Education

The government of Cambodia offers a teacher training program in order to become a secondary school teacher. A few conditions apply if you would like to register for this program. First, you have to take a state exam after high school. This is possible for high school graduates and students, but also for government officers and graduated university students until the age of 35. Before taking the exam, you select the school subject that you would like to teach. This subject will be covered during the exam, besides Khmer General Education. When you pass the exam you can sign up for this training programme, which lasts two years. After these years, you can start your official job as a teacher.

Have you found the major of your dreams and do you consider becoming a university teacher? This is possible if you complete a master’s degree, which qualifies you to teach courses related to the major of your choice.

With a major in TESOL, you will acquire all the skills you need to teach students English as a second language. The program focuses on everything that is involved in learning a foreign language and aims at both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. You will learn relevant theories about foreign language learning, teaching materials, classroom management, and dealing with differences between students.

Interview with TESOL students

SENG Danin (24) is a fresh graduate in TESOL from Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia. She chose this major because it is about teaching the English language. What attracted her to TESOL is that you are taught pedagogical skills and you learn how language acquisition works, so you learn how to teach effectively.

SEK Kimcheng (23) studies TESOL at Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia and is currently in her fourth year. When she was still in high school herself, she realized that she really liked the English language and also taught her little cousin. Also, she thinks English is very important nowadays and the language makes her feel confident. It is her goal to share what she knows with children who live far away from the city or in the countryside, and are having a hard time getting an education. What attracted her to TESOL is its system language and that it makes her feel like she can do anything with the English language (such as traveling the world or teaching English in other countries than Cambodia!). Also, she learns about different strategies and methodologies that she can apply at work or in her everyday life. Kimcheng studies 3 hours per day and had to stop working because of the busy schedule. She does have spare time on the weekends. After graduation, she would like to work for a non-profit organization, which will allow her to share her knowledge with children and motivate them to be the best person they can be for society.

Her tip for you? Study hard, follow the teacher’s advice and be sure that the reason you choose this major is because you really like it. Follow your heart, not your friends’ or family’s opinions.

The following universities offer this major:

• Build Bright University Banteay Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey
• Build Bright University Battambang, Battambang
• Build Bright University Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh
• Build Bright University Siem Reap, Siem Reap
• Build Bright University Sihanoukville, Sihanoukville
• Build Bright University Takeo, Takeo
• Dewey International University, Battambang
• Human Resource University, Phnom Penh
• IIC University of Technology, Phnom Penh
• International University, Phnom Penh
• Khmer University of Technology and Management, Sihanoukville
• Panha Chiet University, Phnom Penh
• Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia, Phnom Penh
• Royal University of Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh
• University of Management and Economics, Battambang
• University of Southeast Asia, Siem Reap
• Western University, Phnom Penh

_{Please be aware that the majors offered by universities change over time and that the overview given on this page might not be entirely up to date. We advise you to do your own research on the university’s website or to contact the university’s student affairs office to check that they offer the major of your choice.}