Job Discussion Forums

[Kirkpatrick]

So what's up with this visa thing? Are you only able to get the 3 month renewable visa from outside the country? Are you able to come in overland from say Thailand, Laos, Cambodia? How about cheap hostels? How long does it take to find work? Also, which cities would you all recommend? How much can you save? And lastly, how long can you reasonably do the visa run thing?

[LettersAthruZ]

[Andy123]

There isn't a rose coloured glasses brigade on this board. Xao!

It is funny how these people's attitude changes two years down the line. Years ago there were tons of jobs, the money was good and the people were pleasant. Things have changed and that is a fact.

Hell, I have multiple Viet friends who can not find work (for D 3,000,000 a month) or they are stuck in hopeless dead-end jobs that they loath. These are smart, well educated and English speaking folks. Could someone lend them your rose coloured glasses?

[LettersAthruZ]

I stand corrected, Andy - naw...not a brigade, perhaps....but there are two or three individuals on here who, whenever a posting is placed that does not put Viet Nam in a nice light, these sorts twist it around and contort it to start blaming the person who might have questioned some aspects of life in Viet Nam or raised concerns about something. Hell, I'd seen them do it to you!

Not naming names, but......

Yes, Andy, you are correct - things HAVE changed here.....it ain't milk and honey anymore. Visa restrictions, waves of backpackers coming in trying to teach, and several other aspects of everyday life here.....naw, the halcyon days are gone, my friend

[generalgiap]

I am not wearing rose colored glasses or dark tinted sunglasses.

I and many others have had a different experience concerning visas in Vietnam. I have never had any issues getting a visa or an extension because I have worked for reputable EFL schools in HCMC and the schools have been responsible for getting my visa.

Can't comment on visa issue in Hanoi.

If you work for a reputable school in HCMC, you will Probably not have any problems regarding your visa. Of course, there is always the exception. The following schools, ILA, ACET, Language Link, Apollo, RMIT and others provide visas for their teachers.

If you have a 3 month visa in HCMC, it is generally pretty easy to extend it twice. It costs between 70-100 usd per extension, possibly cheaper. After the second extension, it can be difficult depending on the political climate, time of year etc.

You can get 3 month visas in Cambodia at most of the travel agencies.

I also have numerous friends who are independent teachers who have a two year temporary residence visa-The Tam Tru- with work permit, costs between 600-700 usd. A good price if you ask me, about a dollar a day.

I meet teachers all the time who have visa problems, most are working for cowboy outfits, independent teachers, most are unqualified and can't get a job at one of the better schools. They also don't want to be managed and generally have problems no matter where they are working.

Vietnam has changed but if you are qualified and experienced and don't mind working at one of the better schools in HCMC, you can find a good job and save a lot of money depending on your lifestyle.

If anyone is interested in a contact for visas in HCMC, send me a pm.

[LettersAthruZ]

[esbam2002]

I actually was just in Phomn Penh last month getting a new visa, and no problems....just filled out a form, answered some questions about my length of stay, paid $110, and on my way with a 3 month B3 Multi entry visa....I did though get a paper through a travel agency though....

[generalgiap]