How hiring usually works
- CV and photo. Schools in the region expect a one- or two-page CV with a professional, smiling headshot. A friendly photo really does get more replies.
- Interview by video call or in person, often with the foreign-teacher coordinator and sometimes the director.
- Demo lesson of 10–30 minutes, either with real students or with staff pretending to be students.
- Offer and contract, then the visa and work-permit paperwork. Read our contract checklist before you sign.
Interview questions schools often ask
- Why do you want to teach here? Show you know the country and the school's age group — not just that you want to travel.
- How do you manage a noisy class? Give one concrete routine: a clap pattern, a countdown, points for teams, praise for the students doing it right.
- How would you teach a student who doesn't understand? Talk about pictures, gestures, modelling, pairing them with a stronger student and checking understanding with yes/no questions.
- Can you work with Thai/Vietnamese/Khmer co-teachers? Say yes, and mean it — good relationships with local staff are half the job.
- How long will you stay? Schools want to hear that you plan to finish the contract. Leaving mid-term is the thing they fear most.
A 15-minute demo lesson that works for any age
| Minutes | Stage | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 | Warm-up | A quick song, chant or "Simon says" with action words. Get everyone moving and smiling. |
| 2–6 | Present | Teach 4–6 words with picture cards (for example animals or food). Say, gesture, students repeat — loud, quiet, fast, slow. |
| 6–11 | Practise | A game: flash the card fast, "what's missing?", or two teams race to slap the right card. |
| 11–14 | Produce | A simple sentence frame: "I like ___." Students say it to a partner or the class. |
| 14–15 | Wrap up | Quick review, praise, and a goodbye routine. |
What observers really watch: your energy, clear instructions, how much the students talk (not you), and whether you notice and help a quiet student. Teacher talk should be short; student talk should be long.
Mistakes that cost teachers the job
- Talking too much and explaining grammar to young learners.
- Giving instructions without modelling them first.
- Ignoring the age group — a teen-style lesson for six-year-olds (or the other way round).
- Arriving late, or dressing too casually. Smart trousers or a skirt below the knee, a collared shirt or blouse, and covered shoulders are a safe default.
- Asking about holidays and salary before showing interest in the students.
Video interviews from abroad
Use a laptop rather than a phone, put the camera at eye level, sit facing a window, and test your sound. Keep a few picture cards and a whiteboard nearby so you can show — not just describe — how you'd teach.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a demo lesson in Thailand?
Usually 10–30 minutes. Some schools give you a topic and age group in advance; others ask you to choose. Prepare a 15-minute lesson you can stretch or shorten.
What should I teach in a demo lesson?
Something simple and visual: 4–6 words with picture cards, a game to practise them and a sentence frame like 'I like ___'. Observers care more about energy, clear instructions and student talk than about the topic.
What should I wear to a teaching interview in Southeast Asia?
Smart and conservative: smart trousers or a knee-length skirt, a collared shirt or blouse, covered shoulders and clean closed shoes. Tattoos covered if possible.
Do schools do interviews online?
Yes. Many schools interview by video call before you arrive, especially for May and November starts in Thailand. Walk-in interviews are still common in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Updated October 2026 by Teacher Francois. Salaries and visa rules are typical ranges reported for 2025–2026 and can change — always confirm with your employer and the official embassy or immigration website before you pay for anything.