Job Discussion Forums

DaumiD · Joined: 29 Jan 2016 Posts: 18

This is my first forum post. I have been reading other threads, and I feel I have an incomplete picture of teaching ESL in Vietnam.

The first part of this post is about me, so please point out any glaring flaws in my plan.

I would like to teach English in Asia, probably starting around May to July. I was thinking Thailand, but it seems like Vietnam may be better for economic reasons.

I am 30, pale white and American-born, with English as my first and only language. I would eagerly learn a local language if I went to Asia, I studied a bit of Mandarin and I think I can handle a tonal language. I have a B.S. degree in Physics which is not much use in the USA. I have a clean criminal record. I have no teaching certificates, but I have been good at tutoring and at leading college lab classes.

Taking an intensive TEFL class after I arrive seems like the most effective way to legally and factually prepare myself for teaching English. I dislike huge cities, so a slightly smaller city like Hai Phong would be preferable (but not mandatory).

What should I do to find a good on-site program in Vietnam?

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

DaumiD · Joined: 29 Jan 2016 Posts: 18

Those links were helpful, if a bit rancorous at times. Thank you.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

TRH · Joined: 27 Oct 2011 Posts: 340 Location: Hawaii

skarper · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 477

The best idea is to start off in HaNoi or HCMC doing your CELTA there - then work a few months before looking to relocate to a smaller place. Some can land on their feet in one of the more livable cities but it is not as easy.

After 6-8 months in Hanoi or HCMC you will be well placed to move.

Bring plenty of money. Enough to live for 3 months and a reserve to leave if things don't work out.

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

ExpatLuke · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 744

If you don't like the big cities, Danang does have some TEFL courses offered from at least one of the language centers in town here. It's not a CELTA, but it would save you a lot of cash, and it's all in-house with a teaching practicum component, which is what is looked for from employers.

The suggestion to teach math/science at an international school probably wouldn't work out. I don't know of any international school which accepts teachers without an actual education degree or teaching certification.

To be honest, if you can afford to live here while making no income for the month-few months it would take to complete the course, you're in a good place. Just remember to always bring enough for your start-up costs and have an exit plan.

DaumiD · Joined: 29 Jan 2016 Posts: 18

ExpatLuke · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 744

Here's the link for the TEFL course which I've heard good things about:

http://intesolvietnam.com/tesol-course-tefl-vietnam/

I personally know a few of the instructors who teach there, and they're top notch. You might also find some courses through Apollo Danang or ILA Danang.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

skarper · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 477

Unless that course in DaNang is dirt cheap I'd still go for a properly accredited CELTA or equivalent. The only equivalent I know about is the Trinity college TESOL cert but there could well be others. This is not one.

The main cost of a certificate is the lost earnings and effort plus the time it takes out of your life.

This INTESOL one is very dubious with no real value. It may get the box checked for a Work Permit [though that is another can of worms] but it will not carry meaningful weight for anything else.

Furthermore I repeat my point about bigger cities equals more options and an easier start up. They are unpleasant to live in but most teachers in DaNang do not have full time hours and struggle to get by. This is a situation only likely to worsen in the future.

I would do a real CELTA in Hanoi or HCMC, work a few months then relocate.

DaumiD · Joined: 29 Jan 2016 Posts: 18

You guys have pointed out quite a few things I missed. Thank you for being so helpful.

DaumiD · Joined: 29 Jan 2016 Posts: 18

INTESOL seems to be the same cost as the Hanoi CELTA courses I have found, though the CELTA courses have some recommended reading attached.

Is it common for CELTA courses to have expensive textbook requirements?

ExpatLuke · Joined: 11 Feb 2012 Posts: 744

If you want to teach English as a career move, you should probably get a degree in TESOL.

If you're considering making it a career move, but don't want to commit to 2-3 years of study, get the CELTA or Trinity TESOL as they're the two most widely accepted worldwide. It doesn't matter in SE Asia, but if end up going to another country it might.

If you're just wanting to travel a bit, see more of the world, and fund your travels with teaching, get a cheap certificate like the one I linked above.