Job Discussion Forums

eleanor · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 1

I am a native English speaker from Canada, with 4 years of experience teaching ESL overseas, and a Bachelor of Education degree. Despite all of this, I have had problems getting teaching jobs in Asia due to my skin color - I'm of Asian descent. Recruiters and employers have outright told me that their schools are only interested in hiring caucasians. So my question is, how easy will it be to find a teaching job in Vietnam?I'm planning on going there in two weeks time. If you have any advice or information to share about this issue, please do! I could use all the info I can get my hands on right now.
Thanks!!!!!
Very Happy

Eleanor

tiggerpoo · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Posts: 18 Location: Vietnam

To be honest with you it will be difficult finding work that pays well. I know many native English speakers of Asian descent that are paid Vietnamese wages 250-300 USD a month. At the same time, I do know many of the same as described above who find work doing other jobs and do very well. English is not the only profession in Vietnam for foreigners. If you are still interested in teaching English in Vietnam then you must be willing to work for much less. It is possible to find teaching jobs making 8-12 USD/hour.
My other suggestion is to apply at RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology), they are one of the few who hire Asians who speak native English. However, they do require a TESOL/CELTA, a bachelor's degree and experience, but they also pay very well. It might be worth spending a grand on the CELTA. RMIT also offers the CELTA course.

Hope this helps.