Job Discussion Forums

norbdemn · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 128

I am wondering if there is anyone that is teaching at this school currently or has in the past.

Is it generally a good school?

Thanks.

ajc19810 · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 214

With no replies to this topic, I thought I would lend you a hand. My knowledge of Cleverlearn is all through a friend. They tell me that they enjoy working there, however the money is considered low by todays standard. They consider it to be professional and not just a another language mill.

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

Which Cleverlearn?

District 3 or District 7 in HCMC? They're not connected.

Also, the District 3 Cleverlearn has just opened a franchise in Vung Tau. PLus there's one in Hanoi, isn't there?

jestert79 · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 44

Yeah, I don't have any significant knowledge of them. I'm in Hanoi and I've run into Cleverlearn teachers a few times, who generally slag off my now ex-school (Apollo) half-jokingly.

Talking to coworkers I did get the impression that it wasn't a great school, but I can't say exactly why.

norbdemn · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 128

[quote="sigmoid"]Which Cleverlearn?

District 3 or District 7 in HCMC? They're not connected.

Also, the District 3 Cleverlearn has just opened a franchise in Vung Tau. PLus there's one in Hanoi, isn't there?
[/quote]

I believe it is district 3 since one of the director's stated that I can work at the HCMC office for a bit and then transfer to Vung Tau.

Know anything about this one?

AJC,

I have heard that teachers here are underpaid as you stated.

Thanks guys for answering. I was surprised too that it took so long for answers to show up!

norbdemn · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 128

An update:

I did speak to a rep for the school the other day. After talking to her, I got the impression that they are very professional.

Now I have to decide whether I am going to take it or not.

sushikurva · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 59 Location: out n' about

Minella · Joined: 22 Aug 2010 Posts: 37 Location: Turkey

I am about to accept this job offer from Vung Tau-Cleverlearn school.
But after reading the posts here, I am not so sure. I will be flying there from Turkey, it is a long way as well. I am sort of scared that they won't offer what they promise. They already don't have any health cover, which made me uncertain about the place. Are they actually trustworthy? I told them I am coming with a tourist visa from Turkey but it is only 15 days long, so they told me they can get me a 3 month visa to start off with. I am kinda confused now! I am very curious about the Country and Vung Tau, as it is surrounded with nature but I just don't know if this school is safe enough.
Any opinions?
Thanks.

deadlift · Joined: 08 Jun 2010 Posts: 267

Cleverlearn is not the most sought after job out there. But, I'm sure it's fine to support you while you settle into life in Vietnam. You can quit at any time and find a new job easily (though perhaps not so much in Vung Tau), so don't worry that you will be stuck in a bad job with no options.

snollygoster · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 478

Minella- Check out the PM I sent you.
Stop stressing-Get to Vung Tau- start the job- meet some other expats and enjoy life. Plenty more fish in the sea if the one you caught isnt up to expectations.

Minella · Joined: 22 Aug 2010 Posts: 37 Location: Turkey

Hahahahaha!!! yes yes you are right. Too much thinking, too much worrying won't help. Ok I told them I am coming next week!

PS: I got your PM. Honestly you are da best when it comes to information Smile

Thanks heaps!!

snollygoster · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 478

Dont say that- My in box will be full of silly questions! Glad to be of help.

Andy123 · Joined: 24 Sep 2009 Posts: 206

Minella · Joined: 22 Aug 2010 Posts: 37 Location: Turkey

toiyeuthitmeo · Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 213

I shared a house with a Vung Tau Cleverlearn teacher some time ago, and the school is under the same management still. Loads of teaching hours available, non-teaching side gigs (doing school presentations around town, taking the kids on beach outings, etc) and you're paid in cash which may or may not be a benefit. Definitely lots of frustration with the VN staff, lots of mis-communication, and lots of unreasonable requests made to teachers (last minute coverage, last minute cancellation, long streaks with no days off, etc) BUT the upswing to this is that if you stand your ground and refuse to be pushed around, the management there will usually back down and even yield to some special requests (I know a teacher who gets paid every two weeks by request, for example, quite rare for teaching jobs). Also as I've mentioned before, I often see current teachers from Cleverlearn Vung Tau and they haven't been complaining as of late. Another good thing I hear is about the students. They have a reputation for being generally pleasant and eager to learn, as opposed to the "spoiled brat" culture going on at some of the other schools in town.

Like Snolly says, fine place to get started, but keep your eyes open for other opportunities in town (VTE, Uc My, ILA, Vung Tau University, private students, Natural English).