Myanmar

Nestled between India and China, Myanmar sits at the northwesternmost corner of Southeast Asia. The nation is also known as Burma, which was Myanmar’s official name under British colonial rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1989, the country’s ruling military junta formally changed the nation’s name to Myanmar in an effort to replace the Euro-designated “Burma” with a title more rooted in Burmese language and place — afterall, “Myanma” is how the country is known in Burmese. Regardless of its title, Myanmar boasts no shortage of awe-inducing landscapes replete with stunning mountain views, flowing rivers, and lush groves of tropical trees. At the same time, travelers should be aware that the country is steeped in a complex history that includes the ongoing genocide of the Roghingya people. Thus, while foreign teachers planning to relocate to the country today will be able to explore a wealth of stunning pagodas and ornate temples, they should also be aware of the social and political struggles that permeate many locals’ daily lives. History Myanmar (then Burma), gained its independence from Britain in 1948, but the country’s history stretches back long before that time. The first settlers were thought to have inhabited what is now modern-day Myanmar some 13,000 years ago, and in the centuries that followed, key ideologies like Buddhism and Islam gained traction throughout the land. Major events, such as British colonization, Japanese occupation, military coup…

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 Myanmar. Education While many schools in Myanmar require their teachers to have a bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited school, a bachelor’s degree is not technically a requirement to teach English in Myanmar. Some volunteer positions and some private language schools are open to hiring teachers without a bachelor’s degree. Citizenship There are no specific citizenship requirements to teach English in Myanmar. English Fluency Myanmar is a good teaching market for teachers whose first language is not English. That being said, you’ll still need to have a high fluency in English, and you might need to be more flexible about your school and location preferences to compete with native English-speaking candidates. Nevertheless, non-native speakers of English qualify for teaching positions in Myanmar. Background Check A clean background check is not necessary to teach in Myanmar. The exception to this rule? Some international schools in Myanmar might require teaching candidates to submit a clean criminal record check. TEFL Certificate A TEFL certificate is highly…

Myanmar presents a growing market for English teachers. Though English was the country’s official language under British colonialism, only about five percent of the population speaks it today. As the country continues to grow economically and cement itself as a tourism destination for international travelers, the demand for English language instruction increases as well. The majority of English teaching positions in Myanmar can be found in private language schools or with volunteer organizations, but some qualified teachers also secure jobs teaching English in international schools or as private tutors. 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. Contract lengths can vary in Myanmar, but most teaching contracts are for one year. If you choose to work for a volunteer organization, you may be able to find shorter-term opportunities. 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 schools to supplement their public or private school language education, and adults will often attend private language schools to develop their foreign language competency and thereby advance their professional and career options. Unlike public schools or international schools, private language…

Now that you’ve explored the job types available to you, it’s time to begin the application process! There are several steps to take to find a job teaching English in Myanmar, and we have them all outlined here below. Heads up! The timelines for your job application process and for gathering documents for your visa may overlap. You’ll want to be working on both processes at roughly the same time. Be sure to check out our Myanmar Timeline, as well as the Applying for the Visa section for more information and to make sure you are staying on top of your visa 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 schools 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 section! Once you’ve updated your resume and cover letter to meet the recommended international standards, submit your draft to your Student Affairs Advisor for review. Step 2: Determine Your Preferences A major part of the teaching abroad experience is enjoying where you’ll actually be living! Do you have a preference when it comes to your daily routines and surroundings? Do you want to live in the bustling city of Yangon? Or do you crave a picturesque, small town experience in a city li…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position from a school in Myanmar and you’ve followed our previous advice, you’re already off to a great start. 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. Keep in mind that most teaching contracts in Myanmar will be one year long, though some may offer shorter or longer teaching terms, depending on the school and program. Review the Basics Salary The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in Myanmar is 1,371,200 to 2,739,700 MMK (Myanmar Kyat) per month. Anything significantly lower or higher should make you ask a few questions. 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 Myanmar can be a part-time or full-time gig, though the latter is more common. However, there’s more than just the…

The word “visa” tends to provoke daunting images of endless red tape and paperwork, but we’re here to ease your anxiety and hopefully have you zipping through this visa process like a pro. Take it from ITA graduate Christine N ., who taught English in Lashio: “It’s really streamlined and easy. You would enter the country as a ‘Business Consultant’ on a 70-day business visa. Available upon arrival at Yangon International Airport so long as you have the correct paperwork from the organization supporting the visa.” Sounds straightforward enough, right? Below, we’ll outline the most common visa routes for foreign English teachers in Myanmar. As is always the case with any of the visa advice we provide, please be sure to cross-check this information with your local Myanmar consulate or embassy to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, and personalized instruction there is! Let’s get started! Visa Types Business Visa — What is it? The Myanmar business visa can be a single or multiple-entry visa for foreigners who have accepted or received an employment offer from a registered company or organization in Myanmar. Typically, the multiple-entry business visa is only awarded to foreigners who have already utilized the single-entry business visa three or more times, so we’ll focus on outlining the single-entry business visa process from here on out. How do you get one? You can apply for a Myanmar business visa online , or from a Myanmar embassy or consulate abroad. You wil…

In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move abroad, it’s more important than ever to stay organized and ask yourself: What are the logistics I have to consider and the loose ends I have to tie up in order to thrive in my new home? 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 you end up in, you should always inquire about health insurance before accepting a position. If health insurance is indeed provided by your employer, it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign. Depending on your school’s policies and resources in Myanmar, you might or might not receive health insurance benefits. If you are working at an international school or internationally-managed private language school, however, health insurance should be part of your employment package. Check out the “Accepting the Right Offer” section to learn more. If health insurance is not included in your contract, you will want to do your own research in order to determine which health insurance plan abroad might be the best fit for you, your health needs, and any dependents you might be bringing along. Wi…

You have finally made it to the end of the Myanmar 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 Myanmar. 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 Myanmar to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job in Advance English teaching jobs in Myanmar can be found year round, though the peak hiring season occurs during the months of May through September, when schools tend to ramp up their search for qualified candidates. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible. 5-6 months before departure: Begin your research ___ Decide to work with recruiters, apply directly to schools, or both! ___ List out your preferences and priorities ___ Chat with ITA alumni and read about alumni experiences in Myanmar ___ Read through ITA’s resources, and watch a Student Affairs webinar ___ Read about Myanmar and Myanmar culture, etc. ___ Ensure your passport will be valid for at least six months past your anticipated return date or order a new passport ___ Start saving up so you have enough money in your bank for start-up costs. It’s recommended to have between 1.8 and 3.3 million Myanmar Kyat (MMK) saved by the time you arrive. 4-5 months bef…

Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist country so you won't travel too far without seeing a golden pagoda on the horizon or on a hillside. Monks are hugely respected and there's barely a month that goes by where there isn't a festival on. In Lashio (Northern Shan State), there are also large Muslim, Hindu, Chinese, Christian communities. It makes for a very lovely melting pot to be living within and experiencing. Plus, the food is AMAZING. Christine N. Lashio, Myanmar If the thought has even crossed your mind to teach abroad, I strongly urge you to do it. Step outside of your comfort zone, choose a place that interests you, or a culture you want to learn more about, or a language you would like to learn, and go for it! Your experiences throughout your time abroad will compare only to the reward you will get from teaching. It is an exceptional experience, and one I cannot recommend enough! English teachers are needed throughout the ENTIRE world -- The opportunities and the adventures that await you are endless! Hailey L. ITA Alum I would recommend teaching in Myanmar (especially in rural Myanmar). It has been such a rich, fulfilling, colorful, and challenging experience. I've learned so much about myself too while I've been here - I'd highly recommend it. Christine N. Lashio, Myanmar