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Closetothedge07
Joined: 29 Sep 2013
Posts: 4
Location: Portland, Maine
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 Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 11:11 am Post subject: Want to work in Vietnam next year |
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I have read a lot about Vietnam in the last week, but I still have questions.
Background:
As of next year, I will have worked in Korea for two years teaching. I have a B.A in English and a TESOL ceritification.
Questions/concerns
Now, I am interested in Vietnam after my contract ends. I hear you can make good money but not quite as good as Korea. I also hear that my credentials could land me a university or international school job. I also hear that northern Vietnam can be a bit unpleasant in terms of racism, but the southern half the country, Ho Chi Minh city in particular, are a lot more foreign friendly. Lastly there seems to be some debate to whether getting a job prior to entering Vietnam or going there and searching is a better option. To me getting a job beforehand seems much more secure.
Any answers, advice, or info would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to make an informed decision. Thank you! |
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intelligent-hustler
Joined: 08 Apr 2015
Posts: 11
Location: Rio De Janeiro
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| Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2015 12:12 pm Post subject: |
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There are others on here who have experience living in Vietnam. I am researching heading there myself.
In terms of costs and salary, I'll point you to two threads that 1st Sgt Welsh pointed me to last week. Lots of info there to help with your decision.
TL;DR- Opinions vary. Salaries are between $1000 to $2000 (with some making more after a few years). The big question is your standard of living. Here some info I put together.
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=110546
| Quote: |
intelligent-hustler wrote:
EFL Educator wrote:
My advice is just retire since you can live off your ample savings.
If you don't mind, can you give me an idea of what a $1500 a month lifestyle in Vietnam might look like?
From reading the forums, people talk about needing $2200-$2500 to live in Hanoi or Saigon in a "nicer" part of town, while eating out and having drinks on occasion.
They don't make it sound like they are living in huge expat homes and eating western food all the time. I'm not looking for that either, but I would like an active social life.
Hi intelligent-hustler,
I'd recommend having a read of these two lengthy discussions, if you have not already done so:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=107595
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=98989&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
Good luck! |
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RustyShackleford
Joined: 13 May 2013
Posts: 449
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VietCanada
Joined: 30 Nov 2010
Posts: 590
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| Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2015 4:03 pm Post subject: |
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It's kind of a natural progression to come to Vietnam after a few years in Korea. Vietnamese really like experienced teachers. Having said that you will be considered to be qualified but inexperienced simply because you haven't worked in Vietnam yet. One year, maybe half that, working here will end that issue.
Companies such as AMA, Premier and ICLC will serve as survival jobs They could turn out to be more. VUS and ILA will make you feel ike an unqualified newbie but if you like a corporate environment you could thrive there. Don't get suckered into CELTA. Expensive and useless amongst the other hundreds (thousands) of schools here.
If you can get into teaching IELTS, TOEIC or other testing that can be lucrative over time.
You have the minimum quals to get a work permit except for the CBC. You can get that from the local cops after 6 months here. You will have to pay to leave the country every three months to re new your visa. Don't leave anything valuable behind when you do this.
The women are another story. Many men get married here and live long to regret it. Others don't. Be careful. Especially the first few months while you acclimatize. |
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Flashman
Joined: 20 Jul 2010
Posts: 10
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| Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2015 3:35 am Post subject: |
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I was earning $2400 per month plus travel around Hanoi within 10 days of arriving in 2011. This talk of $1000 is nonsense I honestly don't know who has experience of that but they are doing it wrong, who would come to Vietnam to earn that?!
The last 6 months have seen me go pt and even then you can still live in a nice big apartment and go drinking and eat out every night. Dunno about HCMC but then I don't want to, went there once about 4 years ago for a month, sweaty and full of departs, no thanks. |
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VietCanada
Joined: 30 Nov 2010
Posts: 590
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2015 2:40 pm Post subject: |
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| Flashman wrote: |
I was earning $2400 per month plus travel around Hanoi within 10 days of arriving in 2011. This talk of $1000 is nonsense I honestly don't know who has experience of that but they are doing it wrong, who would come to Vietnam to earn that?!
The last 6 months have seen me go pt and even then you can still live in a nice big apartment and go drinking and eat out every night. Dunno about HCMC but then I don't want to, went there once about 4 years ago for a month, sweaty and full of departs, no thanks. |
Most tourists and teachers don't like Hanoi but obviously there are exceptions. It is very rare to get off the plane and make more than a thousand a month. Many struggle to find a job that pays more than 750 a month.
Your unique experience is very far from the common one. Once you've worked here for more than a week or so you'll understand that. Those of us who've worked here for many years do. Clearly you are not one of us.
FYI:Not stating your quals to teach EFL helps no one. |
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ExpatLuke
Joined: 11 Feb 2012
Posts: 744
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2015 4:55 pm Post subject: |
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| VietCanada wrote: |
Many struggle to find a job that pays more than 750 a month.
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Maybe if you're a Filipino teacher... You've seriously got to be joking. Even outside of the major cities, I don't know anywhere that pays that little. |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2015 5:05 pm Post subject: |
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| Probably depends on qualifications. It MAY be that an online (multiple choice) cert limits your options considerably.... |
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ExpatLuke
Joined: 11 Feb 2012
Posts: 744
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| Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2015 6:09 am Post subject: Re: Want to work in Vietnam next year |
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| Closetothedge07 wrote: |
I have read a lot about Vietnam in the last week, but I still have questions.
Background:
As of next year, I will have worked in Korea for two years teaching. I have a B.A in English and a TESOL ceritification.
Questions/concerns
Now, I am interested in Vietnam after my contract ends. I hear you can make good money but not quite as good as Korea. I also hear that my credentials could land me a university or international school job. I also hear that northern Vietnam can be a bit unpleasant in terms of racism, but the southern half the country, Ho Chi Minh city in particular, are a lot more foreign friendly. Lastly there seems to be some debate to whether getting a job prior to entering Vietnam or going there and searching is a better option. To me getting a job beforehand seems much more secure.
Any answers, advice, or info would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to make an informed decision. Thank you! |
To answer some of your questions, I'm pretty sure your BA in English is considered a "relevant" degree for teaching English in Vietnam. Meaning it sets you above most of the teachers who only hold a certificate and an unrelated degree. So, yes, you should be able to get university positions if that's what you're looking for. Just be careful, and choose schools with good reputations like RMIT or some of the others. I wouldn't recommend enrolling in the local Vietnamese universities unless you're prepared to deal with Vietnamese standards of professionalism.
Your experience might pose some problems. Only 2 years and the fact that you're coming from Korea (meaning you've probably only taught kids classes for the past 2 years) means you won't have much pull in negotiating your salary.
As for your questions about location. Yes, most foreigners prefer the south over the north. Even among Vietnamese, most people think Hanoi people are cold and unfriendly. I lived there for a year and didn't really have a problem with the people, actually the women of Hanoi are considered the most beautiful in the country, but they're kind of stuck-up too. I more hated the weather and crowded dirty streets. Saigon has much friendlier people and a more care-free laid-back atmosphere.
The bottom line is that you'll likely make much more money in Korea (from what I've heard) but can enjoy and better lifestyle in Vietnam if living in a developing country doesn't bother you. I think the best way to find a job is to come and start setting up in-person interviews. Just bring enough money to last a few months. And you'll likely find a suitable position within a few weeks if you come at the right time of year. |
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VietCanada
Joined: 30 Nov 2010
Posts: 590
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| Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 4:36 pm Post subject: |
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| spiral78 wrote: |
| Probably depends on qualifications. It MAY be that an online (multiple choice) cert limits your options considerably.... |
The problem with firing from the hip is that you are just plain wrong.
I got a second TEFL last year because I lost my first cert from 15 years ago. I never needed it here with my BA Hons in pure math. I did it to open some doors because I wanted to teach in public schools.
The VN government tightened the rules so everyone needs one now. |
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VietCanada
Joined: 30 Nov 2010
Posts: 590
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| Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 4:46 pm Post subject: Re: Want to work in Vietnam next year |
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| ExpatLuke wrote: |
| Closetothedge07 wrote: |
I have read a lot about Vietnam in the last week, but I still have questions.
Background:
As of next year, I will have worked in Korea for two years teaching. I have a B.A in English and a TESOL ceritification.
Questions/concerns
Now, I am interested in Vietnam after my contract ends. I hear you can make good money but not quite as good as Korea. I also hear that my credentials could land me a university or international school job. I also hear that northern Vietnam can be a bit unpleasant in terms of racism, but the southern half the country, Ho Chi Minh city in particular, are a lot more foreign friendly. Lastly there seems to be some debate to whether getting a job prior to entering Vietnam or going there and searching is a better option. To me getting a job beforehand seems much more secure.
Any answers, advice, or info would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to make an informed decision. Thank you! |
To answer some of your questions, I'm pretty sure your BA in English is considered a "relevant" degree for teaching English in Vietnam. Meaning it sets you above most of the teachers who only hold a certificate and an unrelated degree. So, yes, you should be able to get university positions if that's what you're looking for. Just be careful, and choose schools with good reputations like RMIT or some of the others. I wouldn't recommend enrolling in the local Vietnamese universities unless you're prepared to deal with Vietnamese standards of professionalism.
Your experience might pose some problems. Only 2 years and the fact that you're coming from Korea (meaning you've probably only taught kids classes for the past 2 years) means you won't have much pull in negotiating your salary.
As for your questions about location. Yes, most foreigners prefer the south over the north. Even among Vietnamese, most people think Hanoi people are cold and unfriendly. I lived there for a year and didn't really have a problem with the people, actually the women of Hanoi are considered the most beautiful in the country, but they're kind of stuck-up too. I more hated the weather and crowded dirty streets. Saigon has much friendlier people and a more care-free laid-back atmosphere.
The bottom line is that you'll likely make much more money in Korea (from what I've heard) but can enjoy and better lifestyle in Vietnam if living in a developing country doesn't bother you. I think the best way to find a job is to come and start setting up in-person interviews. Just bring enough money to last a few months. And you'll likely find a suitable position within a few weeks if you come at the right time of year. |
Actually since teaching in VN is pretty much exclusively teaching children, this is very good experience to have. Unfortunately nobody is going to care about what you did in another country. It's unverifiable for one thing.
Having said that if you gained some competence teaching children in Korea this will be invaluable here and after 6 months or so you'll be in a position to negotiate. Simply because you'll know what's going on here.
Jobs teaching adults exclusively are pretty rare here. They can pay well but the hours just aren't there. Like Korea adults only study in the evenings not so much the mornings.
Seven thirty to nine o,clock three times a week and maybe something on the weekends. Compare that to six hours or so Monday to Saturday and maybe three on Sunday teaching children. For the same pay.
Jobs that pay really well (as much as $30) an hour just teaching adults are very rare and involve expertise in business. Such as modernizing a warehouse or some other aspect of running a medium size business.
They can involve intensive lesson planning to put on an impressive presentation. Once or twice a week.
You can make much more money in Korea for less work. Especially if you can do private lessons legally. Ten years ago I met people making as much as $4000 a month teaching business classes in the morning, hogwon duty in the day time and privates on some evenings and weekends. You'll make a little more than half that here in VN doing the same. |
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ExpatLuke
Joined: 11 Feb 2012
Posts: 744
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| Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 2:35 pm Post subject: Re: Want to work in Vietnam next year |
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| VietCanada wrote: |
Actually since teaching in VN is pretty much exclusively teaching children, this is very good experience to have. |
That's garbage. There are a lot of jobs in Vietnam teaching adult university students. Even more training hotel and resort staff. Even more teaching English for various companies.
The problem is, if you're coming in with a worthless online certificate like VietCanada has, the only job you'll get is with children.
Sure, there are a lot of after school centers teaching children, but if you don't want to do that, there are plenty of options for the qualified teacher. |
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skarper
Joined: 12 Oct 2006
Posts: 477
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| Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 5:02 pm Post subject: |
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A lot of jobs are young learners only - but by no means all. The jobs teaching adults usually go to those with experience, proper quals and contacts.
Above all contacts. |
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VietCanada
Joined: 30 Nov 2010
Posts: 590
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| Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2015 3:11 pm Post subject: Re: Want to work in Vietnam next year |
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| ExpatLuke wrote: |
| VietCanada wrote: |
Actually since teaching in VN is pretty much exclusively teaching children, this is very good experience to have. |
That's garbage. There are a lot of jobs in Vietnam teaching adult university students. Even more training hotel and resort staff. Even more teaching English for various companies.
The problem is, if you're coming in with a worthless online certificate like VietCanada has, the only job you'll get is with children.
Sure, there are a lot of after school centres teaching children, but if you don't want to do that, there are plenty of options for the qualified teacher. |
A qualified teacher wouldn't be posting here. A qualified teacher has a BEd with a teaching subject or two, a teaching certification from their home country, hence qualified teacher, and a couple years experience teaching in their home country. They would also require a couple of referees. If you don't know that then what do you know about this business?
For the rest of us TEFLrs, a bachelors degree and any TEFL or TESOL cert. is all that's required to work here in Vietnam.
If your bachelors is in something like biology, accounting, physics or math for example you might get a job with a college or lower level school. If you have a run of the mill English degree then you had better load up on the certs and contacts here to get a better job teaching English.
But you do need the experience first and time to build contacts. There is a proliferation of private companies in HCMC at least, offering the Cambridge program to public schools.
That would be Maths, science and English. Smart boards seem to be prominent. Can you use one of those?
In short Vietnam is a complex place. There are many different types of teaching positions requiring many different types of skill sets. There is no magical TEFL cert that will prepare you for this.
My advise is to get a simple, cheap TEFL and first find out if you like teaching EFL, if you like working working in VN and then plan your PD to match your interests and opportunities.
If you want to spend more on a TEFL with a teaching component here in VN then Google is your friend. There are a few schools offering a TEFL in which you will be observed teaching children. |
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ExpatLuke
Joined: 11 Feb 2012
Posts: 744
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| Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2015 4:52 pm Post subject: |
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So basically I showed you exactly how you're wrong, and the only thing you attempt to reply to is that "qualified teachers won't be posting here"?
Sometimes I wonder if there's anything more you can do to lower my opinion of you, but then you write something like that. Seriously, it's no wonder you've been just and ESL teacher without any form of career progression, drifting from job to job, and always looking for a new place to "drop off resumes" for the past 15 years.
On these forums I've seen you scoff at things like the CELTA, schools which require demo lessons, observed teaching, etc. Tell, me what are your thoughts on lesson planning and having someone check to ensure you plan a proper lesson? Is that also something that's beneath you? My guess is you haven't planned a proper lesson in your life.
You're now trying to claim that ESL teachers aren't "real" teachers? Well, I can see why you'd think that when your only example is yourself. There are plenty of real ESL teachers who have their degree who make successful careers out of ESL. I just saw a job posting offering over $100,000 per year for a qualified ESL Director. Those are the sorts of jobs you can get if you're intelligent enough to get proper training and qualifications and are competent enough to progress career-wise. You clearly lack all of these things.
You always bring up the subject of teaching math, science, and other school subjects as your way of saying, "Look, if you don't teach these, you're not a real teacher." What planet do you live on? I teach language. I have a 4 year degree which taught me how to teach language. Yes, it's an education degree which taught everything from course design, second language acquisition, to intense grammar studies and pedagogy.
Why would someone who has a degree in history or biology be better teacher than me? Those aren't even education degrees.
It's truly ironic that you as someone who claims to be a "teacher" cannot be a taught a single thing. |
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