Job Discussion Forums

[NYCLizzie]

Planning to fly to HCMC/Saigon after January 10. When would be the best time to arrive after that and begin looking around for a job?

My Vietnamese friend advised March because she doesn't think the air fares will dip down before then.

Thanks!

Lizzie

[Cyan]

Not sure about airfares but I would suggest you don't look for a job until March.
It's "low season" for schools from Jan to the end of Feb.

[ChuckECheese]

Your Viet friend is correct in that airfare during the months of Jan-Feb are very high because the lunar new year holiday season in Vietnam. Overseas Vietnamese travel alot to Vietnam during that time. Thus, airfare normally shoots up around 50% of the original cost.

I agree with Cyan in that during that period, Vietnam basically gets wound-up for the biggest holiday of the year. Thus, winding-down on education. Bad time for job hunting. From March thru Summer time is much better.

[lizarddoctor]

Now until after Tet is pretty much a dead time to get a job unless you are already networked into the local schools. Even then, you are looking at just some limited substitute hours while some teachers are taking a vacation around christmas. I learned this the hard way a few years ago and was without work for nearly 3 months as I walked out of a backpacker school in Dec. After Tet though, just walk from school to school and finding work is pretty simple.

[chachee99]

Interesting topic. I'm in Korea and my contract expires late February. I am also thinking about teaching in Vietnam. I will be in Vietnam during my holidays and wouldn't mind checking out some school. I know the Lunar New Years is in February, but is it possible that some schools may be looking for a teacher in January for March?

Should I bring all my original documents with me or will scans be fine?

[Micro67]