Job Discussion Forums

[vpressler]

Hello,

I have packed my bags and moved from the UK to Saigon to teach ESL. I have already submitted my CV to a number of schools and have had a couple of interviews and have been offered a part time position already however I am hoping for something a little more secure.

I am currently in Cambodia for a couple of days for a holiday due to all the schools shutting up for TET, however I will be returning to Saigon in a couple of days time, I would be really keen to meet up with a couple of ESL teachers for a drink and chat about living in Ho Chi Minh etc, also if anyone has any tips on finding accommodation or even better if anyone is looking for a room mate.

Victoria

[inhanoi]

You might want to check out Hanoi. After first impressions fade away, many find Hanoi to be more livable in many ways, a far more elegant place. Provided you have WP qualifications, great jobs are available.

[Mushroom Druid]

vpressler,

What are your qualifications?

Do you have a BA/BS and a CELTA?

If so, you'll find work in hcmc. It may not be the greatest work, but you may find a good position at an organized school.

As for Hanoi, I do not consider Hanoi to be more livable than hcmc in any way. Great jobs in Hanoi? I only know a couple of people out of many that think there are "great" jobs.

[TravelnLass]

Hi vpressler - welcome to HCMC!

I've been here 3 months now - finished the CELTA course with ILA (grueling but Xcellent training) and they offered me a part contract (which is all that I want) - I start this coming Sat w/ 3 classes each on Sat and Sun - 1 class 4-6 hr. olds, 1 class 6-12 yr. olds, and 1 class 12-16 yrs., so lots of variety. Pay is $19 per hour (gross).

There's TONS of schools here in HCMC, no doubt (if you're a native speaker, look western, and have at least a Bachelor's degree) you'll eventually find full time work. A CELTA in your pocket just about guarantees it.

Things are a bit slow right now 'cuz of Tet, but in a few weeks things should open up more.

Check out my TravelnLass.com blog if you want to follow my adventures here, and PM me if you want to meet for coffee (I'm presently in Dist. 1, but teach in Tan Binh dist.)

[isabel]

Every person I know who has lived in both HCMC and Hanoi prefers HCMC. The climate is better (less hot in the summer and less cold in the winter) and the general vibe of the place is livlier. Yes, parts of Hanoi are "elegant", but it is not nearly so vibrant and lively as HCMC. I'm not suggesting that Hanoi is not worth it, but do check out how each city fits with your needs. They are quite different than each other.

[inhanoi]

Perhaps the original poster has already looked at Hanoi and found it unsuitable for perhaps some of the reasons mentioned. It depends on your personal priorities for lifestyle and employment satisfaction. Winter can be brutal, but the change of seasons is a lovely way to mark the passage of time, and you cannot beat fall and spring. The city has a lot of character, but also the same annoyances found in HCMC. In any case, there are plenty of people in Hanoi who would never consider a move to HCMC, it goes both ways. I would never encourage someone to make a commitment to a Hanoi job until they spent some time there, it does take some getting used to.

[Dekadan]

I'm contemplating a return to Viet Nam at some point. HCMC, has great weather and is very energetic, but I found it to be too energetic. At times, just leaving my place for groceries was a trial. Most people I knew needed to escape HCMC every month to 2 months to keep sane. I only spent minimal time in Ha Noi, but it didn't have much that appealed to me. Another option could be Da Nang. Not as big a market, true, so finding a job might be more difficult, but from what I hear it's a more laid-back lifestyle. It's all a matter of your personal life-style tastes. Do you want to have summer-like weather everyday, be able to go out drinking till later, and don't mind putting up with crazy traffic and crowdedness? Then go to HCMC. If you want seasons and history, go to Ha Noi. If you want things laid-back and decent weather, with less of an ex-pat population, go to Da Nang.

Good luck!

[isabel]

[DNK]