Job Discussion Forums

[dankdo]

I'm a Viet Kieu (from America) teaching in Korea at the moment and plan to go to Vietnam sometime next summer. I have a couple of questions..

As a Vietnamese-American is it difficult to find a school that's willing to hire an Asian male? Are there any Viet Kieus here that have a teaching job? I'm very connected to my culture but am also as American as you can get.

I'm also a young dude who has a TEFL certificate in addition to having one year teaching children in a Korean elementary school. Is it absolutely essential that I have a CELTA certificate to teach in Vietnam?

I was planning to take the course anyway, but it seemed to me some people in this forum was able to land a job despite lacking one. I'd like to skip the course and save my money if possible. Any suggestions is appreciated

[sigmoid]

[dankdo]

Thanks for your reply! Although I was born and raised in America, I know my people very well...I feel very connected to my culture and can handle myself pretty well now that I developed sort of a shell, if you will, in Korea. If anything, I'd say Korea is more of a handful because they're outrageously demanding and I feel like a @#$% tool here.

Can you elaborate on why you think it's a rough place? Do they treat you like crap like many teachers have experienced in Korea? Thanks man!

[sigmoid]

Actually I was referring to the fact that Viet Nam is still a developing country in many ways. There are many minor annoyances and general lack of quality. Also, it's pretty boring. Everything is changing rapidly of course.

For the most part the teaching is good if you hook up with some of the better schools and get the kinds of classes you enjoy teaching. Just be choosy. Also, schools can't afford to abuse teachers too much, because people have the freedom to walk.

[UpScope]

Dankdo, think about that Celta option....... much more worthwhile having recognised and productive skills to ply your trade with. Not sure which cert you have now, but consider something that can at least get you employed at home later if you ever need the option.

Also, do you have a degree? You'll need one to get a work permit, thus a job at any reputable place.

On being Viet Kieu, wages are the same for any foreign teacher in a pny particular school (although will vary with experience). If any place tried to pay you less than normal teaching rates due to colour then you would obviously walk the way you came.

[dankdo]

Thanks alot, I'm pretty qualified, having a BA in English and a year of teaching elementary under my belt. I do have a TEFL certificate, my main concern about this is whether or not it's enough. Considering the other responses I got, I'm pretty confident about landing a job...might not be as lucrative as someone with a CELTA certificate, though.

Can I teach adults having a TEFL certificate? The kids in Korea are alittle draining..

[UpScope]

Dankdo..... you can teach adults and kids with any cert, as long as you have a cert it seems, with a BA, you can teach both. As long as that cert has some form of legitimacy it seems the relevant authorities will be ok with that.

I just mean for your own peace of mind, knowing you are doing a good job and having the peace of mind that for the people who are spending, for them, big dollars on education, you are serving them well. For that i believe it is worth investing a small sum to ensure you are giving people what they deserve.

[dankdo]

Thanks for the insight, UpScope. I'm very much looking forward to heading back to Vietnam. Will be there in Januaray for a much needed vacation. That's a very ideolistic way of seeing teaching...I got out of college last year full of ideals, quickly lost it at the hands of Korea by being treated like a tool. Funny things are getting better and now I actually want to stay.

I need this life in Vietnam though...my soul begs for it. How is your teaching life in Vietnam btw? It is relaxed? Have you ever taught in Korea? sorry for the personal questions, I don't think Dave would let me PM because I haven't hit my post quota yet....

[thechosenone]

hey dankdo, so i guess you had a bad expereicne in korea? was it the school or the people? I've been thinking about teaching in korea or vietnam for some time now...

[dankdo]

Hey chosenone, I guess I'll play the admin and direct your attention to the Korean forum....you'll get alot of answers there....I'm alittle confused about my situation to say the least....I had bad experiences because I'm very isolated and also had to deal with issues regarding love and stuff, so my observations about Korea would be skewed. But definitely check out the korean forums, it'll totally be worth your while.

[UpScope]

Dankdo, life is good in Nam. Social life is full on, out each night as it is that cheap and that much fun. Relaxed in a big city kind of way indeed. It really is what you make of it. Take some language lessons, dip your feet into the waters of culture and you will experience some amazing hospitality and an insight into a very warm and friendly people.

Not much to complain about, just traffic, pollution, hangovers and did i mention the traffic?

[thechosenone]

I think I read on a lot of posts about ppl who experienced racism as being Viet Kieu, I'm sure it was worse a few years back, but I believe it's improved since then. From what I've read, it seemed as if you are VK you're not really a foreigner, therefore, not really as authentic as an english teacher that is caucasian.

[UpScope]

Hate to use Bob well in the past, but the times have changed. VK are teaching widely and after an initial bump will be accepted as any native EN speaking teacher should. VN has progressed, as with any new teacher, prove yourself and you will be well valued by students and school management.