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virginiawolfman
Joined: 12 Jul 2015
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:33 pm Post subject: Vietnam Start-Up Costs |
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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 |
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cb400
Joined: 27 Sep 2010
Posts: 274
Location: Vientiane, Laos
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| Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:38 pm Post subject: |
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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. |
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esl_prof
Joined: 30 Nov 2013
Posts: 2006
Location: peyi kote solèy frèt
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| Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 3:54 am Post subject: |
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| cb400 wrote: |
| Dont forget to factor in health insurance and an exit plan if things don't work out. |
Super important for any country where you plan to just show up and begin job hunting. |
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ExpatLuke
Joined: 11 Feb 2012
Posts: 744
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| Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 7:34 am Post subject: |
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| 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. |
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ExpatLuke
Joined: 11 Feb 2012
Posts: 744
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| Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 7:37 am Post subject: |
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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. |
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VietCanada
Joined: 30 Nov 2010
Posts: 590
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| Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 2:14 pm Post subject: Re: Vietnam Start-Up Costs |
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| virginiawolfman wrote: |
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 |
If you have a BA in English you will not need a CELTA from a school a school that will pay you $18 an hour (for limited classes and a contract clause preventing you from working elsewhere in your free time) less taxes and other deductions. Pseudo international schools will pay you a decent salary around $2000 a month or more if you simply have any old TEFL cert. That could be a $180 on line multiple choice cert.
I have been offered jobs that included financial perks such as health care and a housing allowance. ILA is just a language mill. You'll net about $15 an hour and $750 to $1000 a month if they like you.
That being said, English degrees aren't exactly rare in this business.
Getting a cert to teach adults when most jobs are for teaching children is not going to be particularly helpful. It's kind of stupid to be honest.
There are schools here that offer TEFLs to teach children and they have contact hours. and other benefits.
Do a search. I believe VAIS out by the airport has such a course. They far outnumber TEFL certs to teach adults since most jobs here are for teaching children.
In this country you are defined by your how much your students like you not your certs. |
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VietCanada
Joined: 30 Nov 2010
Posts: 590
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| Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 2:17 pm Post subject: |
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| esl_prof wrote: |
| cb400 wrote: |
| Dont forget to factor in health insurance and an exit plan if things don't work out. |
Super important for any country where you plan to just show up and begin job hunting. |
Says the poster who has never worked in VN and so has no idea that there are schools that offer health insurance. You can also find a plan on your own. Manulife has one for example. |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 2:40 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| I plan to take my CELTA at the ILA in HCMC this November 16th - December 11th. |
The other long-term teachers in Vietnam don't agree with VietCanada that a CELTA isn't applicable in Vietnam. There's another thread where this is discussed in depth and at length:-)
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=111205&start=0
Getting the CELTA is a good idea; it will help you to avoid the insecure bottom-feeder jobs. |
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cb400
Joined: 27 Sep 2010
Posts: 274
Location: Vientiane, Laos
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| Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 2:44 pm Post subject: |
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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? |
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VietCanada
Joined: 30 Nov 2010
Posts: 590
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| Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 2:52 pm Post subject: |
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| cb400 wrote: |
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? |
If I was in fact referring to your post I might.
I might suggest that a school manager has a vested interest in people coming to VN to teach for example. Something a simple teacher wouldn't have.
But kudos to you for specifying your credfs unlike the handful posters on this board lately that have no experience working in VN whatsoever and won't admit to it.
In that atmosphere you'll have to accept that this whole VN board and all posters are suspect.
My apologies. |
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esl_prof
Joined: 30 Nov 2013
Posts: 2006
Location: peyi kote solèy frèt
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| Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 7:20 pm Post subject: |
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| VietCanada wrote: |
| esl_prof wrote: |
| cb400 wrote: |
| Dont forget to factor in health insurance and an exit plan if things don't work out. |
Super important for any country where you plan to just show up and begin job hunting. |
Says the poster who has never worked in VN and so has no idea that there are schools that offer health insurance. You can also find a plan on your own. Manulife has one for example. |
Seriously, I rather doubt the the health insurance offered by a future employer will retroactively cover the OP during the time spent on a job search.  |
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ExpatLuke
Joined: 11 Feb 2012
Posts: 744
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| Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 5:22 am Post subject: Re: Vietnam Start-Up Costs |
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| VietCanada wrote: |
| virginiawolfman wrote: |
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 |
If you have a BA in English you will not need a CELTA from a school a school that will pay you $18 an hour (for limited classes and a contract clause preventing you from working elsewhere in your free time) less taxes and other deductions. Pseudo international schools will pay you a decent salary around $2000 a month or more if you simply have any old TEFL cert. That could be a $180 on line multiple choice cert.
I have been offered jobs that included financial perks such as health care and a housing allowance. ILA is just a language mill. You'll net about $15 an hour and $750 to $1000 a month if they like you.
That being said, English degrees aren't exactly rare in this business.
Getting a cert to teach adults when most jobs are for teaching children is not going to be particularly helpful. It's kind of stupid to be honest.
There are schools here that offer TEFLs to teach children and they have contact hours. and other benefits.
Do a search. I believe VAIS out by the airport has such a course. They far outnumber TEFL certs to teach adults since most jobs here are for teaching children.
In this country you are defined by your how much your students like you not your certs. |
If there are any newbies considering Vietnam. Please don't listen to any of the horse sh** coming from VietCanada. He's a bit delusional.
There are a lot of people who give out solid info, but he's not one of them. |
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Dream_Seller
Joined: 01 Feb 2014
Posts: 78
Location: China
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| Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 4:42 pm Post subject: Not enough... |
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Remember, CELTA month 1, then you work, then you get paid 1 month later. $1500 is ridiculous. I foresee you asking for a loan from friends and family shortly.
This is $1500 for about 2 months time or more. You will have some outings during this time period.
To earn that $1500 you worked very hard but you are accustomed to spending it rapidly and with ease. It will take you longer to accumulate an additional $1500. |
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esl_prof
Joined: 30 Nov 2013
Posts: 2006
Location: peyi kote solèy frèt
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| Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 6:11 pm Post subject: Re: Vietnam Start-Up Costs |
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| ExpatLuke wrote: |
If there are any newbies considering Vietnam. Please don't listen to any of the horse sh** coming from VietCanada. He's a bit delusional.
There are a lot of people who give out solid info, but he's not one of them. |
This.
On a previous thread, VC said this about some advice she disagreed with:
| VietCanada wrote: |
| . . . I am considering reporting the post to Dave's ES Cafe moderators but I am unsure that they have a category for blatantly giving false information to newbies to this board. |
Since then, it's become clear that she is the one who is actually dispensing false information to newbies on the basis of her "extensive" experience teaching math at elite "international" schools. Frankly, "a bit delusional" is a very generous description of her contributions to this board. |
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I'm With Stupid
Joined: 03 Sep 2010
Posts: 432
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| Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2015 7:31 pm Post subject: |
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| cb400 wrote: |
| 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. |
Do you not mean the other way around? Every cheap insurance plan I've seen covers inpatient, but not outpatient.
Anyway, I don't think you need a massive amount initially. Obviously it's always good to have more money than you need. There's always a chance you'll hate it and want to leave quickly, but hopefully you'll learn that when you're doing the CELTA. It's perfectly possible to live in a guesthouse at the start if cash is tight, and that'll set you back about $300 a month with no bills. Alternatively, there are often adverts for rooms in shared houses that require no security deposit, starting at about $200 a month plus bills. But the advantage of the guesthouse is that it delays all of the usual miscellaneous startup costs like bedding (surprisingly expensive), cutlery, etc. But chances are you'll meet people to live with on the CELTA and you can share some of these.
Here's my usual monthly fixed costs just to give you an idea (I live in a flat with 2 other people, so this is just my share):
Rent: $200
Electricity: $30
Building Fee/Parking/Water: $12
Internet/TV: $6
Cleaning: $9
Fuel: about $3
Food: more than all the rest put together, because I get far too many deliveries from expensive Western places.
If you're part time, you can probably add a visa fee to that every so often. How often depends on your school, but budget for a new visa every 3 months. Last time I checked, that cost $135 for a 3 month multiple entry, but I've not had a 3 month for a long time, so maybe someone else knows. I know ILA will sort it out for you, but if you're not full time, you'll have to pay for it. Try and get full time at a decent school ASAP and you'll never have to worry about it.
You can rent a motorbike initially too, and that'll set you back about $40-60 a month depending on the type. But like others have said, if you crash your insurance won't cover you, so you have to either get a licence (a lot of hassle) or drive a 50cc motorbike, which doesn't need a licence (which I've never seen available for rent, so you'd probably have to buy). Of course plenty of people get by without a motorbike, but it costs more in the long run.
ILA is expanding massively atm, so it's causing a lot of problems. One of those problems is a shortage of qualified staff, so I'd be very surprised if you passed the CELTA and they didn't hire you. ILA tend to hire new CELTA graduates on a part time contract initially (basically a trial), but I actually think you're finishing at an okay time, because schools tend to need a lot of cover over Christmas. But assume that Tet will basically be a month of half pay at best. Hopefully, you'll have had at least 1 paycheck by then though. It's been a while but I'd say you should be on no less than $1500 a month straight off the CELTA with about 12% of that going to the tax man. It might have to come from 2 employers initially though.
But yeah, I wouldn't come with just $1500. And if I had no other option, I'd at least bring a credit card with a limit that would get me home in an emergency. But you could always apply for the CELTA after the November one. There's no hurry really. |
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