Job Discussion Forums

[manxomejoe]

Originally I had planned on flying into Vietnam around this time to partake in a CELTA course and then hit the ground, boots-on, looking for a position in HCMC.

Unfortunately, my budget has dropped drastically, and now I'm forced to choose between two options- either take a cheap TESL online course (120 hours) and fly out to Vietnam to begin looking for positions immediately or give up on Vietnam and go with Korea instead.

What is the likelihood that a white, fairly attractive, American male with a bachelor's degree and an online TESL cert will find an 'alright' position in Vietnam, HCMC specifically?

'Alright' = enough to save up for a CELTA cert without living in the dumps and not working with a completely shady organization.

It might help to note that I also have some friends from Orange County who have offered to contact relations in HCMC to help me find housing and get settled in-country.

Please note that I have done all sorts of research on Dave's on why the CELTA is the best thing around in VN, but I just don't have the heart to find the-needle-in-the-haystack of someone in my exact position posting over the past 50 pages of discussion.

[mark_in_saigon]

CELTA is not necessarily the best thing around in VN. The TEFL I cert is good enough to get you plenty good jobs if you look good overall. The cost is about the same, main thing is that TEFL I is very easy, and CELTA is not. Other countries may have a better read on this, they do not discount the TEFL I as much as they should (here), based on the reality of the program.

My personal opinion is that the people who are going to be happiest here do not have teaching (or income production) as their primary goals. They should essentially be able to live without teaching. Then, no matter what crazy stuff happens (crazy stuff always happens) they can take it in stride and happily go along to the next crazy thing, til they finally find something that works well. I would shudder to come over here with limited financial resources. Yes, life is cheap here, but when you are broke, your life is cheap too, they could actually let you die if you could not pay for your medical problems for instance. I would never come from a rich country to a poor country without really being able to afford it. It does not cost much to live here, but you really need to be able to access money if you get in trouble. I sure would hate to live here with the question of money hanging over my head. That is one of our big advantages, they know we have money, that elevates our status. Those of us who don't (and make it obvious to them) are moved to a different level in their eyes.

Others may know more about the online TEFL, my suggestion would be either to not waste your money on it at all and work without it, or get the cheapest one possible. I would not expect it do do much for you, and it might even work against you, not sure about that. Might depend on the school too.

[kurtz]

Reconsider your need to travel to Vietnam, or anywhere else for that matter if you don't have the resources unless you have a job lined up. Some schools will be crying out for summer program teachers, I think that might be your best bet (starts around June). You must save some money before you arrive and have an escape plan is things take a turn for the worst; not to have money to fall back on is just asking for trouble.

[inhanoi]

I agree with everything kurtz wrote except I'd replace the word "trouble" with "disaster."

As for your cert, mark is right that the CELTA itself is no magic job-finder, but whatever your cert, it should have an observed teaching component, not possible on line. And yes, you could possibly 'fly under the radar' over the summer (June/July but apply asap), teaching kids classes all day, with your inadequate credentials. But to continue into August you'd need a real certificate.

[Riding One]

[deadlift]

I'll add to the chorus. While for some coming here on a shoe-string is part of the fun, I wouldn't recommend it.

In my opinion it is essential to have enough cash to walk away from crappy jobs and/or leave Vietnam if it's not the place for you. You're inviting headaches and heartache otherwise.

[1st Sgt Welsh]

[manxomejoe]

Thanks everyone for the candor of your responses! It seems I may have added a bit more melodrama to my post than the intended amount. It appears, though, that a CELTA really is considered part of the base cost of teaching in Vietnam and I'll definitely treat further plans with that in mind.

Cheers!