Teaching English in Laos: Jobs, Salary & Qualifications

Laos is an amazing country located in the northeast mainland of Southeast Asia. This landlocked country is a famous destination among travellers. Other Southeast Asian countries include Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. If you are into animals and nature, you will love Laos because its nickname is the land of a million elephants! Continue reading to learn why you should consider teaching English in Laos.

Teaching abroad is a popular choice made by ESL teachers around the world. It is a great opportunity to teach, grow your career, give back to the community (depending on the country), and also explore new places! Laos is a country that travel-loving ESL instructors must have on their list of countries to consider when choosing where to go during their teaching abroad years or months. By teaching ESL in Laos, you will gain unforgettable memories from experiencing the amazing scenery, ethnic villages, and unexplored lands.

Teaching English in Laos

Laos is an underdeveloped country, so the demand for English learning isn’t as high as it is in neighbouring countries. Consequently, most of the English teaching jobs in Laos will be either unpaid or volunteer positions. However, if you wish to get paid, you can find job opportunities at private English language institutions.

The great part about teaching English in Laos is that most of the schools offer teachers to work 20 to 30 hours a week. This means that ESL teachers will have plenty of time to explore the amazing country. Furthermore, the cost of living is low enough for teachers to live off the low salary.

Requirements for Teaching English in Laos

The number of required qualifications is significantly lower in Laos than in most of the other teach abroad destinations. A TEFL certificate is, in fact, the only real requirement that employers will look for from ESL teachers. Take a look at the following list to get a better idea of the qualifications that will help you secure a job in Laos as an English teacher.

• TEFL certificate (required)
• College or university degree (preferred)
• Native English proficiency (expected)

English Teaching Jobs in Laos

It can be tough to find a decent teaching job in an underdeveloped country like Laos. A useful way to find a job is to be part of a teaching program. This type of program will be able to look for teach abroad jobs in international schools, colleges, and language schools. However, if you choose to teach abroad with programs, you might need extra qualifications compared to applying directly to schools in Laos.

International Schools/Bilingual Schools

There is a growing demand for ESL teachers in Laos among lower-level students. You will likely find international or bilingual schools looking for English teachers for kindergarten or primary school classes. Most international schools follow the I.B curriculum, and Bilingual Schools will teach in both English and Lao.

Language Schools

At language schools, you will meet a more diverse range of students as there are classes in the early mornings, evenings, and weekends. The fluency and skill levels of students will also vary a lot among students. A few examples of language schools in Laos include Vientiane College, Vientiane Pattana School, and Logo Academy.

Teach Abroad Volunteer Programs

If you are willing to give back to the community, the volunteer program is the right choice for you. Elic is a teach abroad program that recruits, trains, and send new teachers to countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. It provides a university teaching program (UTP) in Laos. The cost of the program is customized, so it depends on a number of personal factors. The following list is all the minimum requirements needed to apply for the UTP program.

Qualifications for Elic UTP:

• English proficiency
• A bachelor’s degree
• An enthusiasm to share your hope and life.
• A desire to grow personally and professionally.
• A passion to serve on a team.
• A readiness/willingness to raise financial support.

The program will cover most of the basic necessities and more such as housing, flights, health and dental insurance, monthly stipend, TESOL certificate, professional training and development, and more. The program lasts for 1+ years. In order to get into the program, you will have to complete the registration form, application form, and a phone interview.

Salary for ESL Jobs in Laos

The monthly salary for teaching English in Laos is approximately between 500 and 1000 USD. However, the specific hourly salary can greatly defer depending on the type of the job.

As Laos is very underdeveloped you will also see many unpaid or volunteering jobs. If you are willing to take an opportunity to give back to the community, volunteering can also be a good option. However, you will also be able to find paid jobs at private language schools.

Things to Consider When Teaching in Laos

When you visit Laos, you will recognize that the local people live a slower pace of life. Laos has a nickname called Lao PDR (Please Don’t Rush). On some occasions, you might be expected to visit your students’ villages. Also, the cost of living in Laos is very low, so you will be able to enjoy a comfortable life.

FAQ About Teaching English in Laos

Here are the most asked questions about teaching English in Laos and the answers.

How much do English teachers make in Laos?

In Laos, the average salary of ESL teachers is between 500 and 1,000 USD per month.

Do I need a degree to teach English in Laos?

Although a college or university degree is preferred, it isn’t necessarily required to teach English in Laos. However, a TEFL certificate is a required qualification for ESL teachers in Laos.

What is the cost of living in Laos?

The cost of living in Laos is very low. Despite the low salary, when you compare it to the cost of living, it is almost breakeven. English teachers can enjoy quite a comfortable lifestyle with their salaries.

Should I Teach English in Laos?

Deciding whether to teach English in Laos or any other country is a personal decision that depends on various factors. Here are some points to consider:

Interest in Lao Culture

Laos is a culturally rich and diverse country with a unique heritage and traditions. If you have a genuine interest in Lao culture, history, and language, teaching English in Laos can provide a rewarding and immersive experience.

Job Opportunities

Assess the job market for English teaching positions in Laos. Research the demand for English teachers, availability of positions, and the qualifications and requirements needed to secure employment. Consider reaching out to language schools, educational institutions, or international organizations that offer English teaching opportunities in Laos.

Qualifications and Experience

Evaluate your qualifications and experience as an English teacher. Some institutions may require specific certifications, such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. Consider how your qualifications align with the requirements of potential employers in Laos.

Work Environment and Conditions

Look into the working conditions and environment for English teachers in Laos. Consider factors such as class sizes, resources available, support from the institution, and the overall teaching environment. Research the education system in Laos to understand its structure and policies.

Financial Considerations

Assess the salary and cost of living in Laos. Determine if the remuneration offered aligns with your financial needs and if it provides a comfortable standard of living. Research the cost of accommodation, transportation, healthcare, and other daily expenses in the specific location where you plan to teach.

Personal Safety

Research the safety situation in Laos and the specific location where you plan to teach. Understand the safety measures recommended for foreigners and determine if you are comfortable with the security conditions in the country. Consult travel advisories and seek insights from expatriates or locals to understand the safety landscape.

Cultural Adjustment

Consider your ability to adapt to a new cultural setting. Laos has its own cultural norms, customs, and social dynamics. Assess your openness and willingness to embrace a different cultural environment and navigate potential cultural differences.

Personal Growth and Professional Development

Reflect on how teaching in Laos can contribute to your personal growth and professional development. Consider the opportunity to gain international teaching experience, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and make a positive impact on students’ lives in a different context.

Language Considerations

English is not widely spoken in Laos, so be prepared to adapt your teaching methods to cater to non-native English speakers. Consider the challenges and rewards of teaching English in an environment where English proficiency may vary among students.

Teach English in Laos: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on teaching ESL in Laos? Is it the right place for you, or are you looking for a higher-paying ESL job? Let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API