Job Discussion Forums

[filippo]

I'm an Italian currently living and working as English teacher at a local University nearby Beijing, China. My contract with the University will expire on June 30th and after 5 years spent here in China, I'm thinking that Vietnam could be a possible next destination. Even though I've got over 6 years of experience in teaching English (and Italian) at any level (primary and middle schools, colleges, private centers, private tutoring) both in Italy and Asia (China, taiwan, Thailand) gaining positive feedback, I do not have any teaching certificates (CELTA, TESOL or whatsoever), and due to my limited resources I strongly doubt I can afford one within short time. However, I am willing to get one as soon as I solve my money problem.

I've been to Vietnam and fell in love with the country and I'm wondering whether I can find a job opportunity without any professional teaching certificate but a MA only.

I do not aim at HCMC or Hanoi exclusively, for I acknowledge the competition for teaching positions in those two cities is pretty hard. Which other city or town in Vietnam would you suggest me to go to? (taking into consideration that I haven't got a CELTA -not yet- and I'm NOT a native English speaker even if my English is good).
Which school would you recommend? A private school? Middle school? Elementary? I taught at an elementary school in Thailand 6 years ago, in those large classes of 50-70 students and the kids were just screaming monsters (no offense, I am just kidding), but as far as I know Vietnamese kids are more respectful, calm, attentive and responsive (hopefully..) and the classes size shouldn't be as large as in Thailand or in China (where the kids are all but responsive, and the teacher often acts as a lecturer rather than a proper teacher)

I emailed several schools in Hanoi and HCMC in the last weeks but always got a negative reply. Could you suggest me some directory or web site where I can find some openings? As I said, location doesn't matter as long as there's some social life and a minimum of western standards assured (I am not a clubber but neither a hermit)

Thanks for reading,

Filippo

[saigon cowboy]

You apply in person not online. Vietnamese want to see you and observe you. Then, you should not have a problem.

You say you are from Italy ? Get an E.U passport in addition to your italian one.
You can bluff your way into private language schools if your english is good.

[filippo]

thanks for the suggestion. I haven't been back to Italy for nearly 5 years and my passport is about to expire. Anyway, which place do you think is easier to get a job for one like me? Hanoi, HCMC, or smaller cities?

[saigon cowboy]

I have not attempted to work in Hanoi so I cannot help you there.
HCMC is easy to find work if you are able and willing to go anywhere and can cope with the traffic.

The smaller cities are hiring but the salary is lower also. But so is the cost of living.

You might try Vung Tau on the coast about 2 hours from HCMC.
It's a lovely little city with great seafood and cheap hotel rates. It's not hot and has a nice sea breeze night and day.

[MrMrLuckyKhan]

good info

[PattyFlipper]

[junan70]

[jayasia]

so effectively, your saying we should be seeing an E.U embassy opening shortly?

[junan70]

[phamquocdat41191]

Hi filippo.

I don't know about teaching in secondary or university in Vietnam. However, you can easily get a temporary job in Vietnam (I call it temporary but actually, you can work for year). There are some English centres in toth Hanoi and HCM city. Particularly in Hanoi (cause i'm living in HN right now), You can contact with Apollo, Equest, Cleverlearn, British Council, ILC, ILA for your teaching job. I'm not sure about the salary, but it won't be too low for your living.

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