Job Discussion Forums

ty12s · Joined: 19 Jun 2012 Posts: 3

Hello,
I have been in Korea for one year now, and am more than ready to move on. I have read all of the posts in the Vietnam forum, but some date back from a year or two ago and I would appreciate some recent input on working in Vietnam. Is working a 40 hour week, whether at one or two jobs and making at least $2000 per month a possibility in HCMC? Regarding the TESOL course that I have read about in Vietnam, do a lot of English teachers have their TESOL certificate? Thanks for reading, I would appreciate any of your opinions.

skarper · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 477

I think it would be a struggle to make 2000USD even in HCMC. Some do but they are usually ones who've been here a while and have some good connections and have paid their dues.

Proper international schools pay well, but want qualified teachers.

Many people live here making about 1000USD a month and enjoy the more relaxed lifestyle. The cost of living is lower than Korea so in some ways it is better.

LettersAthruZ · Joined: 25 Apr 2010 Posts: 466 Location: North Viet Nam

Mattingly · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 249

1st Sgt Welsh · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:20 am Post subject:

Hi ty12s,

Just to clarify, are you talking about 40 'hours' or 40 'contact hours'? If it's 40 contact hours then I agree wholeheartedly with Mattingly. It's possible to do it but, speaking for myself, I'd be exhausted and I dread to think what my lessons would be like. When you take into account time for marking and prep, IMHO, 24 contact hours is a full-time job, especially if you haven't taught the unit before.

My school only pays for contact hours unless you get a full-time contract. A full-time contract will usually mean that you work around 40 hours a week (which includes marking, prep, maybe 20 or so contact hours and for the rest of the time you do administration). In regards to earning $2,000 a month, a contract gig at the British Council might possibly pay that (that's just an educated guess) and RMIT definitely does and quite a bit more. However, both those schools can afford to be picky and they usually demand post-qualification experience. If you ace the CELTA (i.e. get an 'Pass A') then you may be a candidate for those schools, but, personally, I've only met a handful of people walking around with a CELTA 'Pass A'.

ty12s · Joined: 19 Jun 2012 Posts: 3

Thanks for the information. Saving $2000 a month would be great, but I realize that isn't possible. I meant making around $2000. In regards to the money, in your opinion what is the "average," pay rate for a teacher, that has their CELTA or TESOL Trinity certificate from the Apollo or ILA school. I swear I have seen people write that they get about $15-17 per hour. Do you guys only work 15-25 (contact) hours per week? I usually only see ILA and Apollo posting for jobs on this site, I realize there are more schools in HCMC than just those two. How long did it take you to find your job? Right now in Korea, I have kids from 10-6:30 MWF, 10-4:30 TTH, one hour lunch. It can be hell sometimes. Do the classrooms have cameras in them, like the Korean classrooms? Thanks for your help.

1st Sgt Welsh · Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2012 10:45 am Post subject:

I started on $24 per hour, but I am now on $26. Most schools pay less than that, but you got to look at the complete package (holiday pay, sick leave, end of contract bonuses etc). I don't get any of those benefits as I'm not on a full-time contract, but I'm not complaining and my school has been good to me.

A 'garden-variety' language mill should pay close to $20 (often with some benefits). You can still live comfortably on that and save a bit as well. If you have dependents then that changes things. In regards to cameras in the class rooms, I've heard of that elsewhere (especially in China), but, if it happens here, I've never heard of it.

kurtz · Joined: 12 Mar 2008 Posts: 518 Location: Phaic Tan

You're generally not treated as a pedophile like in Kimchiland, I should know, I did some "time" in that place and as long as you dress well, the Viets don't seem to look at you like you're a criminal and sex offender.

Lower your financial expectations in Vietnam, but get ready for a good time. Be prepared to work evenings and at least one day on the weekend. To get to $2000 you'll be running around town during the day doing privates, something you don't get thrown in jail for doing here. If you want the $$ - stay in Corea.

ty12s · Joined: 19 Jun 2012 Posts: 3

Awesome. So the average pay rate is $20 per hour. What is the average working hours though?? 20? How long did it take you to find a job though? One week, one month? Are the Vietnamese as vain as the Koreans? Do they prefer better looking (faces) over average looking? In your opinion does someone that they consider "pretty," or "handsome," have a better chance at landing a job. That is if, they have to decide between candidate A who is average looking and candidate B who is pretty? Both candidates having the same qualifications of course. I have noticed in Korea, that preferential treatment is given to people that are good looking, it's unfortunate. They base everything on looks and disregard the quality of the work that the person does. I witness it everyday at my hagwon and hear about it from other friend