Job Discussion Forums

roywebcafe · Joined: 13 Jan 2006 Posts: 259

Hi folks

Have been offered a teaching post with ILA in Ho Chi Minh City. Can anyone tell me what its like to work for them and what experiences you had? I am in UK and its along way to go to find out its a nightmare. got job through a third party an agency called teach around. I wonder if they are getting a share of my salary like temping agencies do in the UK?

Mattingly · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 249

roywebcafe · Joined: 13 Jan 2006 Posts: 259

I have not been in touch with the HR dept. If i am expected to pay a fee then will give this one a miss.

Phinaes Gage · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 39

From Teach Around's Website
http://www.teacharound.co.uk/vietnam.html

It says that there is no fee to the teacher, so if they are charging a fee they are most likely charging the school to find them teachers. It wouldn't make sense for a company to charge the teacher to apply to a school where it is pretty easy for a teacher to apply for free themself.

Mattingly · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 249

thomas123 · Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 26

Congatulations on the job offer ! I am not a teacher at ILA, but I did stop in at the ILA school in district 1 of Saigon. I met with someone in the front office there and discussed the CELTA course and hiring process.

It appears to be a very reputable school, among the best ESL schools in Vietnam. I don't think you'll have any problems.

The only issue is - will you like Vietnam? I've been there many times and really enjoy it. But I have met many tourists there from Europe who hate it and can't wait to catch the soonest flight out ....

eihpos · Joined: 14 Dec 2008 Posts: 331

Hi,

I agree with thomas:
Make sure you want to come to Vietnam and that it will suit you mentally and physically. That`s more important. I work for ILA and my job is the least of my worries! It`s fine. PM me if you have any specifc questions.

It would also be better to go through HR here. They`re really nice and will answer questions honestly because they want teachers who know what they are committing themselves to.

roywebcafe · Joined: 13 Jan 2006 Posts: 259

Ah made a mistake. Its not teacharound. sorry. its another provider called jobs4teachers. They are at [email protected] They have actually found something for me in Denmark but i am supposed to make a payment. don't know how much but won't bother finding out.

blateson · Joined: 12 Mar 2006 Posts: 144

"It appears to be a very reputable school..." No offense against the poster, and no comment about the school as I haven't worked there, but appearances are a regular phenomenon in Vietnam. Just remember that the way things appear and the way they are frequently are very different.

indigorawa · Joined: 13 Apr 2009 Posts: 24

ILA teaches CELTA and TEFL, for the most part to incoming college grads with no experience teaching. This allows them to profit more by using noobs (newbs; newbies) to teach classes as part of their practicum.

After a year, you will be drained, and ready for greener pastures. The world is what you make it, but ILA is a silly place, and their economic model is to take advantage of those green behind the ears and they have no inclination of providing career opportunities or advancement. Of course, anything is possible.