So you're thinking of relocating to the Kingdom of Wander but don't know exactly what that experience might be like for an African Passport Holder. The truth is that every persons experience can be totally different, I'm talking - worlds apart, different! You can read all about it on groups like the Cambodia Visa and Work Permit Group and the African Expats in Cambodia Group. When thinking of relocating the best advice is to thoroughly do your own research using as many reputable points of information as possible.
What It's Been Like for Me
Personally, my experiences relocating to Cambodia, once in 2020 and again in 2021 have been really smooth and easy! Check out my Youtube Channel where I share about my TEFL experience in Cambodia in 2020 and relocating to Cambodia in 2021. The immigration officers on duty were respectful and when they needed more information about what I was doing in the country, they were open to calling the contacts I'd provided. Be aware that I generally don't like to complain or focus my attention on negative experiences that have passed. I'm also generally optimistic and I look at everything in life through rose-coloured glasses so this is how I foresee all my experiences traveling in and out of Cambodia for as long as I get to live in this beautiful country. That being said - take everything you read with that in mind, do your own research and always make sure to verify every piece of information that you get. My experience is not and will not be the experience of other African passport holders and unfortunately (disgustingly so), passport privilege is a very real thing. Pay special attention to visa requirements as it relates to your country and if you are an African passport holder, definitely make sure your employer provides you with a GDI letter to make your entry into the country and obtaining the correct visa as smooth as possible. Anyway, in the near future (I hope), I'll write a blog post sharing what it's like actually living here. For now, here's what I think everyone thinking about relocating should know as well as some of the things I've been asked about regarding relocating.
TEFL Courses for African Passport Holders
I did part of my TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification in Siem Reap in Cambodia - special shout out to the head TEFL teacher trainer, Tina Hennessy.
OVC offers an online TEFL course amongst many other work, study and travel opportunities. OVC is the agency I used to relocate in 2020. They offered assistance with information about and bookings for flights, travel insurance, accommodation, cost of living and visa requirements. Regardless of information offered, try to contact your nearest embassy to find out how entry and visa requirements are changing.
There are plenty of other TEFL courses, just do your research. Some TEFL courses are offered completely or partially online, some have a practical teaching opportunity attached to the course, they are all different and priced according to what they offer. When it comes to selecting a TEFL course, my advice is to select the one that fits into your relocation budget and the type of experience you want. If your aim is to get a teaching job after the course, then I strongly suggest that you do a course that offers practical hours or find an opportunity to gain some teaching experience.
Links to Informative Experiences
Visas for English Teachers in Cambodia by Destination TEFL
What it's Like to be Black in Cambodia (African American) Vlog featuring The Unapologetic Nomads featured on Under 360 Seconds
What it's Like to be Black in Cambodia (Continental African) Vlog by Under 360 Seconds
What it's Like to be Black in Cambodia (Afro-Carribean) Vlog by Under 360 Seconds
Black in Cambodia Vlog by The Unapologetic Nomads
South African English Teacher in Cambodia Vlog by AloSpiceTV
South African Digital Nomad Vlog by Joana Jewell
Black in Cambodia - immigration issues Vlog by Christin Bela
Job Opportunities
Based on what I've seen advertised and heard about from other teachers and counsellors working in Cambodia, salaries can range from $600-$4000+ depending on your qualifications and years of experience. Overseas hires are also offered benefits such as health insurance, housing, flight allowance, tuition fee waivers or discounts from dependents, relocation allowance and visa coverage or reimbursement. Again, this will depend on the type of school that you get hired at. Many expats teach English but there are opportunities to teach other subjects, PE or become a school counselor - again, this will depend on the school, your qualifications and experience.
Some of the well established schools will post vacancies on SCHROLE or on Search Associates you have to pay a fee ranging from $70-$225 and you can actually search for jobs globally on these sites.
Most schools will also post job opportunities on Bongthom, Linked In (time to polish that old account) or even Facebook!
Housing
I've been on numerous searches for apartments and houses and have seen two bedroom apartments for as little as $350 to $1200 - it all just depends on what you can afford, how and where you want to live. Obviously you can expect to pay a little more for luxuries like an apartment with swimming pools, gyms, saunas and so on. I've used Cambodia Expat Services who also offer Khmer lessons! They are super helpful, communicative and friendly. Give them a shout when you are ready to start your search!
African Communities in Cambodia
I have met people from all over Africa from Namibia to Kenya to Cape Verde, Uganda, Nigeria and Ghana! Check out these groups to get in touch with other Africans, build community and find information relevant to you (these are all the ones I know about for now):
Images from Destination TEFL's Instagram Page and OVC's Instagram Page
Great information. I'm happy to follow along with your adventure!