Teach in Thailand Program
Get paid to teach English in Thailand
Immerse yourself in Thai culture in a way that no tourist can. As a foreign teacher in Thailand you’ll become a part of a local community, build meaningful relationships with colleagues and neighbors, and make a difference in the lives of your students. With CIEE, you’ll have all the training and support you need to be successful inside and outside the classroom. The competitive salary and provided housing will allow you to explore Thailand on weekends and enjoy all the Pad Thai you can eat!
Program Highlights
- Job placement and detailed school information before confirming your participation on the program
- No need for a visa-run after arrival because CIEE will help you obtain a work visa for teaching in Thailand pre-departure
- Peace-of-mind with unparalleled support and 24/7 emergency assistance
- Build a network of friends during the on-site orientation and travel together during breaks
- Placements with partners and friends
- No teaching experience necessary!
Have questions? Find answers on our Teach in Thailand FAQs!
TERM | PROGRAM DATES | DEADLINE | COMPENSATION |
Fall 2026 | 1 Semester |
April 1 |
30,000-43,000 baht/month plus rent-free housing |
Spring 2027 | 1 Semester |
Sept 1 |
30,000-43,000 baht/month plus rent-free housing |
*A June start date with a two semester commitment is available for those with May graduation dates.
About Our Program Fees
As a non-profit organization, CIEE relies on program fees to provide participants with placement assistance, international insurance, orientation, and support before and after arrival. The program fee of $2,350 is paid in two installments:
- $500 commitment deposit after acceptance ($1,000 for programs with TEFL)
- Remaining balance due when you receive your placement
Add A 150-Hour CIEE TEFL Certification For $1,000 ($1,195 Value)
CIEE alumni receive a 10% discount!
What's Included
- Job placement prior to departure
- Pre-departure support– including visa guidance and a comprehensive online pre-departure course
- Housing provided by employer at teaching location
- Orientation in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, including Thai language lessons, training sessions, meals, and hotel accommodation
- Transportation from orientation to your teaching location
- 12 months of iNext international insurance with 24-hour emergency assistance services
- 24/7 support while you're abroad
The Destination
CIEE participants are placed at public or private schools throughout Thailand in cities and towns of all sizes. Placements in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the southern region are limited and typically more competitive.
It’s easy to see why this is the most visited country in Southeast Asia as you explore dense, green jungles, crystal-blue oceans as warm as bathwater, food with flavors that burst on your taste buds, and the company of smiling, adventurous people.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
The Take-Aways
Compensation
Get paid between 30,000 and 43,000 baht/month depending on your qualifications, and receive comfortable rent-free accommodations from your school.
Preparation
Pre-departure job placement, visa assistance, cultural and professional development guides, and extensive in-country orientation.
Assistance
Pre-departure guidance, in-country support from resident staff, medical insurance and 24-hour worldwide assistance with CIEE iNext.
Program Blogs
The Solo Trip That Changed My Mind
I'd always admired people that went on solo trips, I just didn't ever think I could be one of them. This post shares the story of my first solo trip, how my mindset about it changed, what I learned from it, and a glimpse into what solo travel in Thailand is really like.
Thailand Through the Eyes of My 12th Grade Thai Students
What makes Thailand truly unique beyond its temples and street food? In this reflection, my 12th grade students in Thailand share what their country looks like from the inside — not as a tourist destination, but as home. Through their honest words, we see how Thai culture balances tradition and modern life, how respect, family values, and kindness shape daily experiences. Their perspectives offer an authentic glimpse into Thai society through the eyes of the next generation.
How Schools Shape Students in Thailand: A word from my students
What does school truly teach beyond textbooks and exams? In this reflection, three Thai students offer an inside look at how education shapes not only their academic futures, but their character and identity. Through their voices, we see that Thai schools function as more than places of learning — they are spaces where discipline, ambition, cultural pride, and respect are carefully cultivated. From the belief that education determines one’s future, to the daily practice of courtesy and social harmony, these students reveal how Thai education prepares young people not just for university, but for life. Their perspectives offer a powerful reminder that schools reflect the values of the society they serve.
Job Description
As a lead classroom teacher, you’ll focus on improving the conversational English skills of your eager students with creative classroom exercises and educational games.
This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and promote international goodwill while you earn money to support yourself. The cost of living in Thailand is quite reasonable, so your salary will go a long way.
Some schools will hire instructors to teach both English and also other subjects, such as math, science, technology, computers, social studies, and physical education. Candidates with educational backgrounds in these areas are encouraged to note a willingness to teach subjects other than English on their applications. Also conducted in English, these classes can be smaller than English language classes. These schools typically pay a higher monthly salary, as described below.
Compensation
The compensation package includes provided accommodation for all teachers and a salary between 30,000-43,000 baht per month. Note that holidays and semester breaks are unpaid.
There are five compensation tiers. Please note that positions at tiers 4 and 5 are very limited and competitive.
- 30,000 baht/month plus housing: This is the base salary for participants teaching English.
- 32,000 baht/month plus housing: Participants who have a ESL certificate (minimum 120 Hours and must have an accreditation), a gov't teaching license/credential or a 2-year Associate's Degree in Education or TESOL (in addition to the required bachelor's degree). NOTE: outside ESL certifications must be submitted by the application deadline in order to qualify for the salary increase.
- 35,000 baht/month plus housing: Teachers with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education. NOTE: Degrees in Education Policy, Education Leadership, Education Administration, and Education Studies do not qualify for this salary tier.
- 40,000 baht/month plus housing: Tier 3 qualifications, plus a letter documenting at least one full year of full-time professional teaching experience. Requires two-semester commitment and a teaching demo video for potential employers.
- 43,000 baht/month plus housing: Tier 3 qualifications, plus a letter documenting at least three full years of full-time professional teaching experience. Requires two-semester commitment and a teaching demo video for potential employers.
These salaries are generous in local terms – about twice what local teachers earn – and your wages can easily finance independent travel after the semester ends.
Schools
Positions are available at private and public partner schools across Thailand. Most placements are available in the central, eastern, and northern regions of the country; while positions in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the southern provinces are limited and typically more competitive. We do not place teachers in the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Satun, and Songkhla.
You can request placement at a particular level and location, but keep in mind that placements are driven by demand, so we cannot guarantee that requests will be met.
Workload
A typical teaching load is 20-25 classes per week, depending on the school. In addition to time in the classroom, participants are expected to devote time to class planning, presentations, faculty meetings, and a range of extracurricular activities. Participants should expect a 40-hour workweek.
This allows plenty of opportunity to travel, explore the countryside, and enjoy Thai culture.
Qualifications
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to apply, along with a few other qualifications. These, plus a sense of adventure and a desire to cross cultural boundaries and engage with people eager to learn English, will make you a great candidate.
CIEE looks for candidates who are independent, curious, and thrive in a changing environment. Are you self-motivated, responsible, and ready to take the plunge into a rewarding adventure? If so, start your application now!
Requirements
- Native-level English fluency
- A bachelor’s degree in any field; from a university in one of the eligible countries below.
- Citizenship in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland or the United Kingdom.
- Must be 50 years old or younger
- Clean criminal history with no record of arrests or charges.
- Due to visa requirements, participants must be able to show three months of bank statements with at least $1,500 to cover initial living expenses. The bank statements need to be three months prior to arrival. To plan ahead, please read the Program Timeline.
To make your application stronger, highlight additional qualifications, such as:
- TEFL certification
- Experience studying, working, or volunteering abroad
- Master’s degree in English, education, math, or science
- K-12 teaching licensure or certification
TEFL Certification
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification gives you the skills, experience, and confidence to make teaching abroad even more rewarding – both for you and those you teach. The CIEE TEFL 150-hour certification course can easily be added on to your program to ensure that you:
- Develop an awareness of the field and practices of TEFL
- Understand the components of English related to teaching nonnative speakers
- Get personalized feedback from an experienced TEFL tutor
- Can design lessons for TEFL students at a variety of levels
- Complete 20 hours of practice teaching experience to hone your skills
Discover the benefit of including a TEFL Course with your teach abroad program.
Our Staff
Alissa Malbrough
Teach Abroad Advisor
Alissa’s international journey so far includes studying in Argentina, teaching in Ecuador, Spain, and Korea, ice trekking, backpacking, and skydiving. She’s excited to help others explore teaching abroad!