Teach English in Myanmar

Otherwise known as the Golden Land, Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a country of diverse culture, spirituality, and amazing cuisine.

Myanmar has an eventful history. Previously under an oppressive military rule from 1962, Myanmar was effectively closed to the outside world. Finally, in 2015, the National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, won the first democratic elections and, 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 while here as long as they keep an eye on travel advisories.

In the meantime, there is no reason not to explore this fascinating country.

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.

Besides natural beauty, there is plenty of art, architecture, and archaeology to enjoy, as well as countless Buddhist sites, on busy streets or deserted mountain tops. A definite highlight and a must for every visitor to Myanmar is the Bagan Plain, which boasts an incredible 3,000 temples.

The thanaka tree plays a part in Myanmar culture. The bark from the tree is ground down and water is added to create a paste. This paste is used as makeup by both men and women. If this makeup is applied you are considered more beautiful. Thanaka has been used by women for over 20 centuries. It’s seen as a wonderful alternative to sunscreen and is likely to be an original protector from the sun.

If you are travelling to Myanmar, dates worth noting are the 13th of April to the 16th of April. That’s when the Maha Thingyan Water Festival is on. It’s one of the most widely celebrated across Myanmar, thousands flood the streets (no pun intended) to have huge water fights to celebrate the Burmese New Year.

In the central plains of Myanmar, you will find the temples of modern-day Bagan. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Myanmar Kingdom flourished and their wealth built incredible monuments for the time. With over 2,000 religious monuments to visit in a small area, it is one of the must-visit locations in Myanmar if travelling to the country.

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.

You will need a Business visa which is valid for 10 weeks and then you will need to do a visa run to the nearest border to renew it.

To teach English in Myanmar, a BA/BS degree is required as a standard qualification. The typical contract length for English teaching positions ranges from one to twelve months, offering flexibility and options for educators.

Unlike some countries with specific hiring seasons, Myanmar has opportunities available year-round, making it accessible for teachers to find positions at any time.

Regarding visa requirements, teachers usually obtain a business visa to legally work in the country. While teaching English in Myanmar, you will primarily work with children as your typical students.

The average monthly cost of living in Myanmar ranges from 1,300,000 to 1,600,000 MMK, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and affordability. Additionally, English teachers can expect a competitive monthly salary ranging from 2,000,000 to 3,500,000 MMK, which provides financial stability and potential for savings.

With these factors in mind, 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.

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