Teaching English in Myanmar (Your FAQs Answered)

About Teaching English in Myanmar

Looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination shrouded in mystery in the heart of Asia? Immortalized in the works of Kipling and known for its romantic temples and lush jungles Myanmar (once known as Burma) was closed off from the world economically and politically for generations. In recent years, however, Myanmar changed governments and has seen a boom in interest, especially that of tourists and the English-teaching market. As a poor nation, Myanmar isn't a country where you will make a ton of money teaching English (many opportunities are volunteer in nature), if you seek a fantastic international experience in a country that isn't overrun by expats and tourists, Myanmar is a place to consider.

English teachers in Myanmar can find teaching jobs year-round with May through September being one of the busiest. Although most interviews are conducted in advance over the phone and via e-mail, some schools prefer to interview in person. Teachers are typically responsible for their airfare and housing (though some volunteer programs provide housing). Most teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many share an apartment with other English teachers.

A decent salary combined with an extremely low cost of living affords English teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle on the cheap. Schools offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to explore.

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.

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

Teaching Requirements

TEFL CERTIFICATION

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.

Teachers typically interview in-advance from their home country, therefore, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below:

You may also wish to take one of the 4-Week In-Person TEFL Courses that we offer in 21 locations worldwide.

NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKER

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

English teachers need a bachelor's degree to teach English in Myanmar. Please note, your bachelor's degree does not need to be in education, it can be in any field.

TEFL Jobs in Myanmar

JOB TYPES

The most common job types in Myanmar consist of:

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

HIRING & VISA

English teachers in Myanmar can expect to find jobs year-round with May-September being peak hiring season. Most schools will interview in advance via a video call from your home country, while some will interview in-person meaning you will need to be in Myanmar for the interview.

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

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.

STUDENTS

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

Salary & Cost of Living

START-UP COSTS

Start-up costs will range from $1,100 - $2,000 USD (1,474,100 – 2,682,000 MMK). 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.

SALARY

A modest salary combined with an extremely low cost of living enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Myanmar. Teachers can expect to make $900 - $1,800 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 $650-$800 USD per month.

English teachers in Myanmar can expect to break even month-over-month. This means you can cover your rent and bills, support yourself, live comfortably, and enjoy your life abroad to the fullest, but you should not expect to save money at the end of the month. 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.

About International TEFL Academy

Founded in 2010, International TEFL Academy (ITA) is a world leader in TEFL certification for teaching English abroad and teaching English online. ITA offers accredited TEFL certification classes online and in 20+ locations worldwide and has received multiple awards and widespread recognition as one of the best TEFL schools in the world. ITA provides all students and graduates with lifetime job search guidance and has certified more than 40,000 English teachers. Our graduates are currently teaching in 80 countries worldwide.

Teaching English in Myanmar FAQs

Do I need a degree to teach English in Myanmar?

To teach English in Myanmar, make sure you understand what is and is not required:

Required:

A four-year college degree
A TEFL certification
Understanding of the types of English teaching jobs that are available
Savings for start-up costs

Not Required:

You do not need to be a native English speaker, but 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.

What is the salary for teaching English in Myanmar?

Teachers can expect to make $900 - $1,800 USD per month in Myanmar. English teachers in Myanmar can expect to break even month-over-month. This means you can cover your rent and bills, support yourself, live comfortably, and enjoy your life abroad to the fullest, but you should not expect to save money at the end of the month. 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.

Start-up costs will range from $1,100 - $2,000 USD. 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.

What are my job opportunities for teaching English in Myanmar?

The most common job types in Myanmar consist of:

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

English teachers in Myanmar can expect to find jobs year-round with May-September being peak hiring season. Most English teachers interview in advance via a video call from your home country, while some will interview in-person meaning you will need to be in Myanmar for the interview.

What type of visa do I need to teach English in Myanmar?

To teach English in Myanmar, you will require a business visa. This is typically issued at the airport upon your arrival in Myanmar with the correct documentation from your school/employer.

Recommended TEFL Courses for Teaching English in Myanmar

Part-Time Online TEFL Course

What's included 👇

170-Hour Online Certification
11 Weeks Part-Time
OFQUAL Level 5 Accreditation from TQUK
Live Office Hours with Your Instructor & Peer-Participation with Classmates
Lifetime Job Search Guidance
20-Hours Live Practice Teaching

Find out more

Intensive Online TEFL Course

What's included 👇

4 Weeks Full-Time (40+ hours per week) - required class time typically 6-8 hours daily
OFQUAL Level 5 Accreditation from TQUK
Live Office Hours with Your Instructor & Peer-Participation with Classmates
Lifetime Job Search Guidance
10-Hours Live Practice Teaching (Virtual) built into the course

Find out more

Why Our Alumni Love Us!

I decided to teach English in Myanmar in the city of Lashio. I am the co-founder/co-director of an English language/education center here in Myanmar. Our goal is to give rural youth (i.e. in rural towns like Lashio) access to quality education and international teachers. I would recommend teaching in Myanmar (especially in rural Myanmar). It has been such a rich, fulfilling, colorful, and challenging experience. I've learned so much about myself too while I've been here - I'd highly recommend it.

People often ask me what was my favorite country that I visited, and the answer (often to their surprise) is Myanmar. The reason is largely because of my time spent in Nyuangshwe volunteer teaching at Hand to Hand. I fell in love with every single one of those kids. They were so sweet and bright and earnest. It inspired me to volunteer more as I traveled; to give back to the places I was visiting rather than going just for myself.

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