Job Discussion Forums

[empiricist43]

Was wondering if there were any university-level jobs there--- especially in Hanoi.

[Snaff]

^ Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think foreigners are allowed to work/teach at government schools.

[pfroehlich]

Don't know about Hanoi but that's definitely not correct in Saigon. I know at least 5 foreigners who teach at local universities. From what I hear, these jobs aren't appreciably different from those available at language centers but if you are really hung up on this I could rustle up some info for you.

[cha muir]

Yes there are university jobs available, but to my knowledge you need to have a sponsor. Most schools seem to get their teachers thorugh various NGOs. Myself, I taught at the Uni of Dalat for two years through World University Services of Canada. Things are changing though and it could be possible to get sponsored on your own. For example, when i left Dalat, they told me it would be possible to come back and work on my own if I got my alma matter to write a letter of introduction for me.

Hope this helps some.

[Mr Wind-up Bird]

I had a meeting at a university in HCMC yesterday where they offered me as much work as I'm prepared to take on. I was introduced to the principal by my wife who used to be a student there. Normally they recruit teachers as "volunteers" from abroad but the two they recruited this year have already left for better-paid work - the pay is $8 for a 45-minute lesson.

The facilities were poor compared to the private schools in which I teach, but the staff & students I met were all phenomenally grateful that I'd even turned up for an interview let alone agreed to work there. I'll probably just do a couple of hours a week to fill in those afternoon gaps & do something a bit different, as they want me to teach English & American Lit as well as language which appeals to me.

You couldn't live on state university work alone (unless you're single & don't drink) but I reckon it might be interesting to do the odd hour there.

[Mr Wind-up Bird]

Just a quick update on this - apparently to work for a state university in VN you need to be formally "invited" by the rector/dean. Average pay is about $11 per hour but there's no evening or weekend teaching so it could be a good way to fill those afternoon gaps. However, without someone to introduce you (ie a friend, relative or maybe one of your students who gets on well with the head of English) it could be difficult.

On the plus side, once you're in they're very, very appreciative and you'll get a far warmer welcome than at a private school. I do just a couple of hours a week at a state uni and, whilst the facilities are prehistoric and class sizes are big (30+), it's an interesting experience and, as I'm the first Brit to work there since the early 1970s, I'm a bit of a celebrity.