TEACH ENGLISH IN MYANMAR

About Teaching English in Myanmar

To find a TEFL job and teach English in Myanmar, you will need a TEFL certificate and a 4-year college degree in any field. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Myanmar is about $900 - $1,800 USD per month.

Are you looking to teach English in an off-the-beaten-track destination in the heart of Southeast Asia? Known to many through the colonial era writings of Kipling or perhaps an old Tony Bourdain episode, Myanmar (once known as Burma) has long been famous for its ancient temples, lush jungles, vibrant cities, and the warmth and generosity of its people. For decades, the nation was largely economically, politically, and culturally isolated from the world. However, in recent years, Myanmar changed governments and has increasingly opened its doors to the world, creating a building demand for English teachers. 

English teachers in Myanmar can find teaching jobs year-round, with May through September being one of the busiest periods. While some schools interview for teaching positions in advance over the phone and via e-mail, many schools prefer to interview in person. Teachers are typically responsible for their airfare and housing (though some volunteer programs may provide housing). Schools usually offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to explore. 

You will need a TEFL certificate to find a TEFL job and teach English in Myanmar. One option is to take your TEFL course in Yangon, Myanmar, where the course staff have extensive knowledge of the local job market and will provide you with the assistance you need to get hired. English does not need to be your first language, but native English proficiency is expected to find a TEFL job. 

The average salary for a first-time English teacher in Myanmar is typically the equivalent of $700 - $1,000 USD per month. This may seem low, but given the local cost of living, many teachers can save up to 20% of their monthly income, which is excellent for extra travel or other endeavors.

Most of those teaching English in Myanmar will find jobs in major cities like Yangon and Mandalay.

How to Teach English in Myanmar: Requirements

TEFL Certification for Myanmar

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Myanmar. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

It is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Myanmar, however, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is highly preferred.

Degree Requirements

Can you teach English in Myanmar without a degree?

A college degree is not required to teach English in Myanmar. There are also fewer restrictions when it comes to matters like age and citizenship compared to many other Asian nations. 

Read more: Requirements to teach English in Myanmar

How to Find English Teaching Jobs in Myanmar

TEFL Jobs in Myanmar

The most common teaching jobs in Myanmar consist of:

• Teaching children in public schools.
• Teaching Business English to adults.
• One-on-one private tutoring.
• Volunteer teaching.
• Teaching English Online.

TEFL Myanmar: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Myanmar can expect to find jobs year-round with May-September being the peak hiring season. Some schools will interview in advance via a video call from your home country, while some will interview in-person, meaning you can contact and interview with school locally upon arrival.

A business visa is typically issued at the airport upon your arrival with correct documentation from your school/employer.

Being an English Teacher in Myanmar: Hours

Schools in Myanmar offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

Teaching Students from Myanmar

It is most common that your students will be children or adult business professionals. 

COVID Vaccine

As of December 2022, proof of COVID vaccination is required to enter Myanmar.

Teaching in Myanmar Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

We recommend that you arrive in Myanmar with access to at least $1,500 - $2,000 to cover initial start-up costs. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Myanmar until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

English Teacher Salary in Myanmar

A modest salary combined with an extremely low cost of living enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Myanmar. English teachers in Myanmar can expect to make $700 - $1,000 USD per month.

There are no flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent.

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $700-$800 USD per month.

English teachers in Myanmar can expect to at least break even month-over-month. However, many English teachers in Myanmar are able to save up to 20% of their monthly salary because the local cost of living is so low.  If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.