Job Discussion Forums

[thetuanster]

Hello all! I'm a newbie here as well as in the ESL world. Here is my background:

31 years old male, 2nd gen Vietnamese American from Washington, DC. Non-Native speaker however people can't really tell I'm a non-native unless I tell them

BS IT Network Admin/Info Sec
IT professional for 3 years
Former DC Police Officer (4.5 years)
Former teacher assistant for an after school program (1 year)
Recent CELTA graduate at Teaching House Washington, DC (still waiting for the actual CELTA certificate from Cambridge)

I'm planning to move back to Saigon at the end of this year and I'm hoping to get a fairly decent teaching gig there. However, I did lots of research and it seems that I will be fighting an uphill battle due to my ethnicity. It is quite disheartening knowing that Asian Americans are getting discriminated against because our skin color is not white. Also, most of the jobs there are listed for non-native only (this is crazy!)

What should I expect besides the blatant discrimination? Is it possible for me to make around $1500-$2000 a month in Saigon with the above qualifications? Btw, I don't have to pay for housing so the only financial obligation I have is student loans (around $500 a month).

Any inputs from seasoned veterans or newbies like me would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

A lot of my friends and family think I'm crazy for doing this! My philosophy is life is short you gotta enjoy what you do!

[calidan]

I wouldn't do it, if I were you. At 31, you are in your prime earning years IN THE UNITED STATES. The fact that you have IT experience means you can make decent money and sock it away for your future. And the fact that you're Vietnamese-looking means you're going to be discriminated against in Vietnam for teaching positions. Why would you leave a place where you can make great money, for someplace where you will make crap money? I could see it if you had a half-million dollars in the bank and wanted to eek out of sustenance income in Vietnam, but I'm guessing you don't since you still have debt.

You should work hard for 10-15 years, save up as much money as you can, avoid anything that sucks your money away from you (expensive cars, a wife and/or children, etc.) become debt-free and then consider going to Vietnam (or wherever you wish) and then teach english for something to do, and make a little bit of money. You considering leaving a high-paying country for a low-paying country at this point in your life is crazy.

[thetuanster]

I understand where you're coming from but I'm set to leave the country once I receive the CELTA. There is no turning back now!

I may sound crazy but to me you have to be crazier to not do what you really enjoy while you still can. I recently quit my police job and while I was there It made me realize that life is short you never know what will happen to you tomorrow. No offense!

Btw, are you in Vietnam right now?

[thetuanster]

Ok. Sorry for sounding off like a jackass but to be honest I already have everything planned out. My question is do you guys think that I can get a decent teaching job in Saigon with the CELTA and some limited teaching experience? I'm sure I will find something overthere but I just want to hear some personal opinions from people that have been in the game already. Much appreciated guys! Cheers!

[calidan]

It seems like you have everything planned out, except the actual getting a job to make enough money for retirement part.

Sorry, I'm not trying to give you a hard time. But it sounds like you're being impulsive and you're not looking at the situation realistically. I would be really surprised if anybody on here tells you that teaching english in Vietnam is a solid career choice for somebody who doesn't NEED the job. Ask yourself: How long could you go without a job? If the answer is "indefinitely", then you're in luck. Otherwise...? I wouldn't give up my day job if I were you.

Anyway, I've said my piece. Hopefully mark_in_saigon will chime in. He'll give you some realistic expectations, for sure.

[Mattingly]

In response to some poster who advise him to continue working to save for retirement, and earn income etc.

IMO,

If he is doing this for the cultural and/or life experience then I think tuanster should do it.

Tunaster, you will experience dysfunction and odd working conditions, most likely.

It's OK to take a year or two, or three years off from the grind of US life.

Yes, he has good quals for back in the US.

He's 31. He will likely be working for 40 more years (because retirement will not happen for most. This depends on where one invests their income and how much they can invest).

If someone needs money or income, I say, "do not come and try this."

If he's looking for a new life and/or cultural experience, then I say " go for it."

Yes, his ethnicity will bring some barrers.

Mark Twain said, "most people don't regret the things in life they did do, they regret the things they didn't do."

[Prof.Gringo]

[skarper]

At a rough guess I'd say you will make about 10,000 usd during the first year. With 6000usd going to service student loans that will not leave much for 'fun'

With free housing and I suppose an easier visa situation it would be possible to manage. Just about. You won't be able to afford health insurance, travel or save anything during the first year unless very lucky.

2nd and subsequent years you'll maybe manage 15-20K USD. It may be possible to move into the top tier jobs but frankly as an Asian-American it seems unlikely. Sadly - white monkeys are what they want. They could get a local with good English for about 1000USD a month so why pay more for a foreigner who looks like a local?

Actual teaching in Vietnam is not very rewarding. It rapidly becomes just a job. The 'schools' are businesses and they want to make money. They do not git a rat's rear end about providing a quality service for that money...and I think this goes even for the best places.

Some of the teachers at all levels still make an effort but the school management will mix levels, ages and students with different goals in the same class, change the class members often, provide outdated and unsuitable materials, allow students to routinely come to class 30-40 minutes late without sanctions, and talk in Vietnamese/use mobile phones throughout then it is pretty much a hopeless task.

You do get a few good classes now and again and there are always a few good students among the 'chaff' - so if that is enough for you OK. Most people can cope for a year or two with this but longer term it is an issue.

I'd say stay in the US and save up about 10,000 USD then have a 6 month holiday in Vietnam. More fun, less hassle. You can always do a bit of teaching on the side - perhaps as voluntary work.