Teach English in Myanmar

Teaching English in Myanmar is not something we recommend planning right now. Since the 2021 military coup, armed conflict has spread across much of the country, and the UK government describes the situation as increasingly volatile. As of October 2026, the UK advises against all travel to large parts of Myanmar, including Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon and Rakhine states, Shan State North and the Sagaing and Magway regions, and warns of a heightened risk even in Yangon. Travel insurance is usually invalid if you go against official advice. If you want to teach Myanmar students, the safest option for now is to teach online, or to build experience in Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam.

Teaching English in Myanmar at a glance

Is it safe to teach English in Myanmar?

Not at the moment. Fighting between the military and armed groups continues in many states and regions, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office says the security situation can deteriorate at short notice and that the military authorities can introduce travel restrictions at any time. It advises against all travel to Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon and Rakhine states, Shan State North, the Sagaing and Magway regions, northern Mandalay Region, most of Tanintharyi Region and eastern Bago Region, and against all but essential travel to other areas. Even in Yangon, where most foreign teachers used to live, it warns of a heightened risk, and notes that attacks can affect places foreigners use, such as hotels, restaurants and shopping centres. Myanmar is also largely a cash economy, and power cuts and internet restrictions are common. Always read the latest advice from your own government before you decide anything.

What was the English teaching market like in Myanmar?

Before the 2021 coup, Myanmar was one of Southeast Asia’s emerging TEFL destinations. Yangon had a growing number of international and private schools, language centres taught young learners and professionals, and NGOs ran English programmes. Demand came from families preparing children for study abroad and from adults seeking better jobs. Since the coup, many international organisations and foreign staff have left, and the market has contracted sharply.

What qualifications would you need?

Employers have generally asked for a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours, with international schools wanting a teaching licence and experience. Foreign teachers need a visa arranged with their employer, and the rules can change with little notice. If you are ever offered a post, confirm everything with the Myanmar embassy, your employer and your own government’s travel advice. A regulated qualification is useful wherever you teach, and our Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma can be verified on the Ofqual register.

How can you teach Myanmar students safely?

Online teaching is the safest route. Many learners from Myanmar, at home and in the wider diaspora, study English online for exams, university applications and work abroad, though internet access inside the country can be unreliable. Our guide to online English teaching jobs explains who hires and what they pay.

Where else could you teach in Southeast Asia?

Thailand is Myanmar’s neighbour and the region’s biggest TEFL market, with schools and language centres across the country; see our guide to teaching English in Thailand. Cambodia is welcoming to new teachers and pays in US dollars, covered in our guide to teaching English in Cambodia. Vietnam offers some of the best pay in the region, explained in our guide to teaching English in Vietnam, and Malaysia suits qualified teachers aiming for international schools, as our Malaysia guide explains.

Last updated: 4 October 2026. The security situation in Myanmar can change quickly. Always read the latest travel advice from your own government before making plans. This page does not encourage travel to areas where official advice is against travel.