As a developing country with a struggling education system, Laos welcomes help from international teachers to improve students’ learning. As a teacher, you’d play a key role in helping bridge the illiteracy gap, potentially even more so for students in rural areas. So you may be wondering: What are the requirements to teach English in Laos? Simply put, it depends on the type of position and institution—stay tuned to find out!
Nicknamed Laos PDR (Please Don’t Rush), Laos lets you experience a relaxed, laidback lifestyle while you meet friendly locals in this Southeast Asian country. Plus, you’ll love the stunning landscapes, immaculate Buddha statues, biodiverse parks, and fresh, delicious dishes! And why yes, DO go chasing waterfalls in Laos—discover edens of cascading showers and scattered turquoise pools embroidered throughout mountainsides.
So, if you’re down for a beneficial experience to remember why you’re helping build better futures for others, you’ll find it by teaching English in Laos!
What are the requirements to teach English in Laos?
Here’s a breakdown of the requirements to teach English in Laos:
- Private language schools/international schools: You’ll have a better chance of finding paid positions with these types of institutions, which are usually in cities with stricter requirements. In almost all cases, they’ll require a TEFL certificate and native English proficiency and will most likely expect, or prefer, a bachelor’s degree and some teaching experience.
- Volunteer positions with teaching English programs: If you don’t yet have English teaching experience or you’re looking to get your feet wet, your best bet would be to volunteer to teach English in Laos, which would be unpaid. In general, volunteer programs will look for native English language proficiency and recommend having a TEFL certificate. Some volunteer positions will require a bachelor’s degree, but not always.
And of course, a positive attitude, a passion for education, and an open mind go a long way!
Keep in mind that requirements vary greatly by location—rural areas may be more lenient because they may have more volunteer positions available.
Is teaching English in Laos without a degree possible?
Yes, teaching English in Laos without a degree is possible. If you don’t have a degree, you’ll have an easier time securing a volunteer position, especially if you go through a program provider. Many, but not all, paying positions will require or prefer a bachelor’s degree.
If you’re working on earning your degree, you may even be able to earn academic credits by teaching English in Laos with some programs! Additionally, some institutions will allow 16- or 17-year-olds to teach English as volunteers, as long as they have their parents’ permission.
Can I volunteer to teach English in Laos?
Volunteering is a great way to get yourself a teaching gig in Laos so you can make a difference.
Yes, you absolutely can volunteer to teach English in Laos! You’ll find programs available in both cities and rural areas to teach children, monks, teens, or adults, with availability spanning anywhere from a week to a year. Plus, many volunteers will have extra time available to explore new places and go on excursions.
The requirements for volunteer positions are usually more relaxed and flexible than for paid positions. In most cases, volunteer programs will require that English is your native language, but they won’t always expect you to have a TEFL certificate or teaching experience.
What can I expect from an English teacher salary in Laos?
Unpaid volunteer teaching positions are easier to come by, and these opportunities may provide you with meals and accommodation. But paying positions are available for teaching English too. The teaching English in Laos salary ranges anywhere from $500 to $1,500+ a month, depending on the type of institution, and positions are usually 20 to 30 hours a week.
In general, public schools offer paid positions at the lower end of the salary range. You’ll likely find higher-paying positions available at private language schools and international schools. You could also make extra on the side by offering private tutoring lessons.
5 benefits of teaching English in Laos
Let’s take a look at all of the pluses of teaching English in Laos:
1. Enjoying extra time to explore new places.
Most positions for teaching English in Laos are part time, so you’ll likely have oodles of free time to satisfy your wanderlust! Marvel at monuments, trek and river raft to your heart’s delight, shop ‘til you drop at bustling markets, and wind your way through caves. You’re also just a hop, jump, and skip to many neighboring countries: Thailand, China, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
2. Getting to make a difference in the lives of others.
Laos struggles with low enrollment rates, high dropout rates, and gender-based literacy disparities, to name a few issues. One of the most rewarding benefits of teaching English in Laos is that by improving your students’ education, you’re opening up more opportunities for their futures.
You’ll also be helping to break the cycle of poverty. Not only will you have a positive impact on their lives, but you’ll see that they’ll have a positive impact on yours too!
3. Gaining valuable skills that will strengthen your resume.
Your future job applications will benefit from the skills you pick up teaching English in Laos.
From acquiring leadership skills to cultivating resourcefulness, your international experience in an impoverished country will sharpen your problem-solving abilities. Not to mention you’ll become more culturally sensitive, flexible, adaptable, resilient, and empathetic. Many of these skills and qualities will give you an edge and will help capture the attention of future employers.
4. Living in an affordable environment.
Compared to many other countries, you’ll find that you won’t have to break the bank in Laos. Apartments cost $300 to $700 a month in urban areas and $180 to $400 a month in rural areas, and you would likely save more by living with a roommate or with a host family.
Food, transportation, and entertainment costs are also relatively cheap. Depending on your location and lifestyle, you can expect to spend about $800 to $1,500 a month. With a paid position, your teaching English in Laos salary may allow you to break even or save some money!
5. Learning about a different culture.
Laos embraces Theravada Buddhism, which is central to their cultural identity, and it greatly contrasts with the Western world. By learning about their culture, you’ll broaden your horizons, gain new perspectives, and promote personal growth. As more and more jobs are going global, having keen cross-cultural communication skills will come in handy for your career too.
Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 teaching programs in Laos—it’s free!
3 opportunities to teach English in Laos
Ready to start teaching English in Laos without a degree? Take a look-see at these programs!
1. Laos - Educational Outreach - GoEco
- Highlights: Here’s the perfect opportunity to gain teaching experience with primary-aged students in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, for up to eight weeks. You can also add on a culture week to take Laotian cooking lessons, learn some Lao, tour the area, and more. Plus, GoEco, a top volunteer organization, will provide orientation and arrange your accommodation.
- Where? Vientiane
- Read GoEco reviews
2. Teaching English Program - International Volunteer HQ
- Highlights: Immerse yourself in the heart of the country’s mountainous northern region—Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site sprawling with temples, monuments, parks, and more. You’d be teaching English to monks or high school students for anywhere from one to 12 weeks (your choice). IVHQ will arrange your accommodation and three tasty meals a day.
- Where? Luang Prabang
- Read International Volunteer HQ reviews
3. Education Support in Laos - Love Volunteers
- Highlights: Soak in the sunsets of the Mekong River, explore the caves in the area, and revel in making a difference for students between ages 10 to 22 in Luang Prabang. You also don’t need experience teaching English for this program. Even better, Love Volunteers places participants in private rooms with en-suite bathrooms in a guesthouse near shops, restaurants, cafés, and more.
- Where? Luang Prabang
- Read Love Volunteers reviews
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Teaching English in Laos may be the adventure of a lifetime!
Ready to chase those waterfalls to a teaching adventure? Laos awaits!
Now you know what the requirements are to teach English in Laos and all the pLaoses of teaching there! Enjoy sweeping panoramic views, sacred palaces, ancient villages, and a vibrant culture in a warm environment to boot. You’ll be taking the road less traveled in Laos—“The Land of Million Elephants”—where you’ll gain valuable skills along the way, and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience full of memories you’ll treasure forever!
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