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Mattdp87
Joined: 10 Mar 2016 Posts: 9
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Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2016 3:50 pm Post subject: Coming out to Vietnam in October |
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Hi,
I'm hoping someone can provide some clarification on a few points I've came across on this board and other places.
My apologies if any of this has already been covered. I did try and search first before posting.
I spent 6 months last year travelling around South East Asia, and I'm looking to head back out towards the end of this year, with the aim of spending a longer period of time in Vietnam(say 6 months, maybe longer) and teaching English.
First of all am I right in thinking that in order to teach in Vietnam you now need to obtain a work permit before entering the country?
Does this mean that people coming into Vietnam and picking up work as English teachers need to leave and re-enter? Or are a lot of the contracts
simply being done under the table?
Secondly, about me. I'm currently doing a 180 online TEFL(I know some people think these are a waste of time but It was bought for me as a gift so I thought I may as well make use of it). I'm 29, white, male, have an unrelated BA degree, and I am looking at doing an in-class/on-site TEFL course either in the UK or when I get out to Vietnam first.
I'm not looking to do this as a career, at least not initially. 6 months - 1 year, maybe longer if I really take to it. I'm also fully aware I'm not going to be paid spectacularly.
Would the above be enough to at least get my foot in the door? Also, would being nearly 30 be a big disadvantage as I know there is a preference for younger teachers?
In terms of finances, I should have around £4,000($6000) when I get to Vietnam, not including Visa costs and airfare. This would be for finances whilst waiting for my first paycheck and includes money for an airfare to head back home if things don't work out. Would this be enough of a safety net to see me through the first month or so until(well, hopefully) work starts to come my way?
Lastly, as I mentioned before I'll be heading out in October. I'm aware that things slow down around that time of year on the job front due to the holidays in Vietnam. Is there any work at all that can still be found in October and through the holidays or would I better off just waiting until next spring?
Thank you for any advice anyone can give. |
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sigmoid
Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276
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Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2016 5:16 pm Post subject: |
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Quote: |
First of all am I right in thinking that in order to teach in Vietnam you now need to obtain a work permit before entering the country?
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No.
Quote: |
Does this mean that people coming into Vietnam and picking up work as English teachers need to leave and re-enter? Or are a lot of the contracts simply being done under the table? |
Yes.
Quote: |
Would the above be enough to at least get my foot in the door? |
Yes.
Quote: |
Also, would being nearly 30 be a big disadvantage as I know there is a preference for younger teachers? |
No, 30 isn't old.
Quote: |
In terms of finances, I should have around £4,000($6000) when I get to Vietnam, not including Visa costs and airfare. This would be for finances whilst waiting for my first paycheck and includes money for an airfare to head back home if things don't work out. Would this be enough of a safety net to see me through the first month or so until(well, hopefully) work starts to come my way? |
Yes, the basic cost of living is still quite low if you just rent a room and eat frugally (more local than international). Beer and cigarettes are nearly free.
Quote: |
Lastly, as I mentioned before I'll be heading out in October. I'm aware that things slow down around that time of year on the job front due to the holidays in Vietnam. Is there any work at all that can still be found in October and through the holidays or would I better off just waiting until next spring? |
Yes, the slow down is around Lunar New Year (Tet). Schools close for 10 days - 2 weeks. People may get fewer hours a month or so before and after this but it's not that big a deal. |
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Mattdp87
Joined: 10 Mar 2016 Posts: 9
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Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2016 5:41 pm Post subject: |
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sigmoid, thanks very much for a quick and very helpful response.
There is one other thing that I forgot to mention and that is taxes. I've seen a few small bits online that contradict each other but nothing definitive. Do you know if once you leave Vietnam and return to your home country you have to pay tax on your earnings there? I know this probably varies from country to country but I can't find anything definitive on the UK. |
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