For Job List #4, I would like to give few tips to all ex-pats who are looking for teaching jobs in Cambodia. Let’s call it,

“Tips for Teaching Jobs Search in Cambodia”

Tip#1– Check if the school you are applying for is registered with the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports. Some schools in Cambodia are registered, and some are not. You can always ask ex-pats who have been here long enough; like me, I have been here for thirteen years. I am pretty sure I, together with others can give you reliable information about schools in Cambodia.

Tip#2- Check the school’s accreditation. As teachers, we all know what this means. Internationally accredited schools do exist, and of course most of the times these schools are run or are functioning better than others when it comes to stability and operations.

Tip#3- Once a contract is offered to you, this is the checklist you would need to validate.

Visa provision?
Work permit provision?
# of holidays in a year? Paid or not?
Sick leave?
Maternity or paternity leave?
Medical insurance?
Children’s discount availability?
End of contract bonus?

Tip#4- After reviewing all items in number 3, ask the HR manager about the following:

Dress code?
Tardiness rule?
Rules for absences?
Tattoos and pierces?
End of contract or termination notices?
Orientation days?
Professional development or training days?
Saturday work?
Parent Teachers Meeting schedule?
Winter or summer break?

Tip#5- Since online learning is still going on for some schools now, it would be best to clarify this as well with the HR manager.

Platforms used for online learning?
Schedule for online learning?
Training for this method?
Parents and students means of communication to you as a teacher
Frequency of giving updates to parents about the class

Tip#6- Once satisfied with the salary offered to you as a teacher, you can confirm and accept the job offer straight away, but if in doubt, inform the HR manager that you would need at least a day or two to think about it. Do your thorough search about the job offer and get back to the HR manager once you have finalized your decision. Avoid giving vague or false reassurance to the HR manager. Be straightforward.

Tip#7- Once both parties have signed the contract, get ready for your first day, and avoid being late. Duh…! It has been flooding now in Cambodia, and to tell your principal that you are late on your first day is pretty much a giant red flag.