Job Discussion Forums

mrfelton · Joined: 07 Sep 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Brighton, UK

Hi,
I decided to make the jump and get out the UK - I think I have spent far too long sitting in front of computer screens and need a change + I just love to travel.. Wink

I'm going to be arriving in HCMC on Friday 12th October and will be taking the CELTA at ILA which starts on the 15th.

Just wondering if anybody else is going to be doing the same course?

And perhaps a recommendation for somewhere to stay? The people at ILA are gonna grab me from the airport and have booked me into the Kim Hotel ($12) for my first night. That gives me Saturday and Sunday to try and find somewhere for the rest of the month whilst I'm doing the course.

After that I'll be looking for work straight away (assuming I pass!) - from reading around this forum it seems like it shouldn't be too hard to find work. Doesn't necessarily have to be in HCMC.

I don't have much money, or rather, I will be in debt by the time I get to Vietnam! What do people usually do for accommodation whilst they carry out their 3 month contracts? (I do not have a degree and as far as I understand it I can't get anything longer than a 3 month contract without one because of the work permit issue) Stay in hotels? Rent a place? Remember, money IS an issue for me. I don't mind roughing it a little but want something reasonably comfortable!

ChuckECheese · Joined: 28 Jul 2006 Posts: 216

Without a degree and only with CELTA, you'll end up getting all the part-time bottom feeding jobs anywhere from $10 - $12/hour. And there are plenty of them so you shouldn't have any problem getting one only if you have a decent white face.

As for your accomodation, I recommend that you find a cheap guest house (no more than $300 per month) to give yourself a chance to test the water in Vietnam. And there are plenty of guest houses where you'll be staying so don't worry.

mononoaware · Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 21 Location: saigon, vietnam

Don't be discouraged--you don't have to settle for a bottom-feeder job. So long as you're presentable (well-dressed/clean-cut/not old), speak English as a first language, and do a bit of networking, you can find something decent. Anyway, the bottom-feeder jobs are going for $14 these days.

ChuckECheese · Joined: 28 Jul 2006 Posts: 216

Llamalicious · Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 10:27 am Post subject:

Don't hate me coz I'm pretty. All that scowling will give give you wrinkles. Wrinkles! YUCK!

mrfelton · Joined: 07 Sep 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Brighton, UK

Well, I'm certainly not ugly, all my ex girlfriends have told me how handsome I am, but I guess all girls do! Hey, and I'm white too... A white, good looking Oxford boy - sounds like I'm in the best position possible!!

Ardvarkswithpassports · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Bristol, UK

Let me know how ILA is. Thinking of doing the CELTA there in Feb. That leaves 4 months to get down the gym, buy some decent threads and slick back the hair. Gonna make a fortune!

FriendlyUser · Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 26 Location: Ho Chi Minh

How bad do you think it is if you haven�t got a degree, your first language is not English and are only handsome?

Ok, I did a CELTA and in Thailand they always thought I was an actor (changing every time I went there: Leonardo Di Carpio, Mac Guyver, ect.)