Job Discussion Forums

[Finn76]

Hi,

I am a qualified Primary School teacher, currently teaching ESL at a high school in Taiwan. It is not really working out (long story) and I am considering looking around elsewhere for work. It's a big decision as it means breaking my contract and probably dealing with the staff spitting in my food.... plus paying back a penalty for breaking the contract etc = painful.

Having been to Vietnam and loved it, I am thinking about looking there.

Questions:
1a. Would I make better $ at a school like ISHCMC or at ESL conversation schools?
1b. What is the general attitude of the stidents at conversation schools?
2. Is there an expat scene in HCMC? Is it tough to break in?
3. What are some quick pros and cons for teaching in Vietnam? (Especially if you have taught in Taiwan)
4. Can you save in HCMC on the average salary?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Finn

[QatarChic]

Hiya Finn

I have no experience/info to give you on Vietnam....but from stories I hear of colleagues/friends....if you are not happy in a place then just give your month's notice and leave (Don't do a runner) There are better opportunities out there.....

Good luck

[sigmoid]

Try Paul John's Teahing in Viet Nam FAQ for a start:

http://www.mekongesl.com/teachingvn.html

[Cyan]

Hi Finn76

In Vietnam:

1a) Here you get at least $12/hr but more like 15/hr and up if you go to a decent school.
1b) ?
2) Yes, there is. - the level of culture and things to do though might be of concern
3) Pros:
Save and make good money. Close to many cool places in SE Asia
Cons:
Traffic, Noise, attitude to foreigners

4) With 25 hrs a week - yes you can

Cyan


Questions:
1a. Would I make better $ at a school like ISHCMC or at ESL conversation schools?
1b. What is the general attitude of the stidents at conversation schools?
2. Is there an expat scene in HCMC? Is it tough to break in?
3. What are some quick pros and cons for teaching in Vietnam? (Especially if you have taught in Taiwan)
4. Can you save in HCMC on the average salary?

[Finn76]

ok - the above link was great, ta.

One more question: At the moment, I can easily save about $1000 US per month in Taiwan on my salary as a full-time teacher at a high school. Would the same amount be possible in HCMC after living expenses etc?

[Snaff]

Finn,

There are two websites that deal specifically with living and teaching in Vietnam:

www.mekongesl.com

www.saigonesl.com


And Cyan, what exactly is a "conversation school?" I've never heard of one in HCMC.

[Cyan]

A conversation school is one that focuses on conversation English. They don't do IELTS or TOEFL or Business English etc

Most of the schools fall into this generic category.

[Snaff]