Job Discussion Forums

[sdried]

I've been advised by a former teacher (an American) that EFL positions are low-hanging fruit in Vietnam and that I should go their on a tourist visa and look for a job. She says that to do so will give me the advantage of checking out the lay of the land and actually knowing for sure what the facilities and procedures are like at the various schools before signing a contract (as opposed to landing a position through an agency or one advertised on this or other sites). Does this sound like a good way to proceed? The Vietnamese Embassy advised me that it was.

There are two other matters I am unclear about (that the embassy gave me contradictory advice about). Can I purchase a one-way ticket to Vietnam or will I need a return ticket to get through customs? Also, what proof of vaccinations and health background should I be sure to bring with me, if any?

[kurtz]

What's with the "low-hanging fruit" comment? Does this mean you're a low quality teacher or should I say, a backpacker after an "adventure"? Quite a strange way to start a post by talking down to people and then asking for help.

Anyway, to reluctantly answer your questions. Yes, I think it's a good idea to arrive in the country and look for jobs - provided that you have the means to support yourself for at least 3 months while you look for work and wait for your first paycheck which might be smaller than you think. Make sure you bring your degree (if you have one) and your teaching certificate. A criminal background check is required from your home country. You need those 3 things for a work permit, plus a health check. Don't need any proof of vaccinations but it's a good idea to be on top of things in that regard.

If you're Western, I seriously doubt you'll be asked for an onward ticket on arrival. However, some airlines demand that you have a return ticket as I'm aware that they get into some kind of trouble.

[sdried]

Low hanging fruit=easy to come by; there are many of; there is a wide assortment of; etc... If you are offended by how someone words something, don't bother replying to their post. It's astounding how much snark bubbles up in these threads. To all the lonely EFL teachers marooned friendless in foreign lands where they don't speak the native tongue: find something better to do than to insult strangers who are seeking advice!

[sdried]

May I recommend a Kindle!?

[tonyjones01]

Sdried, you appear to be the one easily offended. Personally, I doubt you have the proper temperament to live and work in Viet Nam.

Anyway, all your questions have been answered multiple times in this forum.

[kurtz]

[Montanaland]

sdried- boots on the ground and getting face to face with prospective employers seems like its always the best angle to take when searching for employment.

For a good example take North Dakota's Bakken oil field where I am employed. Companies get hundreds of resumes a month.. which in their eyes are mostly hollow promises from folks who never show up (especially in winter.. -30) Some of best jobs can be attained by being there and persistent. Sorry if I'm sounding like some career coach.

Also correct me if I'm wrong..but from what I've read it seems the only part of the world you can't just show up and "shake the bushes" is Saudi Arabia and/or other countries in the middle east.

Finally, I'm glad to hear jobs are still plentiful over there.

Take Care

[kurtz]

[Montanaland]

Kurtz- I've heard things have slowed in Nam compared to a few years ago.
So, I guess it is a misnomer that the fruit is still hanging low for easy picking!

[VietCanada]

I entered on a one way ticket and did not need any proof of vaccination. It's a good idea to get vaccinated though. It may also be a good idea to have a return ticket in case things don't work out for you.

The only low hanging fruit I've seen on this Earth was a booming oil city and I had good qualifications for unrelated work. These places need salespeople, clerks and office staff not just oil workers.

If you know what you're doing your first pay may be 2 months from your arrival date.

[kurtz]

[just noel]

[sigmoid]

I'd say that the main point with all of these recent posts from people who have just heard from a friend that VN is a great place to easily pick up a good-paying job is that they missed the boat about 5 years ago.

While it may still possible to get a pretty good teaching job in VN, people who just show up need to:

1) be prepared for significant competition and a much longer waiting period

and

2) have a well-thought out plan B.

[Oh My God]

[Nim Chimsky]

Hi Teachers