Job Discussion Forums

Otago · Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 4

I am currently teaching in a hagwon in South Korea and yes the owner is a two faced chiseler!(I can hear the moans from here).
Any way I am a New Zealand citizen, native English speaker of course, hold a BA English major and a Graduate Diploma in Second Language Teaching both from Otago University in New Zealand.
I know you experienced expats have probably been down this path more than once but I would appreciate any comments you might care to throw my way.
I have looked on Dave's job site and there do not appear to be many schools that are looking for teachers apart from a couple of what sound like chainstore outfits (RMIT and ILA). What is the supply/demand scene like there at the moment? is it more a case of landing there on a tourist visa and then pounding the beat looking for a job? I don't have any strong opinions about the north or the south, I guess I am like any prospective newbie and may sound like another pain in the **** but anything you care to say?

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

There's a lot of teaching work in Viet Nam but the seasonal holiday slowdown is upon us for the next couple months. When are you planning on coming?

Yes, for most schools you need to be here.

Have a look here for some job info:

http://www.saigonesl.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=4

MOD EDIT

UpScope · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 82

Seasonal slowdown is correct, from now until post Tet don't expect a lot of offers to be flowing for start dates prior to March. The only places that will offer work in this time are the bigger places,and for those places there are no slow downs.

Take this into consideration when looking at jobs here. I have taught in four other Asian markets and the severity of the seasons on teaching hours here in Nam is by far the greatest. Again, the more secure schools will be able to keep you up with consistent hours.

Arriving and looking is fine, but why not get a few interviews sorted over the net for the first week on arrival. Will more than probably get you something faster than just dropping in.

Otago · Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 4

Thanks guys for your comments, I intend to be in Hanoi within the next 10-14 days (I am waiting for a visa and I am told it will take about 6-8days). Any recommendations on a cheap hotel in a handy location? I guess I will look for some part time work to keep the rice bowl full in the short term (from your replies this is a quiet time there) and find my feet, with a view to being around for about a 2 year period. I will keep looking through the web to try and arrange interviews within a day or two of my arrival. Many thanks for your trouble.

comenius · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 1:35 am Post subject:

There seem to be at least a few schools in Vietnam hiring right now. I just did a search for Vietnam here:

http://www.esljobsworld.com/index.php?option=com_adsmanager&Itemid=38&page=search&text_search=vietnam

and found about 3 jobs that were posted in the last week or so. Might at least be a lead or two to pursue.