Teach English in Myanmar

Otherwise known as the Golden Land, Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a country of diverse culture, spirituality, and amazing cuisine. Though relatively unknown by Westerners (though this is likely to change soon), Myanmar is the largest country in South-East Asia, with a population of over 51 million.

Myanmar has an eventful history. 

Previously under an oppressive military rule from 1962, Myanmar was effectively closed to the outside world. In 2015, the National League for Democracy led by Aung San Suu Kyi won the first democratic elections. Since then, Myanmar has slowly been integrating with the rest of the world. 

That is not to say that Myanmar has forever rid itself of political turmoil, but foreigners should feel relatively safe here as long as they keep an eye on travel advisories.

Currently, there is no reason not to explore this fascinating country – especially as a TEFL teacher.

You mean, apart from the super-long coastline, abundance of temples, and fascinating food? 

How about for these reasons:

• Unlike some countries with specific hiring seasons, Myanmar has teaching opportunities available year-round, making it accessible for teachers to find positions at any time.
• Because of its history, Myanmar welcomes foreign teachers into local schools with open arms. 
• Teaching English in Myanmar offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children while enjoying a reasonable cost of living and salary package.

In Myanmar there are only a few cities where you’ll be able to find teaching positions.

Yangon City

For the city slicker

Yangon is the former capital of Myanmar and its largest city. The centre of business and transport for the country, Yangon offers spiritual pagodas, colonial-era buildings and bustling markets. Teaching positions can be found in international schools and language centres. 

Mandalay

A more traditional city

Another big city, Mandalay is in the centre of the country. Though big in size, it has a smaller feel to it than Yangon. English teaching positions in Mandalay are in international schools and language centres. 

To teach English in Myanmar, a BA/BS degree is preferred but not required. A TEFFL qualification is a must.

You will need a Business visa which is valid for 10 weeks. Check your nationality to find out if you can apply for this visa on arrival or if you need to apply in advance. After the 10 weeks, you will need to do a visa run to the nearest border to renew it. This cost may be covered by your school but it may not be.

No. While some higher-paying positions may require teaching experience, the majority of teaching positions in Myanmar are happy to accept teachers without experience. 

Your TEFL certificate should be at least 120 hours. It should cover all the fundamentals of teaching English as a foreign language. Your qualification should be from a reputable, accredited and internationally recognised TEFL course provider. 

If you don’t have any teaching experience we recommend the Level 5 TEFL certificate, which provides you with the best foundation for teaching TEFL.

Yes, but a degree is preferred. 

Absolutely. You don’t need to speak English as a first language to teach English in Myanmar but your English must be at a high level of proficiency.

Here are a few costs you need to consider when starting out in Myanmar:

Accommodation: First month’s rent and security deposit.

TEFL certification: A TEFL course can cost between $100 and $500, depending on the length and level of the course and the course provider. 

Document fees: Any costs related to certifying and notarising your degree and TEFL certificate.

Flight ticket: Variable. 

Visa application: The cost of a visa is subject to your home country. You can expect to pay between $100 and $150.

Living expenses: You will need one month’s start-up capital of about 950,000Ks ($450).

Myanmar is not a destination for learning English; the demand comes from the locals themselves rather than international students. The typical contract length for English teaching positions ranges from one to twelve months.

Types of teaching jobs in Myanmar

There are many volunteering opportunities in Myanmar. These positions will give you a small stipend to live off. You could find a job in a private school and your salary will increase with your qualifications and teaching experience. Even with these positions the salary may not seem like much but the cost of living is extremely low.

Teaching jobs are available in language centres and private schools.

Private language schools

Private language schools cater for Young Learners on weekends and adults on weekday evenings.

International schools

International schools offer well-paid positions for foreign teachers. Besides teaching English there are often posts for teaching other subjects through English.

Other teaching programs in Myanmar

Volunteering

Voolunteering is one way to get teaching experience and give back to the community. 

It’s relatively easy to find teaching vacancies in international schools and language centres advertised online. If you’re looking for a volunteer position, it’s best to work through a reputable organisation. 

English teachers can expect a competitive monthly salary which provides financial stability and potential for savings.

• The average salary of a TEFL teacher in Myanmar ranges between 3,750,000Ks to 10,000,000Ks ($1,800 to $5,000) a month.
• International schools pay between 3,750,000Ks to 10,000,000Ks ($1,800 to $5,000). 
• Private language schools pay around 4,000,000Ks ($2,000) a month.

What are the common benefits for teachers in Myanmar?

For long-term contracts, schools are likely to provide re-imbursement for the cost of your flights to and from Myanmar, as well as a settling-in allowance. 

Other benefits can include:

• accommodation or a housing allowance
• annual leave + paid holiday
• visa assistance

The cost of living in Myanmar is exceptionally low. In fact, Myanmar is considered to be 50% cheaper than the United States.

Bear in mind that the country is still not very technologically advanced. Mobile phones are few and far between and you’re likely to find an ATM only in the big cities. Internet connectivity is spotty at the best of times.

What is the cost of living in Myanmar?

The average monthly cost of living in Myanmar averages around 1,000,000Ks ($500) excluding rent, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and affordability.

Here are some of the usual costs for living in Myanmar – but bear in mind, these can vary depending on which city you are in:

Accommodation

• A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre: 1,500,000Ks ($700) a month
• A one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre: 500,000Ks ($200) a month

Utilities

• Electricity, water, and gas: 85,000Ks ($40) a month

Food and groceries

• Monthly shop: 315,000Ks ($150)  
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 4,200 Ks ($2)

Transport

• Monthly travel pass: 20,000Ks ($10) 
• One-way ticket: 420Ks ($0.20)

Internet 

• Unlimited: 105,000Ks ($50)

Entertainment

• Gym, cinema, clubbing: 105,000Ks ($50) a month

Actually yes. Because the cost of living is so low it’s quite possible to save money while in Myanmar. The entertainment options are not as wild as in other countries, which is also a money-saver.

• Bordered by India, Bangladesh, Laos and Thailand, there is loads to explore just across a border.
• Teachers are highly respected in Myanmar. You can expect exemplary behaviour from your students.
• As a rural, traditional country that is, in many ways, still stuck in the past, Myanmar offers many opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the country. 
• There are jungles, mountains, and beaches to explore. You can trek through forests to villages, drift down the Irrawaddy River on a cruiser or enjoy an ice-cold falooda on the beach.
• Some areas of Myanmar are considered unsettled. As a result, foreigners are not allowed to visit those areas. This means that wherever you are in Myanmar you can be assured of your safety.

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