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TEFLChris · Joined: 13 Mar 2018 Posts: 7

Hello fine folks,

I am native english and french speaker,Canadian passport.

I have TEFL certification but no Bachelor's.

I plan on taking CELTA once I get to Vietnam.

I was wondering about my prospects to LEGALLY work in Vietnam without a bachelor's.

I have a few years tutoring under my belt.

I am reading up on the subject but most links are very old and I could use a current view of the situation.

Thanks a lot,

Chris

Piscador · Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 24

It used to be possible although not particularly easy. Over the years the regulations have gradually tightened up.

I know one teacher who qualifies because he managed to get a WP thanks to his school's contacts in the government. After working for the same school for nearly six years he found out that because he had over five years documented as a working English teacher in Vietnam he was exempt from the degree requirement and was able to move on to a better job.

Years ago the rule was that if you could document at least five years of teaching in other countries you were exempt. I never heard of anyone ever presenting acceptable documentation, however. I don't know if this is still applicable.

tldr; You have very little hope of qualifying for a work permit. On the positive side, you have plenty of company in this regard.

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

In Việt Nam, the work permit is required for foreigners who are working on one-year contracts.

Most schools, etc. that employ foreigners to teach English do so on a causual basis and pay an hourly rate. Thus, very few foreign teachers have a work permit.

TEFLChris · Joined: 13 Mar 2018 Posts: 7

suphanburi · Joined: 20 Mar 2014 Posts: 916

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2018 5:03 pm Post subject:

1st Sgt Welsh · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2018 7:39 am Post subject:

I agree with Prof. Gringo. It depends on what your expectations are. I did scores of menial jobs, for lousy pay, when I was traveling around Europe. However, I accepted it because I was there for the experience and not there to bank money or set myself up for a career. I have no regrets about that and, if your expectations are similar, then it might work out for you. If you want more, and possibly live up to any potential you may have within the TEFL industry, get a degree.

nomadic_meow · Joined: 07 Apr 2013 Posts: 59 Location: Vietnam

I am not advising doing these things, per se. But I'm with Welsh on the understanding that everyone may come with their own background, needs and purposes.

If you are not intent upon hanging out in the more conventionally comfortable modern cities with a sizeable foreigner population, lively nightlife, many English speakers, multiple places the typical Westerner might wish to actually eat etc... Then there are probably some very provincial outfits that are dying to hire anyone who will adopt a more quiet and spartan life and perhaps even actually stay there for some months. How many would knowingly accept someone without a degree, I'm not so sure. But I imagine some will not look too closely at least.

MOD EDIT: No Go Area.