Malaysia

With its lush rainforests, off-the-grid beaches, dynamic food scene, and spirited cities, the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia is a force to be reckoned with. The country’s tourism slogan, “Malaysia truly Asia” reflects the plethora of pan-Asian narratives and diverse traditions that have long shaped and informed Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry. The country’s 34.2 million people come from a variety of different religions, languages, and ethnic backgrounds — it’s a vibrant, multidimensional spectrum of identities similar to the cultural makeup of the Asian continent at large. Ethnically, the majority of Malaysians identify as Malay, while significant communities identify as Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous peoples (collectively called Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia). Likewise, Islam is Malaysia’s official religion and is widely practiced, alongside Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and traditional Chinese beliefs. Geography Geographically, Malaysia is about as diverse as its populace. The country is split into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia, bordered by Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south, is where most of the population resides. East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo, shares borders with Brunei and Indonesia. Throughout Malaysia you’ll find abundant rivers, rolling hills, deep valleys, and rocky mountain ranges with soaring peaks — including that of Mount Kinabalu , a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its lush flora and wide array of wildlife. Si…

Each country has its own requirements and qualifications when it comes to teaching. Some require a bachelor’s degree in any field. In others, you’ll qualify with only a high school diploma and your TEFL certificate. Some countries have strict visa requirements that may disqualify you based on your citizenship or criminal background. Let’s take a look at the qualifications needed for teaching English in Malaysia. Education Most teaching positions in Malaysia require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited institution. Citizenship Malaysia does not have a citizenship requirement for teaching English. However, schools often prefer native English speakers, particularly from countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. English Fluency Schools often prefer native English speakers, particularly from countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Background Check A completely clean criminal record is not typically required to teach in Malaysia. However, certain schools, particularly international schools, may request a background check as part of the hiring process. TEFL Certificate A TEFL certificate is highly beneficial for securing teaching positions and may be mandatory at some schools. Age Ageism can be a factor in Malaysia, and teachers over 60 may face challenges in securing employment due to retirement laws …

The demand for English language instruction in Malaysia is high: in the past decade, the country has implemented a number of educational reforms aimed at expanding and developing English language learning opportunities in Malaysian public school classrooms, and many Malaysian adults seek out English instruction as a means to boost business prospects and globalize their career options. While competition for English teaching jobs in Malaysia can be higher than in some other Asian countries due to the availability of qualified local instructors, opportunities still exist for foreign teachers, especially in international schools and specialized language programs. English teaching jobs can be found throughout Malaysia, though more densely-populated cities like Kuala Lumpur, Seberang Patai, and George Town hold the most opportunity and biggest markets for prospective ESL teachers. The majority of foreign English instructors in Malaysia teach at private language schools and public schools, and qualified English teachers will be able to secure positions in international schools as well. Each of these job types comes with its own specific set of advantages, so you’ll want to understand the basic differences between them before you begin applying. Private Language Schools Private language schools are privately-run and typically for-profit language training centers that can cater to students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Many school-aged students will attend private language …

Now that you’ve acquainted yourself with some of the most popular job types in Malaysia, it’s time to start the application process. There are several steps to take to start the application process for Malaysia. Heads up! The timelines for your job application process and for gathering documents for your visa will overlap. You’ll want to be working on both processes at roughly the same time. Be sure to check out our Teaching in Malaysia Timeline , as well as the Applying for the Visa section for more information and to make sure you are staying on track with your documents while applying for teaching positions. Step 1: Prepare Your Initial Application Materials Resume & Cover Letter Your resume and cover letter are the keys to connecting with recruiters and beginning the application process. International employers look for specific elements in a resume that may differ from what you’re used to seeing domestically. To take a deeper dive into international resumes and cover letters, visit the Prepare & Apply section of the Alumni Corner! Once you’ve updated your resume and cover letter to meet the recommended international standards, submit your drafts to your Student Affairs Advisor for review. Photos As part of the application process, the school may request photos from you. Include a professional headshot with your application or attach it to your resume. Only provide additional photos if explicitly requested. For your headshot, wear business casual attire (e.g., a collared…

Congratulations on receiving your job offer(s)! If you’ve already followed our previous advice and secured an offer from a school in Malaysia, you’re well on your way to starting your teaching journey.” But what’s next? Determining whether or not the offer is right for you. To help make this decision, follow the recommendations below by reviewing the basics. Whether you have one offer or several, the key elements you’ll want to take note of are: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, housing, airfare, insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with each of these elements. Review the Basics Salary The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in Malaysia typically ranges from 4,700 to 9,000 MYR per month, depending on the school type and location. Salaries outside this range may warrant further questions. For example, salaries at international schools or urban areas like Kuala Lumpur tend to be on the higher end, while rural locations may offer lower pay but with a lower cost of living. If the reason for the pay difference is obvious, like you’ll be in a rural location with a low cost of living or working longer than average hours, you may find that you’re okay with it. But don’t accept a contract that is paying you less for doing the same amount of work the average English teacher does, or one that doesn’t fit into your work-life-travel balance. Working Hours Teaching English in Malaysia is generally considered a full-time job,…

The word ‘visa’ often conjures up images of endless red tape and paperwork, but we’re here to simplify the process and help you navigate it with ease. While the visa process in Malaysia can sometimes be complex, the good news is that most procedures are handled directly by your employer. Just take it from ITA graduate Cynthia M .: “I submitted my paperwork to the school before arriving and entered Malaysia on a tourist visa. Just over a month after arriving, I received my work permit (employment pass) through the school.” Below, we’ll give a brief overview of four Malaysian visa types available to foreign teachers and then dive into a deeper look at some of the documents you’ll be required to submit when applying for an employment pass. As is always the case with any of the visa advice we provide, please be sure to cross-check this information with your local Malaysian consulate or embassy to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, and personalized instruction there is! Visa Types Employment Pass What is it? Per the Immigration Department of Malaysia , the employment pass is “a work permit that enables an expatriate to take up employment with an organisation in Malaysia” for up to 60 months. There are several types of employment passes in Malaysia, and the type you qualify for will depend on factors such as your salary, job role, and contract length. Regardless of which employment pass you receive, your pass will allow you to live and work legally in Malaysia. …

In the weeks and months leading up to your move abroad, it’s crucial to stay organized and address key logistics to ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Ask yourself: What do I need to prepare for, and what loose ends do I need to tie up? Do I have to worry about taxes? What about health insurance? And what the heck do I do about a cell phone? Fear not, TEFL teacher. In this section, you’ll find the tips, resources, and wisdom to tackle these questions and more! Review the Basics Health Insurance Although in a perfect world an apple a day would keep the doctor away, in reality, even teachers get sick. Cue health insurance. Regardless of the country, always check health insurance details before accepting a job offer. If health insurance is indeed provided by your employer, it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign. In Malaysia, full-time employees of registered Malaysian companies typically receive health insurance. In some cases, you may be required to pay into your health insurance as part of a 50-50 contribution plan with your employer. The costs will typically be deducted from your paycheck each month. Check out the Accepting the Right Offer section to learn more! If health insurance is not included in your contract or if you want to supplement your school’s health insurance plan with a more comprehensive private insurance option, you will need to do your own research in order to determine which plan might be the best f…

You have finally made it to the end of the Malaysia section, no small feat! Here is all of that wonderful information from the previous section laid out step-by-step and month-by-month before your intended departure date for Malaysia. This timeline is not only for the planners and checklist lovers (although you will love this too!). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to Malaysia to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job in Advance Positions in Malaysia can be found year-round, except for during Lunar New Year when many schools and businesses tend to close. Take your desired start date and subtract from there. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible. 4-5 months before departure: Begin your research and complete job search documents __Read through ITA’s resources, particularly the Prepare: ITA Resources __List out your preferences and priorities. __Chat with ITA alumni, read about alumni experiences , and watch previously recorded Student Affairs webinars . __Read about Malaysian culture. __Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the entire time you plan to be in Malaysia. __Finalize your international resume and cover letter. __Obtain copies of your degree, TEFL certificate, and transcripts. 2-3 months before departure: Find a job and begin employment pass process __Use the Malaysia School Finder , job boards…

Malaysia is very westerner/expat friendly. English is widely spoken and understood. It's the common language, so everyone speaks it to some degree. It is technically a Muslim country, but friendly and globally-minded. There are so many ethnic Chinese, ethnic Indians, and expats from all over the world. Cynthia M. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia I would definitely advise people to move abroad! It's a great life experience and you're able to learn so much about yourself that you might've not known about before. I recommend to do your research prior to picking a place, and to find people who've lived and/or still live in that country and ask them any questions you may have. Be sure to ask more than a few people, as I learned it's better to get different perspectives Megan N. ITA Alum The food is some of the best I've ever had. Everything is available: Malaysian, South Indian, Chinese, Korean, Italian, American, Spanish, Mexican... I could go on. I don't feel like I'm missing anything. Anytime I have a craving, I know I can find something nearby. If I feel like having some local flavours, then it's incredibly cheap. And the Malaysian and Indian food here is so much tastier than I could have ever imagined. Cynthia M. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia