Teach English in Myanmar

Overview

Questions or concerns about the coronavirus? Please read our blog about it here!

Our Teach Abroad in Myanmar program is an opportunity distinct from other English teaching positions, offering full cultural immersion in the unique country of Myanmar. By promoting active, responsible and sustainable engagement in Myanmar, our English teachers will positively impact the country and its people. In contrast to traditional tourism, we believe that the nature of the long term, immersive travel on this program will promote valuable cultural exchange and meaningful interactions with the local communities.

This program offers:

Paid English teaching positions in Myanmar
6 month or 1 year contracts

Benefits:

Paid English teaching position in Myanmar
1 week orientation (+ optional 3 week TESOL certification) in Yangon
Monthly salary of $650-$900 USD
Business visa sponsorship
Extensive medical insurance included for 6 months, including a medical maximum of up to $200,000
Assistance in finding accommodation

Program Dates

Upcoming Start Dates

Start Date Availability

September 25, 2023 OPEN

January 15, 2024 OPEN

April 22, 2024 OPEN

June 24, 2024 OPEN

September 23, 2024 OPEN

*Please contact us if you have different dates in mind, we also run orientation/TESOL courses in Thailand with monthly start dates that you can take before teaching in Myanmar. Please let us know what time of the year you are wanting to arrive in Myanmar if it’s not around a start date listed above, and we can let you know the availability. We have TESOL courses in Thailand every month, all year long.

Eligibility

Native English Speaker
At a minimum, a high school diploma
A TEFL/TESOL certification is required unless you majored in Education (but you can add this on as part of your program!)
Ages 19-59
Citizen of the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand
Be in great mental and physical health
No criminal record (with the exception of traffic or other minor violations)
An adventurous attitude and strong flexibility are a must
Fully vaccinated against Covid 19

There are no exceptions to the eligibility requirements.

As this is a program in a developing country, the ideal candidate should have a sense of adventure, and will understand that there will be a learning curve and possible changes as the program develops. Applicants should be very flexible and open-minded. Extra staff support will be provided in country during the beginning of your program to make sure that everything runs smoothly.

Still need your TEFL/TESOL certificate?

Add on a 3-week 120 hour TESOL certification course in Yangon on ANY start date. The TESOL course is required for those participants who did not major in Education or have a teaching license. Those who take the course will continue their training for three additional weeks after the one week cultural orientation upon arrival. More than 90% of our teachers that do this program also take this TESOL course in Yangon, upon arrival.

Course at a Glance

120-hour TESOL Certification Course
Intensive 3-week, in-person training following the one week orientation
Fully accredited and the certification lasts for your lifetime

Why should you take the course in Myanmar?

Taking an in-person course instead of an online course is highly preferred by hiring schools not just in Myanmar, but all over the world. By taking the course in Myanmar you will get hands on experience with Myanmar students, as well as personal and helpful guidance from your TESOL teachers. You’ll also get to spend an additional 3 weeks in Yangon with all of the others taking the course before you head into your placements – and it’s a lot of fun!

If I need to take the TESOL course, do I arrive 4 weeks before my start date?

No, we have TESOL courses on EVERY start date listed on the website. Everyone (regardless of if they need to do the course) will start the orientation together, and those taking the course will stay an additional 3 weeks after orientation.

Costs and Inclusions

Teaching Placement Only: $1,860

Teaching Placement + online TESOL Course: $2,230

Teaching Placement + TESOL Course: $2,710

Packaged into the Price:

Guaranteed teaching placement in Myanmar salaries ranging from $700-$1,200
Airport pickup in Yangon
One week orientation in Yangon, including all excursions
Accommodation during orientation in Yangon
- TESOL Course Option: accommodation is included for the entire month of your course as well
Basic Burmese language training
6 Months of Medical Insurance which covers medical expenses and prescriptions
Myanmar SIM card to set up your cell phone upon arrival
TESOL Certification Course (if chosen): classroom, instructors, learning materials
Access to Greenheart Travel Facebook groups to connect with alumni and others on your start date ahead of your program.
Greenheart Atlas Program

Our Support and Services:

Visa Assistance in applying for the visa upon arrival, including visa paperwork and extensive directions and support or business visa acquisition beforehand.
Extensive pre-departure advice and support from Ana and Ian, your program managers! They have taught in SE Asia themselves and will be able to answer all your questions and tell you what teaching and living abroad is really like! They will be with you from your first inquiry, all the way through preparing to leave and your arrival in Myanmar.
Online webinar logistical orientation before you leave
Highly experienced team of in-country support staff members
24 hour in-country and emergency support for the duration of the program, including 24-hour emergency phone numbers to reach a program manager at any time.
Free Program Extension – You never have to pay a program fee again if you extend your contract past your first semester – it’s a one-time fee!
Lifetime job placement assistance in Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Costa Rica, or Myanmar upon successful completion of first contract.
Opportunity to apply for a Greenheart Grant to give back to your community at home or abroad

Additional Expenses You’ll Need to Cover (Estimates):

Airfare to Yangon ($800)
Visa fee or any costs associated with obtaining documents required for the visa ($100)
Background check ($30-$50)
Degree legalization ($50-$150)
Meals and daily transportation in Myanmar ($5-$7/day)
Rent during your teaching contract ($200/month)
A deposit for your orientation or course accommodation electricity and water usage ($70). Just don’t use your air conditioning like crazy and you should get most of this back 🙂
A laptop:  Teachers are responsible for bringing a laptop computer to Myanmar with them for lesson planning
Startup cash to hold you over until your first paycheck ($2000-$2500)

Payment Details:

$300 Application Deposit due to move onto the interview
- Refunded if you are not accepted
$300 Commitment Deposit due after acceptance
- Confirms your spot on a start date
Remaining Balance Due 60 Days Prior to Start Date

Wondering where exactly your program fee goes? Here’s a breakdown:

Picture yourself abroad and scroll through our participant’s Instagram posts at #GreenheartTravel!

Accommodation

With a recent sharp increase in tourism and NGO involvement in Myanmar, there is currently a shortage of housing options in Yangon, which has driven up the monthly cost of rent in the city.

The program has rented accommodation in Yangon in order to provide affordable housing to the teachers on the program. You will pay rent if you live in Yangon to live in the program housing, or if the accommodation is full (rare) you will be given assistance in locating accommodation in Yangon or your placement location. There are currently two apartments teachers have the option to live in. Both are located in a very vibrant, centrally-located and upcoming neighborhood known as Myanigone. The apartments are well equipped with single beds, shared bathrooms, air-con, washer, fridge, hot water, and western toilets.

Rent is typically around $150-200 USD per month in Myanmar, but could be more if you choose to live in a very desirable neighborhood.

A classic street scene in Yangon featuring trishaws.

FAQs

I identify as LGBTQ+. How will I be supported?

Greenheart Travel welcomes travelers identifying as LGTBQ+, and is committed to helping you find the best program for you. We can provide information on the cultural norms of our destination countries and are prepared to advise you on the best programs based on your needs and interests.

Please read more here.

Can I talk with alumni or current participants from the program in Myanmar?

Of course! Please join our Facebook community specifically for teachers in Myanmar or read our reviews on GoOverseas.com!

Where is Myanmar?

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a sovereign state in Southeast Asia that is bordered by India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand, putting it at the center of the cultural and ethnical crossroads of Indo-China, and creating a unique blend of cultures and religions seen nowhere else in Southeast Asia. One-third of Myanmar’s borders are uninterrupted coastline along the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Myanmar is the largest country in Southeast Asia, and the 40th largest country in the world. The Myanmar population is estimated at around 48.3 Million. It is fast becoming a hotspot for adventure travelers. The country is also making major strides towards democracy.

Though political change is happening slowly, the optimism and anticipation on the faces of the local people is palatable. The main languages spoken are Burmese and English, with varying dialects of Burmese spoken throughout the country.

One very alluring aspect of Myanmar is that the country has an unparalleled concentration of temple architecture, featuring sophisticated techniques and vaulting that is unseen in any other Asian civilization. Bagan, in particular, has the densest concentration of Buddhist temples anywhere in Southeast Asia.

Do people speak English in Myanmar?

The level of English proficiency in Myanmar is higher in urban areas than it is in rural areas, though the desire to learn English is equally high across the country. Because of the professional and personal importance to Myanmar people of building a capability in English language communication, a decision to teach English in Myanmar will have an enormous impact on the lives of Myanmar people and on the future trajectory of the country.

Why have travelers stayed away from Myanmar (Burma) in the past?

In the past, the National League for Democracy argued that by visiting Myanmar, tourists were endorsing the regime and putting money into the government’s pockets instead of the Burmese people. A government campaign to increase tourism in the 1990s was boycotted by many travelers.

There is a lot to think about when considering visiting or living in Myanmar. The government’s controversial policies and actions affect worldwide opinions on the pros and cons of foreigners visiting the country. It is the view of Greenheart Travel that by promoting active, responsible and sustainable engagement in Myanmar, our teachers will positively impact the country and its people. Greenheart Travel teachers should be thoughtful, informed, and engage with the locals. In contrast to traditional tourism, we believe that the nature of the long term, immersive travel on this program will promote valuable cultural exchange and meaningful interactions with the local communities.

However, we encourage everyone to do their research on the situation in Burma and make their own personal decision before deciding to join the program. Greenheart Travel will provide all of our teachers with comprehensive resources and guides about living and traveling in Myanmar ethically, sustainably and responsibly.

Will I have access to internet?

There is limited access to internet in Myanmar but this is improving everyday. All teachers have regular access to internet, but be prepared for outages. There is wifi in the program house in Yangon.

How are foreigners treated in Myanmar?

Foreigners are treated with kindness and respect. The people of Myanmar are very curious and approachable towards visitors to their country.

Can I drink the water in Myanmar?

Only store-bought water would be considered safe to drink, but tap water is safe for use for brushing teeth and showers.

What kind of support will I receive on this program?

Greenheart Travel will work with you before you depart to make sure that you are well prepared for your adventure. You will receive a pre-departure orientation on everything from the food, cultural norms, and how to be a responsible and ethical ambassador while you are in Myanmar. From the moment you arrive in Yangon for your orientation or TESOL course, you will be well taken care of, and staff members will make sure that you are settled in. You will also have an English speaking coordinator at your school, who will be able to introduce you to the school and your neighborhood, and will be there to support you or assist you with any questions or issues that you have. If there is something that cannot be resolved with your school coordinator, our program staff is always there to provide additional assistance, 24 hours a day. Additionally, Greenheart Travel has a 24 hour emergency line for your family at home, in case of emergency.

Will I be covered with medical or accident insurance?

The schools will not provide insurance, so you will be signed up for international medical and accident insurance through Greenheart Travel. The cost of the insurance for 6 months is included in the program fee.

Do I need a TEFL/TESOL certification?

A TEFL certification is required for our program in Myanmar, unless you majored in Education or have a teaching license. Greenheart Travel highly recommends that you obtain a TEFL/TESOL certificate before teaching abroad, even if you did major in Education. All Teach in Myanmar participants can opt to take a 4 week TEFL/TESOL certification course before placement. This is highly recommended (and not to mention, a lot of fun!). By taking the course, you’re setting yourself up for success in your new teaching job!

Can I apply with my friend/spouse/significant other?

Yes, we welcome friends and couples to apply and we can place you so that you can live together! Every applicant can note in their application who they are applying with. It’s also important to note that you will not necessarily be placed in the same school. You may find that instead you are placed in different schools close to each other and live together in the same accommodation.

I am a certified teacher/majored in Education, but should I still take the TESOL Course?

While the course won’t be required for you, we still do recommend it. You’ll learn methodology specific to Myanmar, as well as cultural things that will help you succeed at your school.

Why does Greenheart Travel charge a program fee?

Our free programs are free because they are fully funded by the Ministry of Education in our partner country. Programs like this one in Myanmar don’t have direct government funding, so teachers who want to teach there must cover some of their own expenses. When programs cost money, we do try to keep them as cheap as possible (we are a non-profit!) but there are some costs associated with running a program when it does not have any direct funding. The program cost covers things like your orientation and excursions, accommodation during orientation (and the TESOL course if you add that on), support staff, airport pickup, transportation, insurance, administrative costs of placement and support, etc. We’ll make sure that you’re guaranteed a placement at a safe and reliable school, and that you’re well taken care of from when you first inquire about teaching abroad, all the way through to the end of your program. You will receive a generous salary and benefits once you’re working…you just need to get yourself there!

What if I want to stay longer than one year? How do I extend?

Your school will usually ask you if you want to stay longer, in most cases. If for some reason your school does not ask you to stay, we will do our best to find you another placement in Myanmar! You do not have to pay the placement fee again in order to stay another semester, it’s free to extend!

Are there any required vaccinations for Myanmar?

All teachers need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before arriving in Myanmar.

While there are no other required vaccinations for Myanmar, we highly recommend that you see a doctor or travel clinic for advice on vaccinations. You can find more details about recommended vaccinations on the CDC website.

We recommend the following vaccinations from your doctor: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tuberculosis, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies. Dengue Fever and Malaria are present and potent throughout the country; contact your medical provider to find out what preventative medication you can take for Malaria. There is no direct anti-Dengue medication, the best protection is prevention with anti-mosquito spray. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please inform our confidential staff members in advance, and be aware that access to pharmaceuticals may be more restricted in Myanmar than in your home country. If you really need something, bring a good supply of it with you.

What are my start up costs?

In addition to the program costs, you will need to buy your plane ticket to Myanmar, which averages about $500-$800. We also recommend you bring living expenses for your first month (at least $1,000 to get by until you get your first pay check). Teachers will also need to purchase their own visas, which cost around $50.

Will someone be there to pick me up at the airport?

Yes, you will be picked up at the airport, unless you are traveling independently before the program begins.

Are flights included and booked for me?

No, flights are not included in the fee, and you are responsible for arranging your own flights/transportation to Myanmar. You may book your flights once you’re accepted onto the program, and we will let you know when you can do so!

When should I arrive?

We will let you know the exact date you should book your flight for after you have been accepted to the program. Typically you should arrive one day before your intended start date.

What meals are provided throughout the program?

You will be required to pay for your own meals. Breakfast and lunch at the school should cost no more than $3USD. Still, some schools offer free lunch depending on their budget and the luck of the teacher! Meals are also not included during orientation (or TESOL course) but meals in Myanmar are very cheap, and usually will cost around $3-5 USD.

Is Myanmar safe?

Myanmar is a very safe country. However, just like in any country, you should exercise some caution: be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings, don’t walk alone late at night, etc.

Can I bring my children and/or pets?

No, you cannot bring your children or pets.

What holidays will I have off?

You will have all National Myanmar holidays off! There are approximately 15 public holidays off (depending on the year). Please remember, Myanmar is mostly a Buddhist country, so you might not get time off for holidays like Christmas or other similar holidays.

Can I use my credit card in Myanmar?

Major credit cards are more recently accepted by hotels and large shops in larger cities and tourist areas, but cash is the ideal method of payment almost everywhere. Typically establishments will only accept credit cards for large purchases, so plan on paying for most things in cash. If you are bringing USD to convert into kyat, please make sure they are crisp and unaltered bills.

Will I get paid vacation?

3 – 10 paid vacation days is typical for a year-long contract (this may vary and is up to the discretion of the
school). For short-term contracts there may be no paid leave days.

Orientation

The one-week Cultural Orientation in Yangon, Myanmar includes the following:

1. Cultural Excursions

Visit the world-famous Shwedagon Pagoda, the holiest site in Myanmar
Volunteer at a local nunnery that cares for disadvantaged and orphaned children from the local community
Visit to a famous monastery in Yangon to learn about Buddhism in Myanmar
Take a tour of the ethnic minority village to learn about minority groups within the country
Barbeque at the residence with staff, past students, and current teachers

2. In-depth classroom learning covering:

Burmese language lessons
Myanmar culture
Cultural awareness training
Politics and history of Myanmar
Geography of Myanmar

3. Accommodation throughout orientation at a local hotel/hostel (this is subject to availability; meals are not included, but food is very inexpensive)

4. Opportunity to meet many other new like-minded and adventurous teachers!

Visiting a local nunnery during orientation

Placements

Most teaching placements are in Yangon, the former capital and largest city in Myanmar. Most school placements will be in private international schools or language schools, in which you may be required to teach at several different branches. Currently, it’s not allowed to teach English in public schools, which is why our placements are in private schools. We hope this will change and open up soon as well though.

We also have placements in other cities, like Tachilek, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Monywa. Here is a map of where we have placed people in the history of the program. Please note, Myanmar is changing drastically and becoming more open to English education, so new placements are popping up often.

The positions are full time, meaning that hours will range from 35-40 hours per week, five days per week.

You may teach from kindergarten up through high school and even young adults. It depends on the school that is interested in your profile. A TESOL course will train you to teach people of all ages and skill levels.

TESOL Course

The course is an optional add-on to the Teach in Myanmar program. Those who opt to take a course will continue their training for three additional weeks after the one week cultural orientation upon arrival.

Course at a Glance

120-hour TESOL Certification Course
Intensive 4-week in-person training
Located in Yangon, Myanmar
Internationally accredited
One Year Teaching Placement in Myanmar

Advantages of the Myanmar + TESOL Course

In-person training–students study in 4-week, on-site course in Yangon, Myanmar
Student Practicum – 20 hours of teaching observation and practice in the local community
Community Service – teaching experience in the school’s non-profit English camp for disadvantaged local communities
Cultural Immersion – cultural excursions ranging from visiting ancient temples to volunteering at an orphanage
Worldwide recognition – an accredited, 120-hour certification course, with graduates now teaching English around the world
Guaranteed Job Placement – You will receive your placement information in Myanmar before arriving for your course in Yangon

Who Should Take This Course?

You should take this course if:

You aren’t ready to create a lesson plan and lead a class on your first day
You don’t feel prepared and qualified to teach English
You prefer learning in a physical classroom (instead of online)
You are interested in being immersed in a different culture while earning your certification
You are a novice teacher: The course offers solid, practical, teaching techniques to ensure you enter the classroom with confidence
You want to meet tons of new like-minded explorers before settling into your placement
You want to give back to the local community while you get certified

Accreditation Information

This TESOL course is internationally accredited by the Online TESOL and TEFL Standards Agency (OTTSA). The course is audited quarterly by OTTSA staff, and will qualify you to teach anywhere that requires or prefers a TEFL or TESOL certification.

Why Greenheart Travel?

Greenheart Travel has been working in Myanmar for many years, and there are advantages of applying for this program through us:

33 years of experience with cultural exchange programs
Friendly, responsive, and professional support from your program manager, Kara, who has taught English abroad in SE Asia and has visited Myanmar.
Connect with alumni and others on the program via our Greenheart Travel only Facebook forums, before you even leave!
We try and make our program fees as inclusive as we can. We include things like extensive medical insurance for 6 months (medical maximum of $150,000 and prescription coverage with $0 copay) and accommodation for the entire TESOL course, so you don’t run into any hidden fees down the line.
Greenheart Atlas Program. The Greenheart Travel Atlas is a cultural training interactive guidebook alongside five videos where you will find three main topics covered: Personal/Professional Development, Cultural Understanding, & Environmental Awareness.
Guaranteed job placement. Take the stress out of finding a job, we 100% guarantee we’ll find one for you!
Our alumni recommend us! GoOverseas.com Reviews // GoAbroad.com Reviews
Hands on support and personal attention every step of the way
24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time
Pre-departure “Culture Shock and Adjustment” Webinar before you leave
Discounts for future Greenheart Travel programs
We are a non-profit, mission-based organization
Continued support throughout your contract

We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Travel teachers and alumni!

Greenheart Grants

Greenheart Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart Travel participants to use for community development projects in their host or home country. A Greenheart Grant is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see our past winners on our blog here.

Greenheart Alumni Program

We created the Greenheart Travel Alumni Program to provide resources and a community to support alumni in their advancement as global leaders, and a way to celebrate and reward our participants for being ambitious, inspiring catalysts of cultural exchange!

Greenheart Global Leaders Conference

Each August Greenheart offers full ride scholarships to over 40 alumni to attend our annual conference in Washington, DC. Participants even get a chance to advocate for cultural exchange in a presentation to the US Department of State. You can see more about what GGLC is and what you could do at the conference here.

Application Process

1. Start Your Application Here. You will be sent more information as well as the link to our application portal to begin your formal application.

2. Submit Basic Program Information: The first step in our application portal will be basic things like your chosen start date, etc.

3. Submit your Application Fee: A $300 fee is required in order to apply for the program. This is subtracted from your total program fee. If we are unable to accept you following your interview (very unlikely!) we will refund your application fee in full.

4. Complete Application & Documents: Provide more detailed information about yourself in Part 2 of the application. In this section, you’ll tell us more information like your work history, motivations for joining the program, travel history, and emergency contacts. You will also submit your documents (below) within your portal account.

5. Skype Interview: Once you have submitted your online application and paid your application fee, you will be asked to schedule a video interview with a Greenheart Travel representative.

6. You’re Accepted! Woohoo! We are usually able to accept people within 1-2 weeks of their interviews.

7. Commitment Payment: Once you are accepted to the program, you will need to submit a $300 commitment payment within 14 days to confirm your spot on the program. Once you submit your commitment payment you will unlock the acceptance portion of your portal, which includes things like pre-departure videos, travel and arrival information, the Greenheart Travel Atlas, and more.

9. Book your flights, and get ready for your adventure to Myanmar!

Required Documents To Apply

Terms and Conditions (signed virtually in portal)
Copy of Passport
Resume
Criminal Record Check
- Greenheart Travel pays for this for US Citizens as part of the online application
Copy of your University Degree or Transcript
- If you are a current university student graduating in the future, you can upload current unofficial transcripts

Schedule a Call

Have questions or want to talk to a program manager? Set up a time to have a phone call below.

Gallery

Take a glimpse into life in Myanmar through some teacher’s photos. Make sure to also check out #greenhearttravel on Instagram for more!