Job Discussion Forums

[haller_79]

I am arriving in HCMC on the first day of next month and I have a TESOL certificate and a degree, I have a few questions for anyone feeling kind enough to divulge their expertise. Firstly, although I have been in contact with a HCMC college (who seem to be loosely affiliated with the school I did my TESOL cert), I am not sure that they will definately have work for me, so I am wondering is there much work available in HCMC or if not Hanoi? At this stage I am going either way but I am curious as to what the situation is there from November onwards. Also as regards to my TESOL cert, well although it stipulates that it is 'internationally recognised' it's a bit like giving someone their drivers licence after showing them how to switch on the ignition (sorry but I have to be honest here). So although I believe I have a good command of my native tongue as far as teaching goes I am a bit of a novice - just wondering if anyone has gone to VN in a similar boat? Anyway as I said I'm heading there regardless but if I can pick up some work that would be great as I am a 28yo male and feeling somewhat 'uninspired' with life here at home. Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Phinaes Gage]

Haller
Just like you I arrived in Saigon with a certificate and some bags and not too much confidence. It was not too difficult to find a job though, there are lots of schools around that will hire someone with no teaching experience, as long as you have a University Degree and a Certification you should have no problems finding work. Lots of different schools advertise on this site for teachers without experience, and as long as you do a little research first you can get a good job.

As far as teaching, just like anything the more you do it the easier it gets. I was so nervous before my first class (full of kindergarten aged kids I might add) I didn't know what to do. The bigger schools will have a good amount of support for new teachers though, which makes things much easier. That is one thing I would look for if I were you, a school with lots of support and experienced teachers who can help. I didn't use the support well enough when I first came and I spent about an hour of my first class coloring. I like to think my teaching has got better since then.

[Phinaes Gage]

Haller
Just like you I arrived in Saigon with a certificate and some bags and not too much confidence. It was not too difficult to find a job though, there are lots of schools around that will hire someone with no teaching experience, as long as you have a University Degree and a Certification you should have no problems finding work. Lots of different schools advertise on this site for teachers without experience, and as long as you do a little research first you can get a good job.

As far as teaching, just like anything the more you do it the easier it gets. I was so nervous before my first class (full of kindergarten aged kids I might add) I didn't know what to do. The bigger schools will have a good amount of support for new teachers though, which makes things much easier. That is one thing I would look for if I were you, a school with lots of support and experienced teachers who can help. I didn't use the support well enough when I first came and I spent about an hour of my first class coloring. I like to think my teaching has got better since then.

[haller_79]

Ok thanks Phinaes for the feedback, looks like i may have secured this gig. Little bit nervous yes, but done a few jobs in my time and after about 3 months it's second nature - hopefully no rebellious teenagers on my first day