How much can I earn teaching English in Malaysia?

Located in the heart of the tropics, Malaysia is a rapidly developing country that has a diverse culture, great food, and plenty of ESL jobs for those with experience. However, as there is no shortage of local English language teachers, the competition for many available positions can be strong.

What are TESOL salaries in Malaysia?

Malaysia cannot compete with other Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea when it comes to salaries as the monthly average income is only around $1,000. However, the cost of living is relatively low in comparison to some other parts of the region, which means this figure can spread quite far if you live within your means. The big bonus is that many jobs include free accommodation or a housing subsidy which removes the biggest monthly expense from your budget. It is common practice to serve a three month probationary period, after which you will be entitled to 18 days paid vacation per year, plus 17 days of public holidays. It is also possible to find jobs that include full or partial airfares, but these are not common.

Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Malaysia?

Malaysia has a large number of international schools that follow either a British, American, or Australian curriculum. These positions pay a good salary and are a great option for anyone with a teacher?s license from one of those countries. International schools are particularly numerous in and around Kuala Lumpur, that country?s capital city. Most positions in this category will require a few years of experience and a high level of qualifications.

Public colleges and universities are also a good option for foreign teachers in Malaysia. Although the average salary is less than in international schools, the workload is also typically less as most positions are geared towards conversational English lessons that are often more laidback than standard Enlish classes. Private language schools offer yet another good option. Available jobs in this sector can be found via an online search targeting the area where you want to live and work.

What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Malaysia?

While it is possible to secure a teaching job in Malaysia before you leave home, most employers will be keen to meet you in person before offering you a contract. A good way to approach it is to compile a list of potential employers and contact them directly from within your home country. Once on the ground in Malaysia you can then phone or visit the school in person to arrange an interview. Once in the country, you can also take a look at local newspapers such as The Star which are always a good source of job listings. The Kuala Lumpur area is the main hotspot for ESL jobs, but as education is such a high priority in Malaysia there are opportunities in most parts of the country. The majority of teaching jobs will require a degree, TESOL certification and two years of classroom experience.

What is the cost of living for English teachers in Malaysia?

In general, the cost of living in Malaysia is relatively low, although it will help your finances greatly if you find a job that includes free accommodation or a housing subsidy. Without the expense of rent every month you should have little trouble affording a comfortable lifestyle. Local food stalls and small restaurants are great value wherever you live in Malaysia, so you can afford to enjoy high quality food for just a few dollars. As well as saving you money on groceries, this can also be a good way to make friends in your local community. Getting around is easy as public transport is efficient and cheap, with a daily bus pass costing as little as $0.30. The average cost of utility bills is also nothing to be worried about at around $15.00 per month.