Hello fellow expats. I want to start a 100% legal language (initially) school in Phnom Penh and I am currently on the lookout for a centrally located property for that purpose. I need some guidance in terms of business and education licensing as I want everything to run 100% legally.
Our centre will provide English and Chinese classes initially (formalised with lesson plans and curriculu) . Our initial offering consists of 3 months for general Chinese, 3 months general English, academic year (9 months) General English, plus intensive 8 week IELTS preparation course.

I read that for language courses there is no need to register with the education ministry, but how do we get to start operations legally? Can we employ foreign teachers?

Also, how does the marketing work here? The centre will operate only in the evenings and weekends - what are the best chanels to advertise to adult and teenage learners? Our market is Chinese and Khmer learners for English and expat for the Chinese courses.

I am looking for a suitable property - a well located shop house in the centre of PP or a adjoining offices for rent long term anyone?

I am also looking for a teacher / partner that can invest 3-4 thousand dollars and time (marketing, part time teaching, admin) in return for part ownership and profit share of the centre. The investment would go towards materials, refurbishment and marketing, we are currently 2 people who will put in the same.

Hi Mr.November,

How could I contact you further? Have you found the partner to your planned education centre yet? You can contact me via [email protected] if still looking for one. Cheers!