Job Discussion Forums

[drpangloss]

Howdy friends! Been in Saigon for 3 days (per the post subject) and I'm loving it. I'm torn between applying for jobs next week and taking a little more time to explore the country before I settle down. Is there often a gap between when you're hired and when you start work? Additionally, are there any places I should avoid looking? My plan is to start with ILA in D1 and go from there; it's not much of a plan, I know.

If anyone here would like to meet up I'd be happy to buy you a beer or three if I can pick your brain. PM me if you're interested.

[charlie don't surf]

Welcome.

This reply is predicated on the assumption that Saigon was your point of entry into Vietnam, and that you haven't checked out any other places.

Even though you stated that you're loving Saigon, it's still not a bad idea to explore other places. After all, if you're going to be living in a place for 6 months or more, you want to make sure that it's conducive to your lifestyle and that it offers some or all of the amenities that you can't live without.With this in mind, there may be somewhere else in Vietnam that will hold more appeal to you than Saigon.

Conversely, after checking out other places, your current view of Saigon may be reinforced. Either way, you win.

As for whether there will be a gap between when you're hired and when you actually start work, this will vary from school to school. Some schools may be looking to fill a teaching vacancy asap, while others may have an imminent vacancy and will not require the successful applicant to start immediately.

Best of luck.

[drpangloss]

Thanks Mr. Surf (if that is your real name), I think your advice is pretty sound and I intend to follow it. I'm going to head to Vung Tau tomorrow, I think, and then Nha Trang on the fifth to have a look-see. I've heard Da Nang is pleasant as well and may offer more jobs than either of the previous two. Where are you located, and do you like it? Last night I met several ILA teachers here who all seemed reasonably content with their lot in life, though not ecstatic.

[kbot5]

I second the travel advice. If you have the time/funds to take a pre-work holiday, it would be better to do it now than wait for time off.
I didn't fancy Hanoi that much upon arrival but ended up in Da Nang. After five weeks, I'm still loving it here. The people/food/climate/overall feel of a place really changes from town to town. Some people don't think enough is "happening" in this city but the pace of life and recreation fits me well.

I started the same day I arrived in Da Nang but my roommate didn't start teaching until three weeks into her contract, so there is no straight answer there.

Happy exploring