Job Discussion Forums

parvastella22 · Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 10

I'm looking to join a network of teachers in HCMC. Since reading the forums a month ago I'm guessing you are all aquainted with one another and are somewhat a closely-knit group?

I'm really hoping to be in Vietnam by September. I'm going to graduate college soon so I think this experience might help me grow up a bit and taste the world in a positive way. I just don't want to go to VN and end up speaking VNese all the time (the last time I went there I came back to the states speaking Vietnamese pretty fluently, but my tongue got numb from speaking English). So yeah...it'd be great to have nice conversations with people who speak English!

I just want to get to know you all. Please introduce yourselves and maybe I'll see you in Saigon!

ChuckECheese · Joined: 28 Jul 2006 Posts: 216

Hi, I'm Chuck E. Cheese. Call me Chuck, but don't call me Mr. Cheese because it sounds too cheesy. But nice to meet you. Wink

I'm from the USA as well. Unforetunately, I'm not in Vietnam any more but I like trollin' the Vietnam forum to keep in touch with Viet world.

And don't expect to find any other folks nice as me in this forum to introduce themselves to be your friend. Maybe I'm wrong.......

Oh, good luck in Vietnam.

Hongkonghippo · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 64

Why would you come all the way to Vietnam to seek out foreigners ? This doesn't make sense. You will miss alot of what Vietnam and the Vietnamese have to offer. Also there are many Vietnamese can can speak really good English and you should have no trouble have a good conversation with them.

You should open your mind alot more than that if you are planning on making it in Vietnam.

parvastella22 · Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 10

I don't see how meeting another American or foreigner in Vietnam would cause me to be closed-minded. It's more for security purposes and peace of mind...I mean if there's an issue with my papers for example it's not like I can go to a VNese for advice (since they aren't dealing with foreign papers on a daily basis). Kinda like joining a union or something...to protect assets and etc.

But yeah, it doesn't harm anyone to ask for advice while in Vietnam and hang out once in awhile doesn't it? I am willing to be immersed in VNese culture (being that I'm already a VK) but it shouldn't be outlawed to want to talk and befriend another American. I'm sure you all have dealt with similar problems and went to one another for advice, and I'm asking the same Smile

slug93 · Joined: 07 Jan 2006 Posts: 38

networking is ALWAYS an excellent idea!

as for hanging out with "foreigner's".. it's just a form of networking.. it's good if you DONT ONLY hang out with foreigners.. I talked to this one VK girl here in HCM, and she told me that outside of the office, she ONLY associated with VK. which i think is not good, but hey it's her life and choice..

I dont think there's a monthly networking meeting for foreign teachers in HCM(that would be GREAT!). Usually you meet foreign teachers at places you work, and exchange contact info.. they sometimes will give you good job leads. I've notice that with the teachers i've met in HCM, none of the one i met are fr this forum. So i dont think "we" all know each other.. hehe.. actually the VN forum, only has a few regular posters.

Actually, because i can speak VN, most of my good job lead(for foreign teaching position AND business lead) are from local VN contacts/friends.

parvastella22 · Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 10

Whoa! There's no like...monthly get-together or anything? Maybe once every two months even?

Actually the real reason I want to join a network of English teachers is because I want to play hardcore Scrabble with someone... Embarassed

ChuckECheese · Joined: 28 Jul 2006 Posts: 216

parvastella22 · Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 10

I'm married...so that kind of hardcore doesn't really apply to me >_<;

But..! I used to play Lexicon with a Dutchie friend (who beat me on a daily basis...with cookies and milk) and I like to play word games with people. Improves vocab and stuff to do things like that.

mononoaware · Joined: 13 Mar 2007 Posts: 21 Location: saigon, vietnam

There's no organized teacher meeting or anything, but there are lots of bars/restaurants/social groups/sports clubs/etc. frequented by other expats, many of which are teachers. Pick up an Asia Life magazine when you get here (you can find them at local restaurants/cafes in touristy/expaty areas) and have a read.