Job Discussion Forums

[dan_2012]

Hi --

Anyone care to describe (as best they can) the demographics of foreign ESOL teachers in Vietnam, specifically GENDER and AGE? I ask because I'm wondering what my social life amongst "you people" in VN could potentially be like. I might want to flirt with a fluent English-speaking woman over dinner one night, but would be suitably discouraged if I get a bunch of replies describing the profession as 95% male, and that female ESOL teachers are mostly elderly lesbians.

I'll leave my questions as to the integrity, sophistocation and looks of ESOL teachers for another time -- but feel free to comment.

[UpScope]

English teachers - Vietnam;

White / Yellow / Black / Brown
Tanned / untanned
25 - 55, majority in the 25 - 25 range
Degrees
Teaching certs
60 - 70 % male
British / Australian / North American / New Zealand / (Some South Africans have even snuck in) / A few from non traditional countries as well

Romantic dinners with female English teachers, my word..... A little like taking your own Ikea setting to Stockholm, but this is Vietnam and anything is possible.

[dan_2012]

Thanks. Your final comment is much appreciated. I just heard that if you ask a young Vietnamese woman out for dinner, that she's expected to bring along her grandma and a couple of cousins, and that you'll inevitably find youself hounded and gossiped about. And how could we possibly connect without the benefit of colloquial english and shared cultural references?

Oh, how prejudiced am I? And I haven't even stepped off the boat... maybe I'm not cut out to teach in Asia.

[sigmoid]

Hi Dan -

What you've heard is for the most part correct. The Viets are still very very traditional. Any dating is considered to be merely a prelude to marriage. Relatives must be present to protect the maiden and evaluate the suitor.

Unfortunately, there aren't many female foreign teachers. I would say 5% or less. And while many of these are young, most are here with their husband or boyfriend. Believe me, I check.

People come to Viet Nam to make and save money. Down time is usually spent hanging out with the boys, drinking and shooting the breeze. It's boring as hell. Actually. hell may be a bit more exciting.

See this for more: http://www.saigonesl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=384&highlight=dating
http://www.saigonesl.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=185&highlight=dating

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

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