How do I get a job teaching English in Myanmar?
Myanmar has suffered many years of internal struggles which led to it being effectively closed off to much of the world for several years. Despite ongoing issues, Myanmar is again open for business and it now attracts ESL teachers who are looking for something a little different to the norm. Unlike many other countries in the region, Myanmar has yet to see mass development of the tourist trade, so if you insist on a Starbucks coffee in the morning and a McDonald’s burger for lunch, this probably isn’t the place for you. Visitors to this beautiful country will get to enjoy a unique culture, a low cost of living, and some of the most amazing natural and man-made wonders in the whole of Southeast Asia.
What are the requirements for teaching English in Myanmar?
As Myanmar is not swamped with teachers looking for work, the requirements laid out by employers are usually minimal. All you will generally need is a TESOL certification and a sense of adventure. It is not normally a requirement to have a degree or to be a native English speaker, although some previous experience and teaching qualifications will often broaden your job options.
What TESOL course is best for teaching English in Myanmar?
Most employers will be happy to accept a TESOL certification as long as it is over 120 hours and issued by a reputable company. An online course such as ITTTs 120-hour TESOL certificate will provide all the theoretical training you require and you can even add some additional practical training that can be completed in the location of your choice. The addition of practical teaching practice can be a real bonus as it prepares you for the realities of setting foot in a real classroom for the very first time.
Also read: How should I approach my first day in an ESL classroom?
Many trainees decide that an in-class TESOL course is the best approach as it fully prepares you both theoretically and practically, while the whole course is taught in-person by highly qualified and experienced teachers. Although ITTT does not have a training center in Myanmar, there are two centers in Thailand in Bangkok and Phuket. If you choose this option you will benefit from around four weeks of acclimatizing to the local climate and culture before starting work in your first teaching job.
Check out our in-class TESOL training centers in Bangkok and Phuket.
What are the visa requirements for teaching English in Myanmar?
In most cases foreign ESL teachers in Myanmar teach legally on a Business Visa which is valid for ten weeks at a time. Most nationalities will be able to apply for the visa on arrival in the country, but it is best to check with a Myanmar Embassy before finalizing your travel plans. On this visa you need to leave the country once it expires and then get a new one on arrival back into the country. Most teachers choose to fly to Bangkok for the weekend and then fly back to start the process again. However, there is now a longer-term Business Visa that might be available to you that removes the need for regular trips out of the country. Ask any potential employers whether this visa is an option for you during the recruitment process.
What is the best way to apply for English teaching jobs in Myanmar?
Very few teaching jobs are advertised online so the majority of teachers simply arrive in the country and then start contacting potential employers in person. Private language schools are relatively widespread in the major cities and most teachers should find something suitable within a week or two. If possible you should first contact schools via email prior to your departure to arrange as many meetings or interviews as possible.
Also read: Where are the best places to teach English as a volunteer?
