Job Discussion Forums

[mushroomyakuza]

Hi everyone

So, I've had a job offer with ILA to work in Vung Tau. I have lots of questions, but generally, I'd just like to get an impression of

a) what ILA are like as an employer?
b) the kinds of hours I can be expected to work?
c) who I'll be teaching?
d) what's Vung Tau like to live and teach in?
e) if I will have help finding accommodation?
f) if the current issue I'm seeing on the forums to do with work permits and visas will affect me if I'm coming from the UK, rather than already being in Vietnam?

I'd really appreciate any and all help. The thing is, I wasn't really expecting this job offer and I currently have another one on the back burner, but it is coming close to decision time.

Please help me out! This will be my first TEFL job abroad but not my first TEFL job, but I want to land with a good employer. So far, ILA have a good reputation, and I'd just like thoughts on them from people who work for them or have worked them if possible.

Thanks

[mushroomyakuza]

Over 100 views and no replies?

[norwalkesl]

I know nothing about ILA, Vung Tau, assistance with housing in Vung Tau, visa issues or Vietnam.

[snollygoster]

I have never worked for ILA, but have friends who have done so, and in Vung Tau.
ILA has a good reputation, and are more "teacher sympathetic" than a lot of other ESL providers. They deliver what they say they will.
Vung Tau? Its at the beach and during the week its a laid back reasonably quiet place, BUT on holidays and week-ends, it fills up with people escaping the stress of Ho Chi Minh City.
If you are expecting surfing beaches- No Vung Tau is not the place. To my mind its a bit sleazy, but thats MY opinion.
Most things are available in Vung Tau, and housing is generally of a good standard.
I can not comment on if ILA will help you find accommodation, but in the absence of any other comments or replies, that is my 2 cents worth.
Visas etc? This is currently a confusing problem, and due to the variety of answers posted to this question, I can not say more on that.
Good luck!
If you'd like a wider explanation on working in Vietnam, pm me and I will send you a link that describes in greater detail.

[notamonk]

Hi mushroomyakuza,

I"m presently working at ILA Vung Tau and have been for five years (!) That wasn't the plan, but I met my wife down here etc...

In answer to your questions:

a) what ILA are like as an employer?
Fine. Contracts are quite clear and are honoured, schedules can be reasonably flexible.

b) the kinds of hours I can be expected to work?
Various schedules are available, depending on whether you're teaching kids or adults, it's possible to do both here. Weekday classes are from around 5 till 9.40 at night (2 classes), weekend classes start at 7.40am Sun and Sat, some people teach 4 classes at the weekend finishing at 6.50 pm. Some people work mon--wed-fri-sat-sun, others tues-thurs-sat-sun, other mon-friday. There are sometimes other classes (usually corporate) daytimes mon-fri.
c) who I'll be teaching?
If you've been teaching more than six months, you'll have the option to teach adullts as well as kids. Mainly Vietnamese - some Russians.
d) what's Vung Tau like to live and teach in?
If you're expecting Barcelona, you'll be disappointed. It's a quiet sleepy town,not the variety of nightlife you find in Saigon, nor the amount of foreign tourists/backpackers, but there are a good range of bars, some a bit sleazy as snollygoster says,( some kind of hangover from the R&R days of the war and the ex-pat oil workers here), but you still get groups of female teachers going out and having a good time. There is sometimes surf, you've got to be lucky. Lots of beaches, wide boulevards and the fresh air do it for me.
e) if I will have help finding accommodation?
ILA will put you up in a hotel for a short time, other teachers will help with accommodation and there's various agents in town. Finding a suitable place usually doesn't take long. Much more space for your money than Saigon.
f) if the current issue I'm seeing on the forums to do with work permits and visas will affect me if I'm coming from the UK, rather than already being in Vietnam?
Get a police clearance certificate before you leave stating that you have no criminal record.

hope this helps.

[mushroomyakuza]

Thanks for the help guys, especially notamonk.