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NYCLizzie

Help, please! Had been focused on making Saigon my first overseas teaching destination (currently teach people from VN, and have a place to stay with a friend's family for one week) but am very concerned about safety! I am a youthful woman of mature years: BA, with honors, plus TEFL, 1 year volunteer experience teaching people from Viet Nam. (Traveled to western Europe solo in my 20s, but this will be the first time living overseas.) It's a dream I want to fulfill before the sand runs out of my hourglass, so to speak.

Recently met a doctor from Saigon who advised, "Don't trust anyone; only talk to people you have been introduced to by someone you know." I understand that we westerners are viewed as wealthy (I'm certainly not; I'll be cashing in some retirement $ to finance this.) I don't believe that poverty goes hand-in-hand with dishonesty, but I am getting that impression about Viet Nam; many scams are listed on Lonely Planet.

Saigon seemed logical because of some connections, but I don't want to be constantly watching my back and distrusting everyone. Even though a NYC native (now in Portland OR) my spiritual path leads me to trust, rather than distrust. Call me naiive, but I don't want to go through life on guard.

Would I be crazy going to VN without a job, since I read that rarely do they hire from outside VN?

(Has anyone out there taught at VUS?)

Japan was my originally destination. But wonder about ageism -- plus, the exoribant cost of living.

Feedback very much appreciated -- thanks!

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2006 12:02 am Post subject:

I agree with JZer - for pure safety and low crime rates - Japan and Korea would be your best bets.

That said, some countries are still safer than most Western countries - Thailand, Malyasia, and Singapore are just a few of them.

lady z · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Posts: 39 Location: India

Hi NYC Lizzie,

I am not in Vietnam right now but in Portland, as you are, but some friends
of mine from Portland live in Hanoi now. They started out in HCMC, and
I am sure they would be happy to give you first hand info. If you are
interested, PM me.

All the best,
Zenia

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Can't speak for any other country but Japan. Totally safe. There might be something for you in the book (and web site) Being a Broad in Japan (written by a woman, of course).

Your age won't matter here, either.

Expensive? Depends on what you are used to and what your lifestyle is and where you get posted. Entry level work is 250,000 yen/month (roughly US$2500), and you have half of that left over after paying for basic necessities, so what you do with the rest is up to you. You might want to solicit feedback from the Japan forum (where I haunt).

Charlesm_888 · Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Posts: 48 Location: Hong Kong

You should also consider Hong Kong. Have a look at the Hong Kong forum. Violence against foreigners is very few and far between. Even then it is usually foreigner against foreigner after a few drinks.

Hkguy · Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 13

HK may be an option for some, but dare I say you need to be a 'real' teacher. You need a B.Ed degree otherwise expect a salary at the bottom of the barrel.

blondie10 · Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Posts: 40

I have taught in China, Thailand and Japan. I never felt safe in mainland China and actually had to plan an escape, but hear from friends that Hong Kong is OK. Thailand is very safe, I would try Phuket or Chiang Mai and avoid Bangkok. Japan is very safe for a woman, I almost never lock my doors and have never had anything stolen. I am able to save money in all 3 countries. Being older is an asset in all of these 3 countries especially Thailand.

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan