Job Discussion Forums

[tittletattle]

Hi guys,

I did post before, but I'd really appreciate it if anyone can let me know what it's like to work for Apollo? Most likely a position in Danang. I have searched the forum, and have only been able to uncover what it's like for a CELTA course, which I have already completed elsewhere... so I would like to know what it's like from a worker's perspective.

Thanks very much!

[Green Acres]

Apollo is a good and respected organization. They take care of their teachers well. Danang is beautiful and changing quickly.

Of all the beware posters about Vietnam, well, in a smaller city, beware even more. Most people have a hard time living an entire year in Danang for one reason or another. I think it's a great place, but I wouldn't want to live there.

Do you surf? Some of the best surf in Vietnam is in that area.

Excellent tailors in Hoi An, and some of the nicest beaches and resorts in Vietnam.

Sounds like a good gig, though if you are alone, it could get really lonely.

[tittletattle]

Thanks for the reply, great to know. Green Acre, how does Ho Chi Minh City compare to Hanoi? I am currently in touch with 2 different schools, and these two places as well as Danang could be an option for me... I've looked into HCMC more than Hanoi, and I have had very mixed reactions about Hanoi, what's your take on these 2 cities comparatively?

[Green Acres]

I think it is relative to the kind of person that you are and the things you wish to accomplish while in Vietnam.

One thing for sure, the language is different, so learning one dialect vs. another can be an issue. It's probably wise, if you wish to study language, to live in the north.

IMHO, the south is more fun. It's also a better place to get your feet wet in business. I think there are strong expat scenes in both cities, though the lifestyles are a bit different. More choices in the south and generally less hassle.

Danang is out there. It could be a good place for studying as well. The students will probably be best in Danang, perhaps more appreciative. Affluence is really showing its ugly side in the south, recently, and I hear similar stories about Hanoi students (but that doesn't mean they are all disrespectful). Most students are quite nice and teachable.

I'm painting with broad strokes, but that's my take on it. The world is what you make it, so I could be completely wrong too.

[Texas_blu]

tittletattle,

I've yet to determine if you're a male or female. If you're a female, Da Nang is OK but might prove to be a little boring for you unless you're into dating VN men. But if you're a male, Da Nang can be quite an adventure! Sort of the big fish in a small pond syndrome.

Regardless of your sex, a really good place to meet expats is Christi's Cool Spot, they'll clue you in to the where to's and the what's up's. Comparatively, the prices are quite a bit higher in her place but all the local expats visit there eventually.

Personally, I much prefer Da Nang to HCMC but I'm married. You live minutes from the beach and less than an hour from the mountains. Hue is close and to the North. And if you ever get bored with the local expats, you can always venture to Hoi An which is about a half hour to the South. Laos is a bit of a trek but less than going to Cambodia from HCMC.

Better attitudes from the people and better food. Prices have been on the rise but substantially less than HCMC. Learn a little Vietnamese and you'll be making new friends daily!

Of course, this is my opinion but I think valid.

[jamburg]

Hi, I also may have the option of working for Apollo in Da Nang (or ILA). Tittletattle where did you end up going for? If you're in Da Nang, how are you finding it?

Da Nang does look pretty good, my only worry is feeling a bit cut-off and having difficulty meeting new people, but I'm willing to take the risk. I think I'd much prefer living on the coast to one of the bigger cities.

Can anyone give info on outdoor activities in Da Nang? I hear it may be possible to scuba dive there? I'd be interested in doing a PADI course or something similar, and would the surfing be suitable for a beginner? (surfed twice before)

I already have an offer from ILA to work in Da Nang, and tomorrow I should hear from Apollo about whether I've been offered a position or not. There's not really much between them it seems, although ILA give a relocation allowance and Apollo don't give anything. I'm still leaning towards Apollo though, mainly because I can get a 6-month contract with them... any thoughts about which may be better?

Cheers,

James

[Zembekiko1Aegean]

The money is better in Saigon. If thats what your looking for, HCMC is the place. If you are careful about eating, sleeping, carousing around, you can save a little. There are more hours available in Saigon as well. The cost of living is a bit less in Danang but I hear they don't pay as well.
If you are coming from a country where a liberal attitude is the norm, anywhere further North of Natrang will be problematic. The thinking from Danang Northward is definitley hard-line. Of course, life anywhere in Vietnam will allways be like living in some small village. People look and talk, especially in the Hem. You should be very carefull about your behavior.
Many in HCMC wear face masks because it is not pleasant to breathe the air while stuck in traffic in Saigon. You won't find that a problem in Danang.
The Vietnamese people in Saigon come mainly from the South, The Mekong Delta. They are very friendly, the women are exquisite, most everyone has a joy.....Can't say that about the Hanoians. The food up north is wonderfully spicy, try the Bam Bao Hue.
Of course, whatever School/Location you end up at, a work permit would be well advised. If you wind up North, go to Ha Long....Just magical.

[inky]

The food Zembe is referring to, bun bo Hue is the correct name, is not from the north, it's from... Hue. What he reports about "Hanoians" is equally erroneous, the people in the north are often more steady and reliable than the smiling, glad-handing southerners.

[ajc19810]

Danang - Beautiful place for a holiday (because Hoi An and Hue are down the road). My fondest memories of Nam are lying on a beach there, drinking Saigon greens and eating fresh seafood.
Hue - The most beautiful girls in Vietnam
Hanoi - Nice place - Live there if you like a more conservative approach to life.
Saigon - Anything can happen kind of place.

You can always get out of a contract - Ensure that you have that built into your contract. I actually think its a rquirement to have that clause in Viet contracts

I've always had the opinion live in Hanoi if you want to settle down. Live in central nam if you want to get away from it and slow your life right down. Live in Saigon if you want to work and party.

[Zembekiko1Aegean]

[flyingmonkey]

A Vietnamese coworker recently visited Hanoi, Laos, and Cambodia. She came back and told us, "The Vietnamese are the most dishonest" because people in Hanoi tried to scam her much more than when she was in Laos or Cambodia. So you do have to watch out for those northerners.