Job Discussion Forums

[Tanker]

Last week I met with an old friend who has a lot of experience and qualifications. He's over 50. He looks older than he is, but he looks good.

Recently, he went to VUS and during the interview VUS stated that there was no reason for him to do a Demo because VUS does not hire teachers over 50 years of age anymore.

Those already teaching that are over 50 will remain.


I want to confirm if this new age hiring policy is true? In other countries 50 or 55 has been the cut-off age.

Now, is this policy taking place in Vietnam?

[saigon cowboy]

That may be true for VUS, but it's a scumbag school anyways. They are abusive, irrational and arrogant.

Don't worry about age. Just perfect your game, be sober, teach well, and you will always have a job.

[half moon]

[Mojoski]

Age is a problem for me, as I am 57. Many countries have work visa limits below 65. In Brunei it is 52 I believe. Most Middle Eastern countries it is 60. In Japan and Korea the schools want youth, and you simply don't get replied to. Some of the recruiters won't even try to get you a job. China is still a possibility because they are desperate. It's a fact of life that these countries don't care about age discrimination, and the schools generally prefer young cute teachers with no experience to middle aged teachers with experience and professionalism.

I don't like this much, but I have to deal with it. I want to teach overseas a few more years. I'm pretty sure I can get a job, but I have to really dig. If I were 22 with ink still wet on my TEFL cert. I'd be sorting through offers, I guess.

Anyway, I've only just started looking into Vietnam. I don't even know what kind of money is around there. Anybody have any info on the lay of the land?

[saigon cowboy]

Mojo....just apply to several schools and see what happens. You can also teach private students on the side.

There are many chinese and koreans here with kids that need a language teacher. Most of the parents don't want their children going to vietnamese language centers to learn english.

I make a couple of million dong extra every weekend teaching two chinese boys. It's a really relaxed enviroment and we usually just chat and play badminton.

It's also a status symbol for the parents. They brag to their friends about the whiteboy english teacher they have at home, while they are out playing golf.

[snollygoster]

Right- they dont want anyone with a brain-just need to look young so the locals can giggle at you.
An aquaintance of mine applied there-plenty of quals, experience galore, well respected, but over the hill!
They would rather have brainless eye=candy, but some of their business clients are complaining they want the oldies who know what they are talking about!

[Mojoski]

[doublea71]

where would you recommend a newbie apply in hcmc? vus is not a good place according to you-someone i met said they hire people with certifications but no experience.

[Mosley]

I've never taught in VN but I was under the impression that, regardless of your age, a TEFL/CELTA was necessary to obtain a legal work visa.

Mojoski: At 57, forget Japan. China hires many older teachers(though most of the contracts are crapola, IMHO). Korea hires a fair number of 45-60 types, too, though they tend be experienced ones.

[Green Acres]

Anyone can get a job in Vietnam, though perhaps if you are over 50, VUS is not the place you want to look. That doesn't mean that 50 somethings are not working there, but trust the cowboy, "it's a &**bag school."

There is always a job waiting for you, especially if you don't plan to stay long. If you want to make a career of it, then come get your feet wet anyway, and decide for yourself.

You could use your experience here to springboard into other lands, or learn to make rice-paper clowns, or go for a mountain trek to the Himalayas. Everyone is so concerned about finding something here...just do it. Don't plan to earn more than 22,000.00 US per year without any benefits, and you will be fine.

[doublea71]

thanks for the info. much appreciated!

[motown]

[Mattingly]

[saigon cowboy]

Google VUS Vietnam and get the info. Email Steve Baker, he's in charge of hiring new teachers and has been here 9 years.