Job Discussion Forums

[mr.bojangles]

I am stuck between which path to take!!! Thailand or Vietnam?...HELP!!!

[sigmoid]

It's quite a toss-up between the two places, both of which have something to offer. The Thais have their culture of fun and pleasure, better food, more entertainment options, and a more open and developed society than Viet Nam. Thailand also has book stores.

In Viet nam TEFL jobs tend to pay a little better, it is less commercialized and is more dynamic in the sense that it's developing whereas Thailand is basically in stasis. Also, the teaching scene is less regulated in Viet Nam although this seems to be changing.

If you have more specific questions I can maybe give you a more detailed response.

[Ajarn Miguk]

As I wrote in another thread on this forum, I believe the market (in Vietnam) has peaked. This may change in the future with the establishment of a new "peak," but I doubt it. If you've lived and taught in Vietnam for a substantial period of time, then you already have or know how to go about getting the better paying jobs. If you don't, you will probably find yourself working several different gigs just to make ends meet.

As for the cost of living thing, I found it to be more expensive than Thailand. When factoring in the more recent increases in Thai teaching salaries and the fact that many positions in Thailand can be obtained with benefits such as health insurance and paid vacations, Vietnam ends up being more expensive to live in than Thailand and with less availability and variety of teaching positions, entertainment and western goods and amenities.

I've done both. I'll stick with Thailand for the reasons noted above and for the fact that it is a far more open place with less government intrusiveness or control and more relaxing and enjoyable, IMHO.

[jibbs]

Ajarn Miguk, with a combination of Thai and Korean name that you have I assume you have taught in Korea, Thailand and VN? If so yr probably the only one I know besides myself to have done so. Have you taught elsewhere? I spent a year in Taipei as well. Interesting to have the comparison of several countries from anyone has been there and done that, as it were.
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I certainly agree Thailand is a more open place than VN. But it seems to me savings potential are better for most foreigners in VN, no?

[Rice Paddy Daddy]

I've taught in Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand.

They all have their strong features as places to live and work, as well as their downsides.

Makes sense that if you're interested in savings you'd want to work in the Middle East, Japan, Korea or Taiwan.

If savings aren't as important, then Thailand or Vietnam.