Teaching English in the Philippines: Jobs, Salary & Qualifications

The Republic of the Philippines is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean in Southeast Asia. There are over 7,000 islands in the Philippines. Because of its numerous beautiful beaches, amazing diving and surfing spots, delicious fruit, grand festivals, and unbelievably nice people, it is a very popular travel destination. If you are a nature lover looking for a country to teach abroad, you have to consider teaching English in the Philippines.

The weather in the Philippines is somewhat similar to the weather in Central America. The climate of the Philippines is tropical and maritime, meaning it is hot and humid; it rains a lot. There are four seasons in the world, but the Philippines has two: wet and dry. If you teach English in the Philippines, you will have to deal with the either hot and dry Summer or the wet and humid Summer. Still, if you like Summer, it can’t be that bad. Continue reading to learn more about teaching ESL in the Philippines.

Teaching English in the Philippines

The official languages of the Philippines are Filipino, a standardized version of Tagalog, and English. In the Philippines, more than 95% of the population speaks English, and two-thirds of the people are quite fluent in English. In fact, the Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world as the population is over 1 million. Therefore, many students from neighbouring Asian countries, like Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, move to the Philippines to study English. Although the job market can be competitive, ESL teachers who are prepared will be able to find decent English teaching jobs in the Philippines. Especially, Manila, the capital city, and Pampanga offer many TEFL jobs.

Requirements for Teaching English in the Philippines

As we’ve mentioned, a huge part of the Philippines population is native English speakers. Thus, there is going to be a lot of competition when searching for ESL teaching jobs in the Philippines. If you want to get the job, use the following list as the minimum list of qualifications you want to have before finding an English teaching job.

Minimum requirements for ESL teachers in the Philippines:

• a Bachelor’s degree
• TEFL certificate
• English teaching experience

Not only are you competing to get the job with local teachers, but you are also competing with ESL teachers from around the world. Because a lot of English teaching jobs offer are great; the cost of living is low, ESL teachers who want to teach abroad often choose the Philippines.

English Teaching Jobs in the Philippines

Check out the different types of English teaching jobs available in the Philippines. If you choose to teach English in the Philippines, which job type would you prefer?

Technical and Vocational Education

In the Philippines, a government agency called the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) manages and supervises technical education and skills development. TESDA also offers English language courses and programs. Check out TESDA’s career page because they are often looking for instructors in multiple fields.

Private Language Academies

ESL teachers will have a great chance of getting a job at this type of institution, as many people living in the Philippines choose private language academies as their English education resource. A lot of students who come to learn English at private language academies will often have a university degree, which means their education level is quite high. You will often see Filipinos who are planning to move to another country. In this case, most of the students will be coming to learn English skills that are applicable to English exams like TOEFL, IELTS, and GRE. If you are an expert in any one of these exams, you will have a better chance of getting the job.

Private Tutoring

This option is always a great way to supplement your income as an ESL instructor teaching abroad. The great part about private tutoring is that the hourly salary tends to be high, it is less time-consuming, the classes are mostly one-on-one, and you can be relatively flexible with scheduling. However, the downside is that it is not a permanent job which means it is too risky to keep it as your full-time job.

Salary for ESL Jobs in the Philippines

On average, English teachers in the Philippines earn around 800 USD per month. Although it is much lower than the average salary in North America, the cost of living in the Philippians is considerably low as well. Saving cash with a single TEFL job might be challenging, but you will still be able to live comfortably. Also, you always have the option to give private tutoring lessons or teach online as a part-time gig.

Things to Consider When Teaching in the Philippines

The work hours and schedules can vary depending on the type of institution you work for. Still, the workload is known to be light, and they have a good work environment. One thing that you want to keep in mind is that the Philippines’ culture has a relaxed approach toward timekeeping and punctuality. This is called the Filipino time. Filipinos often will be late for an event and start things late. However, this isn’t always the case for business meetings, important appointments, or other formal events.

Should I teach ESL in the Philippines?

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

1. Demand for English Teachers: English is widely spoken and considered an official language in the Philippines. There is a high demand for English teachers, both in schools and in private language centers, making it a favorable destination for teaching English.
2. 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. Determine how your qualifications align with the requirements of potential employers in the Philippines.
3. Job Opportunities: Research the job market for English teaching positions in the Philippines. Explore the availability of teaching positions, the requirements, and the qualifications needed to secure employment. Consider reaching out to language schools, educational institutions, or international organizations that offer English teaching opportunities in the country.
4. Cultural Experience: Teaching English in the Philippines offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in Filipino culture and gain a deeper understanding of the local customs, traditions, and way of life. If you have an interest in Southeast Asian cultures, this can be a valuable experience.
5. Cost of Living: Consider the cost of living in the Philippines. Research the average cost of accommodation, transportation, food, and other daily expenses in the specific location where you plan to teach. Compare it to the salary or remuneration offered to ensure that it provides a comfortable standard of living.
6. Language Environment: English is widely spoken in the Philippines, which can make it easier to communicate with locals and navigate daily life. However, there are also many regional languages spoken in different parts of the country, so be prepared for linguistic diversity.
7. Work Permits and Legal Requirements: Ensure that you understand the legal requirements for teaching English in the Philippines, including work permits and visa regulations. Familiarize yourself with the necessary documentation and procedures to work legally in the country.
8. Personal Safety: Research the safety situation in the Philippines 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.
9. Networking and Professional Development: Consider the opportunities for networking and professional development in the Philippines. Engage with local teachers’ associations, attend workshops or conferences, and connect with other English teachers to enhance your teaching skills and expand your professional network.

FAQ About Teaching English in the Philippines

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding English teaching jobs in the Philippines. Check out the answers!

Are English teachers in demand in the Philippines?

We are seeing a global trend of the demand for English teachers continuously rising. The Philippines is not an exception. Although most of the locals are fluent English speakers, a lot of them are seeking English education specifically for exam purposes like IELTS and TOEFL; people from neighbouring countries move to the Philippines to study English.

Can foreigners teach English in the Philippines?

Yes, foreigners can also teach English in the Philippines. However, the job market is competitive, so teachers will have to be qualified and prepared to secure an English teaching job in the Philippines.

How much do English teachers make in the Philippines?

On average, ESL teachers are known to make around 800 USD per month in the Philippines.

Teach English in Indonesia: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on teaching English in the Philippines? Is it the right place for you, or are you considering teaching ESL in another part of the world like Africa or Europe? Let us know what you think in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.