Job Discussion Forums

piscean21 · Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 20 Location: Houston, TX

Hi,
I'm currently looking at jobs in Vietnam and came across some posts about Asians finding it difficult to get jobs in Vietnam even though they are native speakers. These posts were from 3 years ago, but I was wondering if this was still the case. I've been teaching for about 3 years in Latin America at IH schools, have a CELTA, and am also an IELTS examiner. My father is from Guam and my mother is from Malaysia (hence my Asian background), but I've lived in the continental US for most of my life. Will my race still be an issue? Any information would be appreciated.

Texas_blu · Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 108 Location: HCMC, VN

In a word, YES!!!

I've got several Viet-American friends that were born in the USA and never set foot outside of the USA until they got here. Even know Filipino, Indian, and Korean teachers.

All face some degree of race discrimination - be it not wanting to hire you, less wages, or increased responsibilities or a combination.

There are schools that do this much less than others but at some level you WILL experience some OR a lot of discrimination.

If you've got a thick skin and are resilient, you'll find a good job. A good background, credentials, and experience will weigh out in the end but rarely at the beginning.

milkcan · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 9

Hi Piscean,

I am wondering if you have any update on your situation? Did you eventually move to Vietnam for a teaching job? I'm in a similar boat. I am Asian (Chinese, born in Vietnam) and grew up in the US. So if you have any update or what I could do to secure a teaching position in Vietnam, that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!