Amazing beaches, diving, surfing, nightlife, heat — just some of the reasons to pack your suitcase and move to Phuket to teach English. Come soak up the night life, the sun, and the luxury. Phuket is a perfect place for the heat-loving TESOL teacher, with plenty of opportunities for travellers and for those looking to find a new place in the world. You can take a 1-year contract in a Thai public school or find lucrative TESOL jobs teaching Business English in Phuket — equally good for young university graduates and experienced teachers.
Visit the world's best beaches
Phuket is where many come to settle on a tranquil beach. There's an array to choose from — favourites include Freedom and Nai Harn for a quieter scene, or Kamala Beach for food stands, beer, BBQs, and ice cream. Many who teach English in Phuket come for the diving — stop into one of the many shops in Phuket Town, Kathu, or Rawai to pick up gear and link up with an instructor. For the best snorkelling the island has to offer, head to Ao Sane, right next to Nai Harn beach.
Experience luxury and serenity
People love teaching English in Phuket because it's a place to come and relax while lapping up the luxury this beautiful island has to offer. For a vacation reset, look into the Vijitt Resort Phuket in Rawai, which is private with great access to a pool. The beach there isn't swimmable, but trips to nearby beaches are easy to arrange.
For the night owl
If your energy is high and you're seeking an all-night party, Patong is the place — internationally renowned DJs, dancing, and merriment. For a more authentic and innovative party scene, head to Phuket Town, where you'll find authentic Thai food alongside surprisingly good Western fare. Suay and Raya are favourites among teachers.
The TEFL certification Phuket employers and the Non-B visa require
Thailand requires a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL plus a bachelor's degree for the Non-B work visa. OnTESOL's 120-hr course is TESL Canada recognized and ACCET accredited — the documentation Phuket's international schools and recruiters expect. Pair it with the TEYL specialist for international-school work, or the Business English specialist for the resort and corporate markets.
View TEFL Course →Join the TESOL community in Phuket
This getaway island with white sand beaches and abundant nightlife has more to offer than the typical tourist traps like Patong. Phuket hosts a large expat community where it's not difficult to find friends and fellow TESOL teachers. International schools are the easiest places to find employment, and the hiring calendar is fairly predictable: aim for the March–June and September–October windows. For broader professional support, the Thailand TESOL association runs the annual Thai TESOL Conference and is a useful national network for teachers in any city.