Job Discussion Forums

[Old Surrender]

That's it. I've been teaching in China for a U.S.-China venture for five years and I'm mulling a change of scenery. Considering my experience, what's out there in Vietnam with my experience other than LaLa's Happy Time English World Kindergarten?

[ExpatLuke]

There's a lot available. Vietnam has the same range of teaching prospects as most other countries. With a MA in TESOL and a few years of experience under your belt, you could probably find employment in the more preferable places to work.

Just do research and be picky about who you choose to work for. As is the case anywhere in Asia, the best jobs usually go to people with the right connections, and those take some time to build.

[RustyShackleford]

From your experience, with some connections/timing/persistence you can get much better than some Kiddie Singy-Songy Playtime Job, depending on what your China experience consisted of. At least, you can knock on the doors of the some of the international schools and, being an experienced teacher who isn't a basket case will do you wonders.

[Old Surrender]

International schools, eh? I lack the teaching license. Does Vietnam not care? As far as a basketcase, not really. My m.o. is to quietly freak out on the inside while putting forth an aura of calm until it's safe to hit the bottle, gym, or WiiU.

I've taught English Composition I/II for five years. It's the same class all American freshmen have to take when they get to university.

Thanks for the replies guys.

[RustyShackleford]

I guess they would be what ExpatLuke likes to call the "pseudo-international schools." They are definitely a case for why privatized education is a questionable proposition, but they can be great places to work in that you a not-stupid schedule and feeling like you're an actual educational environment.

The reality is that they MIGHT care, but the super-qualified people just aren't knocking on the doors they want knocked on. So they'll take the next best thing so long as they're doing the work and the students aren't complaining. Godspeed.

[VietCanada]

What degrees or certifications do you have?

To work here legally you need a bachelors degree and a teaching certification. That can be anything from an on-line cert up as long as it's TESOL or TEFL. Most jobs here are children. The Cambridge YL program is becoming very popular here. Experience with that would help you. Your writing experience might be an asset for teaching the Cambridge KET or PET in high school. There are various colleges here, (not the same as international schools) that might be looking for that as well.

Getting work in Vietnam generally requires being here and hitting the pavement (dressed for work) with your resume, degree and relevant certs.

MA Tesols can be earned on-line for at least a decade now. You can do that while you work or go to an English speaking country and apply to a university for a masters degree.