Job Discussion Forums

deessell2 · Joined: 11 Jun 2005 Posts: 132 Location: Under the sun

To me Hanoi is one of the most beautiful cities in Asia. I generously call it the Paris of the east. The French have certainly left their influence,wine is easily available as is cheese. Fresh baguettes are easily bought on the streets daily. There are lots of tree lined boulevards, lakes and French architecture but it is still Asia and still a developing country and life happens on the streets. The streets, the footpaths and every available space contains someone selling something or parked motorbikes. Living in Hanoi is both heaven and hell. It has been two months since I left Hanoi and it will always have a special place in my heart.

Finding a job is easy if you are not fussy. There is the backpacker haven called SITC, which I would only suggest as a last resort. The best of the bunch is Language Link. I had the priviledge of working there for two years and had a fantastic time. Language Link is the highest paying and has the best reputation (other than the British Council). The Director Gavin is an Australian, down to earth and fond of a bia hoi or six (if he gets the opportunity). The Vietnamese staff are lovely and very helpful.

The atmosphere at Language Link is one of comradery and professionalism. However the real gem at Language Link is the DOS Damen. He makes LL a fabulous place to work by being so approachable and genuine. He somehow manages to allow all the teachers autonomy but keeps things together. The staffroom can be a very raucous place at times with the British contingency engaged in whackety whack competitions....but it's all in good fun.

The students are also a pleasure to teach. This school takes academic progress seriously and has respect for both the students and the staff. The only complaint that I have is the god dam photocopier......It always breaks down, however just as I left this problem was rectified and now they have an assistant who does all the photocopying for you....what a treat. Cuts down prep time.........if only he could cut up all the little supplimentary pieces as well. Speaking of prep time, this is a school that requires you to adequately prepare for your classes, so if you are looking for an easy ride I suggest you try another school. You are also required to write reports and test students. This is a small price to pay to work at a school that is well resourced and treats its teachers with respect.

So in some ways this is a letter of recommendation for the school and also a thank you letter to all the people that I worked with during my time there. You all made my time in Hanoi special and I thank you all.

NOTE: I wanted to post this on the Job Journal but this is being phased out.

mr.pete · Joined: 02 May 2005 Posts: 26

I have also worked for Language Link, and all of the people I have dealt with, which includes Gavin and Damen, have been terriffic. I agree whole-heartedly with the above - Damen is a teacher too, as are a lot of DOS here (or former teachers) and he really takes an interest in your class and feedback. Great employers,

Lana · Joined: 25 Mar 2005 Posts: 10

Yay! Just adding my 2 cents.... I agree with De. LL rocks!

deessell2 · Joined: 11 Jun 2005 Posts: 132 Location: Under the sun

Bump

kelpie · Joined: 29 Jan 2005 Posts: 13

2 year Hanoi resident missing it terribly.

maryknight · Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Posts: 83

i'm thinking aobut either japan or hanoi, so it was good for me to read your post.
how did you get around in hanoi? taxi? or did the school provide transportation? and was it easy to find housing?
my husband is retired and we can afford to go on a job hunting trip. should i just contact language link and ask if i can be interviewed
while there?
i have a master's in social work, 20 years working with kids as a social worker, and a tefl certificate.
how did you like the weather in hanoi? is it ever hot and humid? did you have air conditioning and/or heating in your apartment?
i want all the info possible.
thanks so much!

Micro67 · Joined: 29 May 2003 Posts: 297 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

lizarddoctor · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 141 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

Over time some schools sometimes change their business tactics. Can anyone who is working there now let me know about the schools current treatment of teachers as I would like to recommend them to other teachers who are heading to Hanoi after reading this super positive thread? Very Happy

I have to admit that I have little knowledge of how Hanoi's schools are treating teachers since I live in HCMC. Confused

deessell2 · Joined: 11 Jun 2005 Posts: 132 Location: Under the sun

Well, fate has brought me back to Hanoi and to Language Link. Hanoi and L.L. have changed. It is still a good place to work in the sense that I can TRUST them as my employers, but due to the rapid expansion there is a bit less of the family feel to the place. The salary is still good and they have good resources. Gaven and Hang are still there but Damen is sorely missed!

Hanoi has become much more affluent which has its problems - more cars! The cost of living has increased but then so have the salaries. I guess I would still recommend it as a good place to work.

There is a lot of work here, in fact all schools are desperate for teachers. After travelling and working around the world, Vietnam still has the one of the best lifestyles in the teaching game.

See you in Hanoi!

tirthyatri · Joined: 19 Nov 2007 Posts: 12 Location: USA

You folks make Language Link sound great, and I am really interested in applying for their CELTA course in Hanoi in 2008.

The thing is, I've written to the school twice in the last several weeks and nobody answers. Am I doing something wrong?

dan_2012 · Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 7

Yeah, I've also emailed them about CELTA courses and they don't reply. I take it to be a bad sign. What's your second choice?

UpScope · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 82

LL usually have three or four courses per year. Try this email;

[email protected]

Otherwise try ILA Vietnam, they have at least six or seven a year and they have a pay back scheme for graduates who go on to teach for them. They have a celta running in HCMC, get them on this email;

[email protected]

tirthyatri · Joined: 19 Nov 2007 Posts: 12 Location: USA

Dan: The second choice I'm looking into is Cactus, who also apparently offer CELTA in Hanoi. I've asked for feedback on them in another thread.

UpScope: Thanks for the tip. I'll try that address today! Given the choice, I really don't want to take the course in HCMC.

UpScope · Joined: 31 Jul 2007 Posts: 82

Cactus is a referral web site only. Language Link offer the course and may have an agreement with Cactus to advertise the course, with Cactus playing no part in the actual running or administering of the course.