Job Discussion Forums

[travelinhobo]

Hi- I've looked through the last 2 pages of posts, have attempted to use the search engine but it's not working, so I'll just post these questions (in reference to HCMC)...

1. Besides the chain schools which have been recommended to work at, would any of you recommend any other language schools? I have 10 years experience teaching (tho mostly privately), a TEFL cert, no degree. I'm never thrilled to work for a chain school.

2. Because most of my experience is private classes with adults, what's the prospect of finding some in HCMC? I've read that contacts and networking help, however the latter isn't really my forte. Is it best to start in schools and then build up private students? What about finding non-English speaking natives who want to improve their English (businessmen)? Not looking for English classes over a cup of tea with the wife.

3. Are there any Vietnamese websites, similar to craigslist, where I could either find ads or post them? Could be in Vietnamese or English, not important. What sites do the locals use?

Thanks for any info/opinions/comments/help.

[Dekadan]

Hey travelinhobo,

Unfortunately, I don't really have the answers that you're looking for, but I'll chip in my two cents. I worked in HCMC for nearly 2 years, first for ILA, then for POLY (the only Vietnamese branch for the Korean school). I can't recommend any non-chain schools, but I did hear good things about ACET, which has mostly university-aged students. For most jobs, I heard that you needed to have a degree, but with your experience hopefully you can get around that.

I never took up any private lessons, but I often had people solicit me for them. I even had people calling me and no idea how they got my number. Breaking into the business market would be much more challenging, maybe someone else has an idea of how to do it. Perhaps spending time in the backpackers district (Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien are the notorious streets) will help you meet other teachers that can potentially help you. I know a lot of them frequent Le Pub, which is in an alley off Bui Vien.

Best of luck!

[sigmoid]

[Oh My God]

[Biaom]

Troi oi stated

[snollygoster]

The personable touch is the BEST way to get privates.
I would change BEST to ONLY.
Re cards-I suggest your picture on them is a great move- Sounds egotistical, but in SE Asia where our names are strange and difficult to remember, its a very pro-active step.
I don't know the current market in Vietnam, but I was constantly knocking back privates when I lived in Vietnam- I can only guess there is still a strong demand.

[Mattingly]

Travelinhobo,

Privates take time to get and yes, it's often word of mouth from existing students/parents that are happy.

Regardless, the work is not steady.

You can try privates on the side, but remember, it's like a tip. It's an extra icing on the cake that will be your job at a school.

[kurtz]

[Biaom]

My students sometimes call me the general. Its probably due to being too forward and thinking about reality. In fact, one needs to be a general in Vietnam and focus on military strategy. Living in HCMC is like a war,
one must destroy the virus but inoculate thyself from the invading army.

I suspect hobo would prefer reality and the truth rather than a distortion or a lie. However, hobo hope to see you in HCMC because you are not part of the invading army that we need to worry about.

See you at Margaritas, bring your own tissues.

[Biaom]

Kurtz

Should we call you Colonel Walter E. Kurtz.

I watched a snail crawl along the edge of a straight razor. That's my dream; that's my nightmare. Crawling, slithering, along the edge of a straight razor... and surviving.

What do you call it when the teachers accuse the teacher? A lie. A lie and we have to be merciful.


General Biaom

[Oh My God]