Job Discussion Forums

[Able & Willing]

Hello.

Yes, I've lurked here, and searched threads for info. But I have a few questions.

Here is a brief background.

I taught English in HCMC from 2002 to 2004, for a little over two years. My experiences were good, and although teaching was challenging, I did enjoy it and found it worthwhile. Other aspects were difficult, experiencing many of the common things foreigners experience in VN.

I left VN to return home and did many of the common things we are programmed to do in the (USA): job, 401K, buy a house, work, etc.

Now I'll be laid off from my job soon, as my company gave me and several others in my department notice of a couple of months, with a "sorry" and a small severance payment. (I can't afford the mortgage on the house, and renting it to cover the payments is impossible. Better to move on, and walk away.)

I'm returning to HCMC to teach and I'm curious about any changes that have taken place since the 5 years I left.

Cost of Living - rent

Taxation

Work Permits (is it reasonably easy)?

Quality of schools. Lots of cowboy schools were in HCMC when I was there, and there were 3 large chain schools, ILA, VATC, VUS

BTW, I have a B.A. and a Celta.

What are my chances to decent employment and quality of life and work situation? I'm coming no matter what.


Thanks to anyone who will choose to answer.

[sigmoid]

A & W -

[sounds like a root beer]

I think you will find the situation not very much changed since 2004 in terms of work conditions. Work permits can be a hassle for people with full-time contracts. Personal income tax is supposed to be happening but read this thread, especially the end of it:

http://www.saigonesl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1026

The quality of schools is still low, but there are more of them and more competition, so shop around. Also, there are more people coming to teach now, so don't be too picky.

The main thing is the cost of living [rent and food] which has probably doubled in the the last 5 years. Also, there is more traffic, especially cars.

Anyway, if you're coming 'no matter what' I wouldn't worry too much. You'll find enough work to get you started, but you may find HCMC too expensive/crowded to live in long-term.

[Able & Willing]