Job Discussion Forums

[khun_and]

Has anyone taught at Dangtuan Language Center in Haiphong in the past year?

The blogs I've read online seem to be 3 or more years old, but I want something more up-to-date.

Thanks.

[frere]

how about sharing ifo? did you go there?

[khun_and]

Frere,

I haven't been there. Someone I know told me that they're looking for teachers for 2016. I did a search online but could only find old blogs and wanted something more recent.

Sometimes schools get new management who improve the school, so wanted to know if things had changed at this school or if it was still the same.

[ord2world]

This sounds like a soap opera, but here it goes...

Back in May 2015, this school posted an advertisement on Facebook for cover teachers. I did one demo lesson at this school and decided to decline their offer of employment. The general atmosphere was somber. Later that week, I met with a few of their current teachers at a Bia Hoi (beer garden). They confided in me that they hated working there and were only doing it in order to earn enough money to travel.

One girl (that's still my friend) was promised help with procuring a work permit. They never helped her do this, so she worked illegally the entire time. This really isn't a big since a lot of teachers work illegally in Vietnam, but they threatened her with deportation if she didn't cover more classes. Then they kept "accidentally" underpaying her stating her hours were wrong.

I forgot the name of the woman who's the director, but it's rumored that her father is a prominent gangster in Haiphong. She's got the government connections to get you a work permit "under the table." I met this woman and got a creepy feeling from her before I found out this information.

They seem to love hiring the backpackers that are just passing through. Please do a Google search of this school, and you'll notice quite a few negative remarks.

On the positive side, they paid me the exact amount quoted for the demo lesson.

As far as good schools in Haiphong, I'd go with Apollo or ACE Language Center. The teachers weren't that happy working at these schools either, but they had no issues regarding payments. Their hours would fluctuate depending on the need for teachers, but most pulled in at least 15 hours a week.

I hope this helps. Please private message me if you have any questions. I still have a lot of good friends in Haiphong.

[ExpatLuke]

[Prof.Gringo]

[ord2world]

Um...there's the Big C shopping mall and ten million shady karaoke bars???

[Prof.Gringo]