Job Discussion Forums

joeharrywilliams · Joined: 23 Sep 2013 Posts: 2

Hi everybody.

Ill be moving from Korea to HCMC in about a month and wondered if anyone had tips on how good the ESL job market was down there?

Ive heard its possible to arrive in Ho CHi Min without securing a job beforehand and find one within a couple of weeks. Has anybody else had that experience?

Also, what is anyones opinion on how easy it is to save money in Vietnam? ive heard that if you work full time teaching you can make about 500 dollars a months, maybe save about 700-800 a month if you are careful with your money. Is this true?

Many thanks, any input at all would be greatly appreciated.

skarper · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 477

Many many threads covering these topics on here already.

Suggest you look through these and then post more specific questions.

mark_in_saigon · Joined: 20 Sep 2009 Posts: 837

Additionally, it is a lot better to add to the thread you find that covers this info. It is like picking up a book that is already written compared to asking people to write a new book when you have one on the table that is perfectly adequate. Some of these folks cover these questions in great detail, and would prefer to just see the existing relevant topic brought back to life, so they can add whatever new details are needed, rather than write the same info a second or third or fourth time.

New posters would also do well to add more detail about their own situations. Answers to the question of ease of finding work would be a lot more accurate if the posters give details on what their qualifications are.

OP mentions making 500 a month and saving 700 or 800. Putting a little thought and time into your research pays dividends. We are happy to help, but you have to help yourself first.

joeharrywilliams · Joined: 23 Sep 2013 Posts: 2

fair points. I am busy at work writing this, so yeah, it is a bit rushed. FOund out recently I am losing my job with only 3 weeks notice so having to move fast and plan my relocation while working full time. Apologies for not taking the steps you mentioned before posting.

Yep, realise the error in my post now. Of course, what I meant to write was earn 500 a WEEK, save 7-800 a MONTH.

So, I have a BA degree in history, a 500 TEFL certificate rom TEFL ENgland and one year teaching experience here in Korea. I am looking for full time work in HO CHi Min.

DIdnt see any threads which asked these questions on the first page of this forum, so went ahead and posted a new one. I read your comments and scanned back a couple of pages and can see the threads youre talking about. Apologies. BUt, if you did feel that with the corrections to my original post I just gave you could offer any more feedback, it would not be unnapreciated.

Many thanks

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

ExpatLuke · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 744

About a month ago we had a new teacher come to Saigon from Japan, and he reported that he was able to patch together full-time hours working at a few schools withing a couple of weeks. But that was during the summer time, which is one of the best times to be looking for work.

mark_in_saigon · Joined: 20 Sep 2009 Posts: 837

My opinion on work here has not changed, or if it has, it has become even more jaded. This is a great place to live if you do not need the income. If you are in the top 5% or so of the talent base, it can be a good place to work. I would never recommend to anyone (even that top 5%) to come here HAVING to have the income. It is too shaky, and even our best guys can take a long time to get that brass ring. The 2 grand mentioned is likely achieved by 10% or less of the foreign teachers at this time. Many of those are guys who work ungodly hours and do not care about the quality of their work. Nothing against having more folks try it, but most of the postings I see from these folks coming over for the first time seem unrealistic. And these are the folks with some qualifications. I don't think we hear much at all from the backpackers and some of the other groups that are offering the schools low wage alternatives. They are not asking about saving money or even finding work, they seem to be following the oh so profound advice of Nike or whoever it is "just do it".

I also notice we very rarely hear back from these guys. Whatever happens to them, it must be either so great that they want to keep it to themselves or so dreadful that they do not want to own up to it.

Mattingly · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 249

ajc19810 · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 214

Great post Mattingly and MIS.

There was a teacher who reported finding work within 2 weeks. I wonder if they are still out there how they are doing? It would be great for new people to virtually observe someone's time in Vietnam from landing through to the first few months e.g the trials and tribulations that is Vietnam. Interesting for long termers as well.

Savings is commonly talked about but i think most people who come here now would just like to make sure they dont eat into their 'real' savings and be able to save enough money to fly out of here when needed. Gone are the days of when we arrived with a few dollars in the back pocket and you could make it work for you. (aaah good times)