Job Discussion Forums

virginiawolfman · Joined: 12 Jul 2015 Posts: 1

Hey all - long time lurker, first time poster here.

I've scrapped together a plan to teach in Vietnam using mostly information found on this site, but am still lacking in a few necessary particulars. I guess now's the time then to throw my hat in the ring and seek some advice regarding my own situation (so, forum regulars, please be gentle).

I plan to take my CELTA at the ILA in HCMC this November 16th - December 11th. After flight and course fees, I'll have roughly $1,500 dollars left to live on for the four weeks that i'm taking the course and the job hunt that will follow. In your own experience, simply, is this enough money to bring? Is it realistic to assume that I can pick something up immediately upon CELTA completion in a December job market?

Information regarding how much one brought to Vietnam TO START, and roughly how much they spent while making the transition from first landing to first paycheck would be a good addition to the forum in general, i think.

I should add that i'm a 22 yr old white male with a B.A in English.

Thanks guys,
Max

cb400 · Joined: 27 Sep 2010 Posts: 274 Location: Vientiane, Laos

I think you are cutting it too close for comfort. You might not get a job right away and only pick up part time work. I think you need to budget a minimum of $1000 a month if you are careful.

Dont forget to factor in health insurance and an exit plan if things don't work out.

esl_prof · Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 3:54 am Post subject:

ExpatLuke · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 744

December is a terrible time to be looking for a job in Vietnam. It's right before Tet, so most Vietnamese are trying to save money. So they won't be signing up for English courses.

ExpatLuke · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 744

I had a job lined up when I arrived. I had to pay 3 months rent plus 1 month security deposit. And I bought a motorbike. Rent can depend on a lot of things. But my total start-up cost was about $2000. I overpaid for my place because I was a newbie who didn't know any better.

I came here with about $5000 in the bank, so it wasn't a problem waiting for my first pay check.

VietCanada · Joined: 30 Nov 2010 Posts: 590

VietCanada · Joined: 30 Nov 2010 Posts: 590

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

cb400 · Joined: 27 Sep 2010 Posts: 274 Location: Vientiane, Laos

wow the bottom feeders really come out on these forums.

Having a back up plan is always a good idea in a foreign country, to think other wise is foolish.

Medical insurance is an option, but the stuff that most schools carry is limited to 'out-care' protection and very limited scope of coverage. In most cases you should take cash instead of a schools plan and supplement with your cash to get a plan that covers 'in-care also.

Also consider getting a motorbike license in Vietnam as the medical plans won't cover you if you don't have bike license and need to use the plan from a motorbike accident..... a good possibility in Vietnam.

I wonder if Viet thinks that 8 years of living in VN building schools for investors, managing schools and working for various schools in several different cities allows me the honour to post in this forum?