Job Discussion Forums

[bisognor]

Hello Group,

I am considering teaching in Vietnam, and after reading a lot on this forum and others I have some questions.

From my research so far, it would appear that a University degree and a certificate is an acceptable starting place for a new teacher in Vietnam. Does that sound right? Also, would you suggest someone spend the extra money, and wait to take the well accepted CELTA, or does the group here believe that a non-CELTA certificate in the geographical area where you want to work, with 100+ hours training over at least four weeks, and at least 6-hours of mock teaching will be acceptable to many good schools?

Next, I was considering trying to come out before the end of the year, but I did read a post that suggested the market is a little stagnant from around November until the end of April. Is that true, and would it be better to wait until just before the end of the school year? Or, would an eager newbie stand a good chance to settle in if he came before then?

For help with the above questions let me include a little about myself. I have a university degree, and a law degree, but no formal experience in the teaching profession.

Lastly, a few practical questions. Can you get contact lenses in the larger cities of Vietnam? And, did a lot of you get colds, or the flue when you first came overseas to live, either Vietnam, or elsewhere? Are any of you having problems with allergies?

Thank you for all your responses in advance.

Robert Bisogno

[AsiaTraveller]

Robert, don't forget to exploit your law degree when you look for work in Vietnam.

The country has several faculties of law. Those law students must surely need to learn English. Why not teach them?

Why not contact the local association of lawyers to see what a person with your training and skills can offer once you're in the country?

Also, as you're in California, take a look at the following link:

http://www.usfca.edu/law/globaljustice/otherwork.html

Americans with TEFL certification are a dime a dozen. Use your unique experience and skills to differentiate yourself from the others!

[bisognor]

Thank you for your feedback. I will check out opportunities to teach English, and American Legal research in Vietnam. Also, I will contact people from USF about contacts, and potential to teach in Vietnam, and get involved in some ongoing prgrams if possible that the school is involved with presently.

Thank you for the advise, and thanks in advance for future posters.

Robert Bisogno
[email protected]
Irvine, California

[pigeon]

I'm trying to get hired in Hanoi on the strength of my training too, without a certificate and without classroom experience. I majored in English and got a master's in writing. Add the ability to engage people and it seems to me you've got an English teacher.

What is the best approach? Do I show up and apply to every school that takes non-certified applicants with no experience? Do I hit the better schools and push my other skills hard? Do I take a teacher course there? And what does one say in an interview?

[ClaudeRains]

Pigeon... Everyone thinks they can teach without training or experience. I did too. There's a lot to learn, both through study and classroom practice. I suggest you at least get a CELTA. If you have time, go for a 21-hour graduate certificate in ESL from your university. Your students deserve it. You won't regret it.

[N'Nuther Brick]

There are no contact lenses in Vietnam. However, with a few kind words and two coconuts you can get an enterprising villager to fashion a pair for you out of tortoise shell. This was done often during the American war here to help the invaders see where the landmines were.

In the larger cities be sure to bring a pig. The people in urban settings are not accustomed to working for coconuts and you may be looked down upon by the locals who will think you know nothing about Vietnam.