Job Discussion Forums

[snollygoster]

Life in the countryside can be quite bearable-same pollution, just less of it-same lies,more curiosity than in the cities, air IS cleaner,less traffic but they still are the world's most selfish drivers.

The thing I hate most about the countryside is the electricity cuts because they want to sell electricity to Cambodia for foreign currency whilst the locals swelter.

I also hate the education system-State run schools where parents have to pay for supposedly "free" education.

The only Communist country in the world where NOTHING is free.

Countryside- Ahhh! To lie back in a hammock and listen to the Mekong lap past. (Above the din of the motorbikes honking horns for no other reason than they have them).

[TravelnLass]

Tough to know just where to jump in again here, as much of the discussion has strayed from my original query (i.e. the lunacy of someone my age teaching EFL in VN.) Please note that I never said I was hell-bent on living out my days in the (apparent) hell-hole that is HCMC, nor that I deluded myself that VN was somehow the "land of milk and honey". Indeed, I specifically didn't ask whether I should or should not consider VN as an expat destination, as there's plenty of other threads on such already.

In any case, many thanks to those who took the trouble to post both their yeas and their nays on the matter. The many notions proffered here have been most helpful, and I've concluded (in short) that - while teaching in VN (or most anywhere for that matter) at my age likely will indeed be a bit of an uphill battle, it certainly isn't an impossible goal.

Thus I shall continue to move forward with my plan - likely I'll now take the CELTA in Chiang Mai rather than Saigon, and then head to Da Lat or some such to see if I can swing at least a part-time teaching position. Yes, Da Lat's a tourist destination so likely not nearly the teaching opportunities of the larger cities, but who knows? My 20 years experience in tourism (along w/ 10+ yrs. whittling websites) might prove welcome in such a locale.

So much is impossible to know until I'm on the ground, and I believe that flexibility is key. So if Da Lat or similar doesn't pan out, I can always go to Plan B - private tutoring or volunteering. But as I said, that then presents it's own dilemma of visa issues. So the next logical question is...

Just what is the present state of obtaining/extending visas in VN?

Jbhughes offered the most compelling questions surrounding the dilemma (thanks J). But perhaps best at this point for me to open up a separate thread to discuss the matter in more detail.

Thanks again to all who've chimed in here. All very thought provoking and helpful.

[Oriented]

Thought the OP might enjoy this: "Maggie Counihan has a story to tell. At 60 years old she lost her spouse to cancer and found herself living Groundhog Day as a doting grandmother and asking herself � is this it?

Her book Backpacking to Freedom � Solo at Sixty is her account of what happened next. Armed with a backpack and some courage, she set off to India and did not look back for nearly 10 years."

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2011/05/11/backpacking-freedom/

[TravelnLass]

[1st Sgt Welsh]

[haller_79]

[charlie don't surf]

TravelnLass:

Oriented made a very good point regarding travel medical insurance that should not be overlooked.

It's really important to find a policy that has more than just the basics. Make sure your policy will foot the bill for any medical evacuation. Let's face it. If you require an operation, and you're medically stable enough to be transported, an international hospital in Bangkok would be far better in almost every respect than a Vietnamese facility. Also keep in mind that the medical facilities in some of the smaller towns will be miles apart in both distance and quality than in the bigger centers.

Even if you're armed with good travel medical insurance, be prepared to be "shaken down" for cash upon entering a Vietnamese hospital or medical clinic.


As for teaching locations, I suggest that you travel around Vietnam and get a taste for both the cities and smaller places. If you find a place that holds some appeal, then drop anchor and begin the process of applying to local English schools. Among expats, you will always find varying opinions on cities and towns in Vietnam, which is why it's usually a good idea to check them out in person. For example, I came away from Hanoi and Saigon convinced that I would die prematurely from either the air quality or scooter assault. Others find both these cities quite livable and enjoyable.


I don't think anyone has mentioned weather yet. Keep in mind that the winters in Hanoi will be considerably more cooler than Saigon. If you're the type of person whose quality of life is dependent on frequent appearances of the sun and blue sky, think twice about Hanoi.


Regarding your chances of finding employment, I'm fairly confident that you will eventually land something. Another poster has already suggested that it's important to convey a professional appearance to prospective employers. I concur. I would also recommend that you prepare a couple of lesson plans in advance for adults and children, in the event that you are asked to do a demo class on short notice.

Best of luck to you.

[Oriented]

Want to make another point I should have mentioned earlier, for those Americans who haven't worked overseas.

You need to keep filing taxes and report foreign bank accounts. Thing is, you have an overseas income exclusion that's far more than what most English teachers are ever going to earn (unless maybe they're a director of studies in Saudi or something). This is the most recent link I can find on the IRS website:

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/article/0,,id=182017,00.html

But I think earned income can affect social security benefits, and I think the limit is far lower. You might want to check that out.

[Oriented]

Actually, the answer to the question of income limits appears to be here in the section "Continue to Work"

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnews/20110516/ts_usnews/howtoretireonsocialsecurityalone

[globalgirl]

[overhere]

I have never lived in Vietnam but have visited HCMC a few times ...true the traffic is crazy but I think it would be livable unless perhaps you have some physical limitations or disablility. There are annoyances everywhere...can't let them stand in your way or you would never leave your sofa.

Back to the OP's question though...Is age a major factor in landing a job? What I have read here and other places seems to indicate that Vietnam was one of the more age friendly countries in Asia..Is that not true?

[Oriented]