What Do You Need to Teach English in Thailand?

Teaching English in Thailand is a top meaningful travel experience for so many nowadays, and especially for those who want to spend a significant amount of time abroad without going on savings alone. It’s absolutely the best of both worlds; you can live in one of the most beautiful places in the world and practically get paid to do it!

In addition to incredible experience and skill-building, your IG posts will be unmatched.

Fortunately, the requirements to teach English in Thailand are pretty straightforward. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and possibly a TEFL certificate, as well as a destination in mind (like Bangkok or Chiang Mai!). And you’ll definitely want a reputable provider lined up, like CIEE or another company well-known for high quality teach abroad programs.

Once you’re accepted to a program, your provider will help you arrange your visa and book your flight, and guide you through all the other tiny details!

Can I teach English in Thailand without a degree?

Teaching English in Thailand without a degree isn’t possible if you want to get paid. There are some circumstances where you’ll be able to volunteer teach English in Thailand, but keep in mind that you won’t be earning an income through these opportunities.

Bachelor’s degrees are required to teach English in many countries, including Thailand — it helps schools know that you’re qualified. Also, if you want to teach at the university level in Thailand, a master’s degree will be required.

So we’re sure now you’re wondering why you know people who have taught in Thailand without a degree. It’s because it is possible for either you or a hiring school to bend the rules, but it’s not legal. Without a degree you won’t be able to get the proper documentation for legal employment, and you don’t want to risk getting deported.

If you’re in the process of completing your degree and want to get a jumpstart on applications, you can do so as long as you’ll have your degree by the time your job starts. During your interview to teach English in Thailand, it’ll probably be a good idea to clarify to your employer or provider by which date you’ll have your degree to avoid any confusion or holdups. 

Can I teach English in Thailand without a TEFL certificate?

Yes! Teaching English in Thailand without a TEFL certificate is possible, since, legally speaking, you’re not required to hold one. However, while getting TEFL certified does come at an additional cost, it is highly recommended that you get one anyways. Holding a TEFL will earn you a higher income and make you a more competitive applicant. Plus, getting TEFL certified is kind of an awesome experience — and you can get TEFL certified right in Thailand before your job starts!

Ready for views like this?

How to get a teaching job in Thailand

1. Hold a degree (and possibly a TEFL certificate)

As we previously mentioned, the first thing you’ll need to teach English in Thailand is a bachelor’s degree — this is required by law. Without one, you’ll be walking the fine line of shady or illegal employment in Thailand. A TEFL certificate, on the other hand, is not necessarily required.

However, it will be helpful to have a TEFL certificate in order to earn a higher income (more money = more pad thai). Additionally, if your degree isn’t in education or if you lack teaching experience, some schools may not consider you unless you are also TEFL qualified.

2. Be a native English speaker (or close to it)

It’s been said that you must be a native English speaker and hold a passport from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand in order to teach English in Thailand. While this is definitely helpful and makes you a top candidate for jobs, it’s possible for non-native speakers to teach English in Thailand as long as they’re fluent in the language.

If you’re a non-native English speaker, you should be able to find and apply for English teaching jobs in Thailand as long as you can score 600 or higher on the TOEIC or 5 or higher on the IELTS. You must also be classified as at least a B1 level speaker per CEF guidelines.

You don’t have to go the well-worn path when you teach English in Thailand.

3. Choose your destination

Most English teachers in Thailand flock to Bangkok or Chiang Mai. This makes sense, since they’re well-known amongst travelers and have a lot to see, do, taste, and experience. However, don’t rule out other smaller locations where your program may be able to place you. Check out places like Koh Tao, Krabi, and Phuket if you want to go a teaching path less traveled.

In many cases, you’ll need to list your location preferences on your application if you’re going through a provider. But whether you’re going through a program or not, make sure to do your research and have your top destination choices in mind. You don’t want to end up locked in a year-long contract somewhere that’s just not your style.

4. Apply to your program

It’s a fantastic idea to teach English in Thailand through a structured program. Many of your top options, like CIEE's Thailand teaching program, will take care of A LOT of fine details for you and guide you through the process of finding a job and a place to live. Plus, it’s nice to have the comfort of knowing you have 24/7 support in a country you may be completely unfamiliar with.

Once you browse programs and do your research, your next step will be to apply to the program of your choice. While browsing programs, think about the age range that you want to teach in Thailand. Do you want to teach kindergarteners? Middle schoolers? High schoolers? If you have no idea, you might want to weigh the pros and cons of each before deciding what’ll be the right experience for you.

Then make sure your selected program can deliver on your ideal age group for teaching, or even your ideal city. You should also think about whether you want to work for a government school or language school, as the hours and commitment for each tend to vary. Make sure to have all of your questions and concerns ready for your provider when the time comes for your interview. 

5. Prepare your budget

The delicious street food in Thailand will have a bigger impact on your waistline than on your budget.

Make no mistake about it — you’ll want to prepare a budget to teach English in Thailand. You may even want to move this part up a couple steps prior to choosing a program, since you may have to plan or save up for your program fee.

Don’t freak out too much though; the cost of living in Thailand is quite low, so you should be able to get by just fine on your salary without having to fall back on savings too much. It never hurts to have a safety net though! And FYI, you should definitely be clear on what your salary will be (and if you can live off it) before you sign any contracts.

Be sure to ask about additional perks as well, such as flight reimbursement, housing allowance, and health insurance; inclusions can significantly reduce your startup costs.

6. Get your visa

Getting a valid work visa in Thailand can be a little tricky. In many cases, you must enter the country on a tourist visa and then obtain your work visa later on after supplying the proper documentation at an embassy or consulate.

To acquire your work visa, you’ll need to provide supporting documents such as criminal background checks, medical certificates, and college transcripts. It’s possible to do this process on your own or get help from your employer, but be prepared to jump through quite a few hoops. Additionally, if teaching through a program, your advisor or coordinator will be able to guide you through the process and answer your questions.

7. Buy your flight

This is when things start to get REAL. Start shopping around for flights to Thailand about three months out from your start date and keep your eyes peeled for deals. As we mentioned, it’s possible that your employer will offer flight reimbursement, so make sure to ask about the stipulations to save some dough.

Once you touch down in Thailand, your program or employer will take it from there. They will have hopefully coordinated airport pick-up to take you to either temporary accommodation or your permanent residence. An orientation with local advice and tips will follow — stay strong and fight off that jet lag.

Next Step: Talk to our Online Advisor & get matched with 5 teaching jobs in Thailand—for free!

Do you meet the requirements to teach English in Thailand?

You’re almost there! Square away the requirements to teach English in Thailand and be on your way.

Hopefully it’s a resounding YES. Teaching English in Thailand will be a valuable experience, both for your personal growth and your bank account! If you hold a bachelor’s degree, speak English, and have a sense of adventure, you’re already set up for success. So get out there and explore your options! → 

Explore ALL English Teaching Jobs in Thailand on GoAbroad.com

This article was written with help from CIEE. CIEE is a highly-regarded travel program provider, offering comprehensive and valuable experiences abroad. Their Teach English in Thailand program offers flexible start dates, a generous salary, and visa assistance.