Lao
Lao (capital Vientiane) is the poorest and least developed country in South East Asia so it definitely is not a place for ESL teachers who wish to earn well and put money aside.
However, if what appeals to you is Lao's culture with its Buddhist thinking, attitudes and behavior or Lao itself, a landlocked, mountainous country, widely covered by largely unspoilt tropical forest, then getting a job as a teacher is a good way to help you support yourself whilst exploring the country.
Where to Teach
Apart from numerous volunteer teaching positions with charity organizations and schools that operate in Lao there are also paid jobs available in both private and public schools.
You may find work teaching English in an NGO where English teaching programs or private tutoring are offered to employees, or you can apply for a teaching position with the National University of Laos, Lao's only university.
VIS (Vientiane International School) is an independent co-ed day school offering educational programs mainly to the children of Embassies' staff, NGOs members and wealthy Laotians, from preschool through grade 12. The language of instruction is English. The school year runs from mid-August to mid-June. Tutors' wages here are perhaps the best you can find in the Laotian education sector, and can be as high as US$2000+ per month. A range of perks such as health insurance, flight ticket, accommodation, etc. is included in the package. Full teaching credentials are required to work at this school.
Work can also be found in kindergartens and primary schools, which generally pay a monthly salary.
Pay & Salaries
Salaries range between US$500 and US$700. Bear in mind that the cost of living is low and US$250-300 per month should see you all right.
Colleges and vocational schools usually pay by the number of teaching hours worked. The average hourly rate is around US$10/hr. Schools owned by Laotians are those that pay the least. There are no perks, health insurance, travel expenses etc. to be had.
Getting a pay rise or negotiating a bonus can be difficult. You may get it but with great reluctance from the director due to a perception, common amongst school directors in Lao, that foreign teachers are too highly paid.
Despite the low pay they offer, schools will expect you to put in time and effort. This situation causes a high teachers turnover which is facilitated by the lack of worthy contracts. Teachers can get fired at any time and they can equally walk out of their job without notice. To ensure the school you are considering working for is reliable, once you are in the country, drop in on the school director beforehand and try to get as much feedback as you can from other teachers working there.
