Job Discussion Forums

[bazzap1976]

First of all, I'd like to say that I know the guys in the 'nam forum are sooooo much nicer than the *personally censored* in the China forum. So I am looking forward to your helpful replies rather than the correcting of my questionable spelling and grammar for me without any hint of help whatsoever!

I have just finished one year of teaching in Beijing, which was....erm.... bizzare to say the least! The logic from the language schools was at times unbearable. I am looking to hear from anybody in here who has worked in China, particuarly Beijing, who can advise me as to wether or not I am jumping from the frying pan into the fire by working in Vietnam.

I have lived in Ha Noi before and so I am fully aware of the madness of the country. I am essentially looking for similarities and differences between teaching here and in Beijing.

I have a TESOL/PELT certificate if you have even heard of that! What use would that be? I am moderatly handsome and very funny (i've heard that helps!).

Does anybody also know of any expat websites or newspapers that are helpful for finding good jobs? I know I'm being lazy with this one but if anybody does know then please tell me!

I am also looking for anybodys opinion on this: HCMC or Ha Noi. Which do YOU prefer?!

Thanks for your valuable time.

[bazzap1976]

41 views and nobody can tell me anything..... come on guys!

[ajc19810]

Never worked in China. I would only go to China for a holiday as I have never heard a good story about teaching in China. Maybe I just havent met enough people.

The first thing people tell me that now work in Vietnam is that the class numbers here are so much smaller. The second thing is that the money here is unbelievable compared to China.

Being handsome and funny does help.

Not having to sign contracts means that you can control your working hours, it also means if you dont like your job you can leave so you never have to get stuck in a frypan if you dont want.

HCMC is a better place to live than Hanoi.

[bazzap1976]

thanks for that man. 130 views and 1 reply!

what do you mean about the money? do u think vietnam is better or china. i was on some pretty decent wage there.

why do u prefer HCMC to hanoi?

[ajc19810]

Too easy. Regarding the money I think Vietnam is the place to be because of the decent wages mixed with a relatively low cost of living. I know loads of people happily cruising along off contract, working casual hours, picking and choosing vacation times and pretty much being left alone by management earning $1600/month. I think that is a pretty decent wage for no effort and no commintment. People who make more of an effort earn excess of $2000 a month.

Despite the excessive amount of opportunity to find work and the great nightlife I think HCMC is better than Hanoi because of the people.

[bazzap1976]

good stuff man, thanks for your help. i have to disagree with you about the people though. i lived in hanoi for a year and a half and i found the people awesome. i guess it relates to ones own experiences though. thanks again for your valued opinion!