Job Discussion Forums

lulugirl27 · Joined: 23 Nov 2010 Posts: 19

Feedback or advice on these schools in Hanoi, please!! I've just seen their names listed; know very little else about their reputations.
Washington English, Golden Key, ACET, Apollo.
Many people seem to say that the best bet in securing a job in Viet is to go there and set up interviews. Is this the case?
What kind of visa does one need (I'm from the US)? Where would I get this?
Do schools there as a rule pay for Visa costs, health insurance, housing? Seems common in a lot of other countries.
Thanks much

1st Sgt Welsh · Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 4:36 pm Post subject:

Hi Lulu Girl,

The names Washington English and Golden Key ring bells, but sorry I don't know anything about them. Apollo is one of the biggest schools in Vietnam and I imagine working there would be very similar to working at ILA or Language Link (but I could be mistaken). I've got friends who work for Language Link and it doesn't sound too bad (and its a start), but I think its fair to say there are better gigs out there. Lot of kids classes (which some people don't mind) and your weekends are spent working.

I actually had an interview with Language Link in Hanoi but decided against taking the job. Pay was, if memory serves, about $17-19 per hour plus you got a bit more for weekends. There were also paid holidays (I think around two weeks) and if you signed a one year contract you got a bonus on completion which (again I think) was about $750. I am sorry for being so vague, but I can't remember all the details. Anyway I imagine that sort of package would be what you are looking at for Apollo. A few things may be different, but that would be the ballpark.

Know a fair bit about ACET and if you want any more information feel free to PM me.

No two ways about it, the best way to get a job in Vietnam is to be in Vietnam. Knock on doors or send e-mails requesting interviews until you find something. Don't bother looking for work just before or during Tet (Chinese New Year) as the whole country is winding down. Payment of the visa will depend on the school (if you sign a long contract some will pay for the whole process). Others will not and, some like mine, will pay for part of it. All of them should help with instructions on how to complete the process and documents. I've never heard of a school paying for private health insurance, but it may happen (RMIT and British Council offer pretty generous packages so I wouldn't be that surprised to hear that they did). The norm is that teachers find their own dwellings so be prepared to pay for rent and health insurance out of your salary.

Hope this helps and good luck.

TimkinMS · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 86

TimkinMS · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 86

Perks, insurance, housing?

No. Nada. Zip. This is a cash only business.

ACET does pay for work permit fees if someone is full-time, however.

1st Sgt Welsh · Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 2:31 am Post subject:

lsta · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 9 Location: USA

Anyone remember what the cost of the health check was in Hanoi?

snollygoster · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 478

Washington- Small, out in the boondocks-looks good.
Apollo-Steady, reliable-not the best gig in town, but a good stable start with western management and a good reputation.
Golden Key-Ha ha ha ha-Tried to run a TESOL/TEFL course and got 4 contenders, but they couldnt get a trainer. Got someone to "fudge" it and then after promising the contenders job placement, told them there are no jobs in Hanoi- enough said?
ACET- as per another poster
Language Link- Salaries are a bit better than stated-I do a part-time gig there at base of $24hr with +s for week-ends, IELTS and Business.
Plenty of Mom and Pop schools in Hanoi that pay better, cash in hand, no paper-work, but when the Police call, the school disappears in a puff of smoke. Risky but you can make good money- Security and perks-NIL.
Google "new Hanoian" and take a look at jobs- usually about 100+ ESL jobs there all the time.
Best method in Vietnam? If you are off-shore, by all means e-mail with an expected date of commencement, BUT dont expect them to get excited as there are too many "wannabees" who never come. When you DO get here, call them and remind them of your e-mail and set up an appointment. You will need probably no more than 3 to interview as there is still a shortage of teachers.
Dont expect to get hired from your initial e-mail- it just wont happen.
Visa- Come on a tourist visa- do NOT be tempted to try to get any other type as it WILL be a huge headache- You can change it on expiry once you are here, and employers will USUALLY take care of this for you.
Try vietnam-visa.com for a hassle free on line visa experience at a price that has not been inflated to accommodate some policemans need to buy his mother in law a new motorbike for Christmas.
Are you credentialed for Vietnam? Degree, CELTA/TESOL etc all squared away?
PM me if you need extra help.

1st Sgt Welsh · Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 3:42 am Post subject:

TimkinMS · Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 86

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

deadlift · Joined: 08 Jun 2010 Posts: 267

RMIT provides insurance, pays for new visas and health checks, and does as much of the WP process as they are able to.