Job Discussion Forums

[BVD]

Hello everyone on this forum. Welcome to my first post.
I have been perusing this site for a few months now, gathering information and preparing myself. Now my adventure is going to begin and I have more specific questions about my actual situation.
I'll do the background thing, and then spur my questions.
My name is Brandon, I am a 22 year old university graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce. I have a ticket to Hanoi arriving on sept. 5. I will be travelling with my friend who is also 22 and has a diploma from Nippising college in Journalism. We are hoping to teach english in Vietnam. We are both bery out going and easy to get along with. We are also quite well versed with the English language, and are extremely excited to live and interact with a different culture.
The questions:
First of all, is there a teaching 'community' with which we can interact and gain support from in Hanoi. We will be showing up, and despite any research, will basically be lost when we show up. I am hoping that maybe there will be some people there that can help us get off on the right foot.
Second. We did not go for the TEFL course. We figured taht we'd take our chances and hope that our degrees would be enough. did we make a mistake, or should we be alright.. and is there a way to get the TEFL when we arrive in Vietnam.
Third is the original document question. Do I really have to bring the only piece of paper that officially documents my graduation, or can I at least leave that at home and bring some copies..?
Lastly. Should we convert some cash to the Dong, U.S, or stick with Canadian.??
I understand there is some overlap with other posts, and I have read those posts. But I"m hoping to get some specific answers. Mostly I'm concerned with having some support in Hanoi when we arrive. Especially for finding lodging and understanding how I"m gonna run my life in another country.
I appreciate any replies
Oh.. and I'm kind of a technoretard, so if there is easier ways to communicate with this forum, please help me..
Thanks again.
Brandon.

[kparsons]

1. Teaching community - A lot of teachers hang out at The R&R on Lo Su (near the Old Quarter). You'll often find a few on the main Bia Hoi corner in the Old Quarter. Your best bet may be drinking spots. At least until you start at a school -- then you'll be able to find support from your fellow teachers.

2. No certifications - you can get jobs in Hanoi w/o a CELTA/TEFL, but the better schools require it. You can always give it a try, and if you aren't satisfied, take a course. Last I checked (which was a year ago), Language Link in Hanoi was offering a CELTA course -- I don't know what the current situation is. There are also places in Saigon and Bangkok (which is a cheap flight away).

3. Original Documents - we haven't had to deal w/them, but we haven't applied for the official work permit. IF you are going to get a work permit, you need them. I believe you also need a CELTA/TEFL to get the work permit, so this point may be moot.

4. ATMS are everywhere. Just use those. Dollars are accepted most places, but using dong is the best way to go. ATMs will issue your money is dong.