Christianity; 6.3% Hinduism; and 2.6% practice Confucianism, Taoism and other traditional Chinese religions.

The official language of Malaysia is known as Bahasa Malaysia, a standardized form of the Malay language.  English was for a protracted period the de facto administrative language, though Malay became predominant after 1969. English remains an active second language in many areas of Malaysian society, serving as the medium of instruction for Maths and Sciences in all public schools. If students wish to advance in their studies, a knowledge of English is crucial. Malaysian English, also known as Malaysian Standard English (MySE), is a form of English derived from British English, although there is little official use of the term, except with relation to education.

A generous salary allows English teachers in Malaysia to live a comfortable lifestyle, while saving 300–600 USD per month. Schools typically offer 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore. English teachers do not need a bachelor’s degree to teach in Malaysia, although it is preferred by most schools and language institutes. TEFL certification is required. Most teaching jobs are concentrated in Kuala Lumpur and other major cities.

English Teaching Requirements in Malaysia

• Education: BA/BS required; TEFL TESOL Certification is required and students can obtain certification in any of our Worldwide TEFL locations or by taking the Online TEFL Class. 
  
  
  
• Citizenship Requirements:  USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa.
  
  

• Typical hiring process: via phone in advance
  
  
• Average teaching hours per week: 20–25 hours of classroom plus extra prep time
  
  
• Type s of students: Business professionals, children in public schools and private language schools
  
  
• Cost of living per month: 900–1,800 USD; 3,000–6,000 MRY
  
  
• Average monthly pay: 900–1,800 USD
   
• Start-up cost: 2,100–2,500 USD
   
• Potential to sa ve or break even: save 300–600 USD/month 

• Accommodation/housing benefits paid: no, employer will assist to find
  
  
• Vacation - Paid 2 weeks
  
  
• Flight reimbursement: no
   
  
  
  

Interesting Facts About Life in Malaysia

• Malaysia has the second highest GDP in Southeast Asia, behind Singapore.
  
  
• Though it is a multi-religious society, Islam is the official religion of Malaysia.
  
  
• The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur are the tallest twin buildings in the world.
  
  
• Almost 60% of Malaysia is forested.