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AnnMouse
Joined: 06 Mar 2007
Posts: 14
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 Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 8:40 am Post subject: |
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To the OP,
I kind of lost track reading this thread but here goes so sorry if I am mistaken on any of my assumptions here...
1 So you have an Oxford TEFL cert? I assume it was an online or "introductory" weekend course or you wouldn't be thinking about doing another one?
2 Other posters are right, almost any acronym is acceptable but the 2 most widely recognised are the Cambridge CELTA or the Trinity TESOL
3 It really doesn't matter which one you've got - be it CERTA, CTEFL, CELTA etc BUT.....
4 If you want to stay long term and go through the Dantesque experience of getting a work permit - no mean feat for an American citizen, or so I've been told, then you need to have a "real" cert.
5 A "real" cert is one with a total course length of about 120-150 hours (usually a four week intensive course) which includes at least 6 hours OBSERVED TEACHING PRACTICE - your tutor watching you teach real, live students and giving you feedback on it
6 This will help your prospects not only here but anywhere in the world that you might want to teach and also will make you more confident going into the classroom
Hope that helps
[/b] |
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gth1
Joined: 10 Jan 2008
Posts: 42
Location: HCMC, VN
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| Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 1:29 pm Post subject: Ann Mouse . . .? |
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| 1 So you have an Oxford TEFL cert? I assume it was an online or "introductory" weekend course or you wouldn't be thinking about doing another one? |
No. No certification of any kind, from any source - yet. I was considering Oxford, mostly for convenience: it was being offered in the city where I live.
But that was a 5-6 day lifetime ago. Because of the info generously shared in this forum and in this thread, and Saigon ESL, and thank you all very much, I have decided to do a Cambridge CELTA in HCMC. Just go ahead and do it right the first time and be done with it. Het roi!
Plus the finanaces make sense both before and after the fact. Before the fact the Cambridge CELTA is price-wise competetive with Oxford and if one avails oneself to some incentives could even be as cheap or cheaper than Oxford - for probably a far superior product.
After the fact, well, there's no guarantee and depends on each individual teacher but, it seems superior certification should offer some superior opportunities which in turn - should - translate into superior value i.e., better pay and better schedules, etc.
Plus, on the - student side of the equation - a Cambridge CELTA as opposed to an Oxford TEFL, should make one . . . a better teacher! Which in turn should translate into more value, both tangible and intangible.
Disclaimer: The above are the ramblings of one who has never stood in front of a classroom and whose teaching experience is limited to endlessly training his employees.
3 It really doesn't matter which one you've got - be it CERTA, CTEFL, CELTA etc BUT.....
Hehe, it's all those - 'BUTS' - that keep us jumping and makes life interesting.
Hope that helps
By way of confirmation it does indeed and . . . thank you kindly.
gth |
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nadi1016
Joined: 18 Feb 2006
Posts: 14
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| Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 12:45 am Post subject: Curious about living conditions in HCMC |
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Hello,
I am an American with a Bachelors degree and am looking to study ESL in Vietnam as well. I find this thread to be informative, and, I wanted to ask a few further questions about general living arrangements and work. First, a question for gth1, is the school you applied to also arranging accomodations for you? Which school will you be attending? Any information you are willing to share will be appreciated.
For anyone who would like to answer, reading thru some of the threads about Vietnam it seems that some teachers feel they are not appreciated, is this a general feeling amongst foreigners? When I was in Thailand I certainly felt like a foreigner but not in an uncomfortable way, I just felt that I stood out a little more. Is Vietnam similiar? Also, it seems that there are also some responses about how prospective teachers go there because they are more interested in the, shall I say, ambience of the nightlife, more so than teaching. Is this also a general consensus? Lastly, does anyone have an opinion of if Vietnam is a good first choice for an ESL career? I see some people agree but I thought I would throw that question out there again. Thanks much to anyone who would like to share their experiences. Cheers~  |
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gth1
Joined: 10 Jan 2008
Posts: 42
Location: HCMC, VN
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| Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 1:27 am Post subject: Nadi . . .? |
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| First, a question for gth1, is the school you applied to also arranging accomodations for you? |
I did not 'apply' to a school for employment. I emailed an inquiry re age and accreditation and the school (VATC) replied encouragingly and helpfully. Accomodation was not mentioned but I am - assuming - the individual is responsible for their own living arrangements.
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| Which school will you be attending? |
CELTA, Cambridge U., HCMC
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| Any information you are willing to share will be appreciated. |
I'm so new at this the only perspective I can offer right now is it seems there are myriad Vnese burearcratic processes to endure and before you can overcome those . . . you first must endure myriad American bureaucratic porcesses. Otherwise, all I can add is . . . "Start early!"
Good luck. 
gth |
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Tayne101
Joined: 15 Jan 2008
Posts: 15
Location: NSW, Australia
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| Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 6:21 pm Post subject: Re: Curious about living conditions in HCMC |
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| nadi1016 wrote: |
Hello,
I am an American with a Bachelors degree and am looking to study ESL in Vietnam as well. I find this thread to be informative, and, I wanted to ask a few further questions about general living arrangements and work. First, a question for gth1, is the school you applied to also arranging accomodations for you? Which school will you be attending? Any information you are willing to share will be appreciated.
For anyone who would like to answer, reading thru some of the threads about Vietnam it seems that some teachers feel they are not appreciated, is this a general feeling amongst foreigners? When I was in Thailand I certainly felt like a foreigner but not in an uncomfortable way, I just felt that I stood out a little more. Is Vietnam similiar? Also, it seems that there are also some responses about how prospective teachers go there because they are more interested in the, shall I say, ambience of the nightlife, more so than teaching. Is this also a general consensus? Lastly, does anyone have an opinion of if Vietnam is a good first choice for an ESL career? I see some people agree but I thought I would throw that question out there again. Thanks much to anyone who would like to share their experiences. Cheers~ |
Hey Nadi, I'm in a similar situation to you right now. I got accepted into the 4-week TEFL International course in Saigon (I chose the Feb 18-March 14 course). They help you with arranging the accommodation (they give you a list to choose from). From what I know, I am pretty sure there are only 3 places you can get the TESOL cert in Vietnam (the 4-week intensive one that counts, I mean) - CELTA in HCMC and Hanoi, and TEFL International in HCMC. I chose TI in HCMC, no particular reason, other then the added convenience of them helping with accommodation, plus I think its a little less expensive then the CELTA programs. And much less of a pain in the ass to get accepted into, no interview phonecalls (that you have to pay for!) or any major hassles.
After I've got my cert, I'll be heading up to Hanoi to find a job. Has a more 'authentic' feel to it then HCMC, I hear. Not as hot either 
Oh, and I have no degree. I'm looking at teaching for about a year before I start uni (I'm 20).
Also, I hear that Vietnamese students are very friendly, and its a great place to live for a foreigner, provided you have an open mind to it. As for the nightlife, apparently there is next to none.
PM me if you do end up choosing TEFL International in Saigon |
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nadi1016
Joined: 18 Feb 2006
Posts: 14
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| Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 10:43 pm Post subject: |
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gth1 and Tayne - Thanks to the both of you for the info. Sounds like the redtape is the most complicated and "starting early" I believe is good, sound advice.
Tayne - If I don't choose TI then I will be planning on attending ILA which I have read quite a bit about lately as well. I will definitely take you up on the offer of sending you a PM before I go (which will be about a couple months later than when you arrive most likely). It would be great to have some insight prior to arrival!
Again, thanks to you both and good luck on your travels! Perhaps one day our paths will cross! |
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gth1
Joined: 10 Jan 2008
Posts: 42
Location: HCMC, VN
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| Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 7:27 pm Post subject: Nadi . . .? |
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See New Topic post: General Info for Newbies.
gth |
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desultude
Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Posts: 614
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| Posted: Thu Jan 24, 2008 9:43 pm Post subject: |
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| sigmoid wrote: |
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| HCMC is great fun. |
Maybe if you're coming from Saudi, but in my experience it's complete and utter DULLSVILLE.
Pray tell, what did you do that was 'great fun'? Maybe I'm missing something...? |
I had great fun in HCMC before coming to Saudi- these days I think it might be more fun than I could handle! 
Does it have alcohol? Movie theaters? Seating for both sexes in cafes? Do women not have to wear a black abaya in public? Damm, I may die for joy if I go there after the great Kingdom!  |
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moonshine
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
Posts: 60
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| Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 3:52 pm Post subject: Re: VATC replied . . . |
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| gth1 wrote: |
. . . to my inquiry regarding my age and TEFL Certification by Oxford Seminars.
Hi Folks,
A week or more before finding this forum I emailed VATC with essentially the same questions and format as the original post of this thread. This AM they replied and the answers are, "Yes," my age is fine and, "Yes," they accept TEFL Certification from Oxford Seminars.
Additionally, they also sent along five Word docs which included a sample Teacher's Contract, Procedures for getting a work permit, etc., etc.
Other comments from VATC were, quote: "Thank you for your interest in cooperating with us! I have no doubt that you'll be a valuabe staff and good friend to us." And in closing, "Once again, thank you for your interest in working with us and I am looking forward to hearing from you soon."
I was surprised and thought it nice of them to reply with encouragement and extra but unsolicited info.
FWIW . . . I also emailed two other schools but - as yet - they have not responded. Doi la the . . .
That's it. Just thought I'd update.
gth |
howdy there gth1 - welcome to the esl race - seems you are finding your way around pretty good so far - I just googled the VATC and it seems to be a pretty good school
have you travled abroad before? or to asia? things can be a bit tricky over here to say the least - I'm an expat from America also - been in K since 2003, was 49 when I left and a LOT of people said I'd NEVER find a teaching job here - well of course that just made me more determined than ever.
just a couple of things - get your Hep shots before coming - and check out areas of malaria and make sure you are either prepared or in a malaria free zone - it's bad enough for the young folks but us older folks certainly don't need it.
you might want to see about traveler's insurance also before coming
and like one of the other posters suggested - plan on at least a month to acclimate yourself to the area, the time zone change, etc. the jet lag alone will take you a week to adjust to.
vietnam is an interesting country to visit but the smaller towns are bereft of a lot of items you'd consider standard but there are luxuries - like paper towels? I never saw them anywere in the country; gas is mostly bought in plastic jugs and there aren't that many cars - the scooters and the noise can make one pretty stressed so prepare yourself for that.
I'm planning to make my way over there this summer so I hope you'll keep posting and let me know how you're getting on - I'm planning on doing either a CELTA or a TESOL haven't decided yet - probably a CELTA - I think it's pretty much worth the price and yes, the ILA program is offering a discount.
feel free to pm me if you have any general questions. |
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moonshine
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
Posts: 60
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| Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 9:28 am Post subject: Re: Nadi . . .? |
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| gth1 wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Which school will you be attending? |
CELTA, Cambridge U., HCMC
gth |
according to the CELTA website the CELTA in Saigon (HCMC) is run through ILA - the name Cambridge is attached but it's not at Cambridge U |
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gth1
Joined: 10 Jan 2008
Posts: 42
Location: HCMC, VN
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| Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 1:11 pm Post subject: Re: Nadi . . .? |
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| Quote: |
| according to the CELTA website the CELTA in Saigon (HCMC) is run through ILA - the name Cambridge is attached but it's not at Cambridge U |
I know/understand. According to U of Cambridge's website ILA is the only listed - 'U of C approved' - teaching center in HCMC.
Apologies to all newbs for not being more specific. Guess me brain went dead for a bit . . .
gth |
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gth1
Joined: 10 Jan 2008
Posts: 42
Location: HCMC, VN
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| Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 2:02 pm Post subject: Re: VATC replied . . . |
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Hi Moonshine,
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| howdy there gth1 - welcome to the esl race - seems you are finding your way around pretty good so far - I just googled the VATC and it seems to be a pretty good school |
Thanks. This forum and SaigonESL have been most helpful.
Re VATC. Thus far they have been very nice and helpful to me. But peruse the two sites mentioned above and just by osmosis you will begin to absorb some sense of balance. Check out the forum at SaigonESL. There you will find commentary and a thumbnail on all schools in HCMC. http://www.saigonesl.com/
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| - and check out areas of malaria and make sure you are either prepared or in a malaria free zone - |
Malaria free 'zones'? Truly I'm not being flip when I ask, "How do they accomplish . . . 'malaria free zones'?" I was going to PM you with that one but decided other newbs might wish to know as well. How do they, with any degree of certainty, segregate malaria carrying skeeters from non malaria carring skeeters?
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| you might want to see about traveler's insurance also before coming |
Could you comment further please?
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| feel free to pm me if you have any general questions. |
Thanks, I will, shortly.
And also, thanks for your input.
gth |
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fischerles_hump
Joined: 25 Nov 2007
Posts: 19
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| Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 2:50 pm Post subject: Mosquitos |
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Just found this on the web.
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| There is no malaria risk in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Da Nang, Nha Trang, Qui Nhon, and Haiphong. |
Don't know exactly why, must be for climactic reasons I guess, if you go to the site then there is a comprehensive list of jabs and stuff. In certain seasons there are outbreaks of dengue fever.
Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi have international standard hospitals and healthcare, travel insurance is recommended, you are probably most at risk from road traffic accidents, but as the traffic is mostly motorbikes, and they travel pretty slowly, then you are most likely to break a leg or something rather than anything worse.
Here's that url
http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/asia/viet_nam.html |
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gth1
Joined: 10 Jan 2008
Posts: 42
Location: HCMC, VN
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| Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 3:11 pm Post subject: FH . . . ? |
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FH,
Cool! A darn necessary pre and post visit website. I have printed and bookmarked.
Thank you kind sir/ma'am!
gth |
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moonshine
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
Posts: 60
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| Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:01 pm Post subject: Re: FH . . . ? |
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| gth1 wrote: |
FH,
Cool! A darn necessary pre and post visit website. I have printed and bookmarked.
Thank you kind sir/ma'am!
gth |
you know I meant to come back and add this one and totally forgot about it:
www.cdc.gov
it's the one the drs use - is as up to date as one can get -
cheers! |
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