Job Discussion Forums

[kerryn]

Hey all
Have been offered a job in both cities... was at first interested in Hanoi however could someone who has lived in Danang pass on a lil info on what its like there.
I aint looking for a wild night life and all that... am pretty relaxed etc.... Just looking for nice place...friendly people... good food

Thanks for the help!!

Kerryn

[ptm234]

I was in Danang over the summer and did some teaching. I enjoyed it a lot as it's really laidback and not as crowded as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. I think people are more friendly, air quality is better, less traffic, and the seaside is beautiful. If you like a smaller city, then this is a good choice. People are honest there, you can leave your bag on the sand at the beach when it's peak hour while you swim and it won't get stolen.

It's close to Hoi An, which has an incredible beach and fun shopping. The food is great.

[yogurtpooh]

Da Nang sounds good for you then.

[LettersAthruZ]

I have spent quite a fair amount of time IN Da Nang....whilst I have not officially resided there, I LOVED IT! It can be quiet and laid back, yet one can still go out and tear up the town. A LOT cleaner than Ha Noi and the people there are much more friendly than in the other Big Five cities of Viet Nam. STILL has what you need - a METRO, a Big C, several cinemas, etc. etc.

A good choice! I'd take Da Nang over Ha Noi ANY DAY of the week.

Only thing that I cannot speak to is wages (having never taught in Da Nang, Hopefully somebody who has taught there can jump on and comment) vs. cost of living. I know that it is cheaper than Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City but more expensive than Hai Phong ('cause Hai Phong isn't a place that attracts Tay teachers or Viet tourists). IF they are offering you at least $15USD per classroom hour to start in Da Nang......TAKE IT!!

[kerryn]

you guys rock!!!
thanks so much!
With my experience looking at over $20/ hour

Really appreciate it.
Anybody else care to jump in ...ie living costs.... anything!!!

[LettersAthruZ]

Yeah, if you are offered twenty bucks per classroom hour in DA NANG, TAKE IT!!!!!!!!!!

I have never taught anywhere else, so I do NOT know how it is in other countries, but be advised that IN VIET NAM, pay is ONLY FOR HOURS PHYSICALLY SPENT TEACHING IN THE CLASSROOM. And a lot of dodgy directors will try to milk this to get free work off of you. Remember - you PREPARE LESSONS during prep time - you DO NOT interview potential new students, you DO NOT stand out in front of the place and talk to parents or any other sort of unpaid marketing work for the director!

ALSO, make sure that you get TRUE CLARIFICATION on the schools teacher and staff meetings - this is another way directors like to waste your time and pick your brain for ideas........every so often, a meeting makes sense, but a few directors tend to abuse it!

Basically, just scour the rest of Dave's ESL Vietnam threads to alert yourself to some of the pitfalls of living and teaching in Viet Nam!

Congrats!

[ptm234]

Congrats. Hope you have an awesome time there.

Just remember, it's not so modern but a great place to kick back and relax.

[haller_79]

[chatfouz]

I would love to work out in a small town in Vietnam. How did y'all find work in the small towns? I only ever see ads for Hanoi or HCMC. Any suggestions?