Job Discussion Forums

[longdistancewalker]

Hi,

I'm looking for work in a few countries with my job coordinator (Oxford Seminars) and my firsrt choice is Hanoi. (The rest of Vietnam is my second choice).

I'm 35 have a BA in Eng Lit, am TESOL certified, and have about a nine month's experience teaching ESL in the states and Guatemala. I'm also volunteering 10 hours a week with Vietnamese students (children).

My chances of finding work this year through OS partners in Vietnam are slim.

My question is: If I came to Hanoi at the end of June (or later (and what month)), with enough money to support myself for three months, and my Diploma (photo copied), TESOL certification, FBI criminal backround report), and no work visa, am I likely to find work if I look every day?

My contact tells me I can have room and board taken care of in VN, but my nine months experience isnt enough. I believe it is, but also that there is fierce competion in VN.

I'm considering two options. Coming over to VN to find work myself, and, working for a year in another country and coming to VN with another year of experience.

Is it probable (with dedicated consistent work) a determined person will find a decent paying teaching position in Hanoi? I'm going to have $2000 after I pay for my ticket.


I am open to signing short contracts or year contracts.

Thanks for your time.

[just noel]

What students do you prefer?

Young learners, kids, teens or adults?

Or all of them?

[inhanoi]

Yes, you will find work. $2K will get you through a number of months if your room and board is covered. People just off the CELTA with no experience are being hired, so your 9 months is good background. Your arrival date is problematic, as most schools will be mid-way through their summer young learner programs and will not be looking for teachers unless someone has bailed out (which does happen, this place isn't for everyone). Kids return to school in August, which means the schools will quiet down then. If most of the summer teachers leave, then some of them will need to be replaced, which gives you an opening.

It doesn't matter what your preferences are, you will have a mix of kids, teens and adults at most schools. The more enthusiastic you are about young learners the better your chances.

[LettersAthruZ]

Sure thing! Come on over - two grand USD is naw worries for holding you over for a few months while you're looking for work in Ha Noi! Housing is veerrry affordable there!

[kurtz]

[BenE]

It sounds like you have what is required for a work permit.

DON'T bring a photocopy of your degree unless it has been legalized by an attorney etc. and can be stamped by the embassy here as a genuine copy of the document presented etc.

Otherwise bring the original and look into getting it legalized in the US before you arrive.

I know you can survive here without a work permit but it makes life easier if you have one in the long term.

[mrpoe]

You should just Skype or email a few of the schools in Hanoi. You can contact Language Link, Apollo and ILA through their websites. For your safety I would suggest applying to one of these schools as they are well know and well regulated. Engage in a formal interview process with them. They may hire you remotely which means you'll arrive here with a job.

The cost of food and housing in Hanoi depends on lifestyle. You can live quite cheaply or spend too much money. Network with teachers at the local expat hangouts and find out how they manage.

Your arrival date is a bit problematic, though you may still find employment. Schools let out here at the end of May. Many students, elementary to university will enroll in intensive summer EFL programs for June and July. The schools have been recruiting summer teachers for a few weeks now.

Work visa and permit laws have changed recently and are much stricter, but manageable. A reputable school will help you through the process and pay for your visa and permit. Be wary of small schools with little or no website presence. Teachers have been cheated. Be wary of schools that will hire you without helping you with the visa and permit process. They are probably not reputable. Be careful of your reputation.

Here are a couple of links to websites with lots of good information about Hanoi:

tnhvietnam(dot)xemzi(dot)com

infosharehanoi(dot)com

Good Luck!

[LettersAthruZ]

So from the following from the OP -