Job Discussion Forums

Passion for ESL · Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Posts: 18

It was just suggested I re-post this on the Vietnam board, thanks ...

Hello,
I've just successfully finished CELTA. Yay! So now I'm looking at options to teach in Vietnam. I have a few questions:
1. A lot of people have posted that it's better to go than trying to apply online and organise work first? Interested to hear, have you found this the case.
2. Is it okay for getting a work visa once you're there?
3. I noticed some places ask for originals of degree and CELTA. Is it okay to 'hand these over' securely?
4. I am looking at somewhere like Apollo, and I notice they offer part-time or full-time work. What would the hours be for each, and how much income would I need (I have a family to support also)?
If anyone can answer any of these questions, that would be fantastic.
Thanks!

haller_79 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 145

The Viet authorities put stamps all over my degree - not that I cared too much but since you asked.

The only way you can get a WP is in Vietnam, it is impossible to arrange before you are there. You need a police check, degree, and ESL cert - you have all of those so no problem. Only potential hassle is if your name is not identical on all certificates (ie one doesn't include you middle name but the others do). Even then it will be arranged..... eventually.

Money won't be a problem if you're an ESL teacher, Vietnam is cheap unless you have expensive tastes, and even then its still fairly cheap. Vietnamese food is pretty good. Imo it won't give you all the vitamins you need, but you can supplement that with supermarket shopping, which is a lot cheaper than in the west.

The challenge in Vietnam is not the country or even the beureaucracy - the challenge is the schools and how they operate.

I'm With Stupid · Joined: 03 Sep 2010 Posts: 432

hot_rock · Joined: 16 Apr 2010 Posts: 107

surely that depends entirely on your definition of 'schooling'...

Passion for ESL · Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Posts: 18

Thanks for the advice. Schooling won't be an issue. The kids are young, one not school age, the other only just so we can home school etc no problem. Insurance I will have to look into probably. Family is not usually covered I assume? Although I understand some places you can add family members, just pay extra (the amount I'm unsure of).

haller_79 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 145

Well I had some issues with certain aspects of the school I was teaching at, but it was my first teaching stint so possibly had something to do with that. I do not want to raise your anxiety, and in hindsight the comment is probably unfair. I really enjoyed the lifestyle in Vietnam and I'm sure you will too.