Job Discussion Forums

lemke2020 · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 36

I taught Esl in Spain 4 years ago and now I see on the Spain forums that it's kind of impossible for Americans to teach there now. I loved Spain but I really didn't like traveling all over the city to teach each class. I then began thinking about Korea but it doesn't sound as cool as SE Asia. I have a tefl cert, a Cal teaching credential, and two years of esl experience. Would it be easy for me to find a job in Vietnam? How awesome is Vietnam? And do I need to show up with a bunch of savings? Do I need to get hired abroad then come or come then look? What's the visa situation? Can I live comfortably on the salary there? Are there medical benefits? I mean, if I break my arm am I screwed? Thanks.

jestert79 · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 44

Yes, you'll find a job easily, though I've heard it depends on when you arrive.

Vietnam's Awesomeness: Well, for me it wasn't a love-at-first-sight place. It's got lots of beautiful places to visit, but the cities are really crowded, noisy, and sometimes smelly, and you get stared at like you've grown an extra head. I like the food, but I've heard some people say that it's not good.

Savings: Yeah, you'll need some money if you want an apartment. Most landlords ask for 3 months' rent and a deposit.

Job: I secured a job before I came, but many people just turn up and find decent jobs. It depends on what you're comfortable with.

Visas You can come in on a tourist visa and then upgrade it to a business one after you get a job - I think.

Cost of Living: The way most schools pay, you won't be struggling for cash. But inflation is making everything more expensive and landlords are asking for more rent. Delivery places keep turning up with new menus with more expensive prices.

Medical: A lot of people I know got traveler's insurance before they arrived. My school paid $500 towards an insurance policy, which covered me for a year, but I haven't had to use it, which I guess is good.

lemke2020 · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 36

Thanks a lot for the info. Tempted between Vietnam and Colombia. Tell me which one to go to, I put my future in your hands.

jestert79 · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 44

lemke2020 · Joined: 19 Mar 2008 Posts: 36

why are you ready to leave? Is it the kind of place you can tolerate only for a year? I get the feeling that it is chaotic and noisy but really fun. Is that pretty accurate? Do the goods outweigh the bads?

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

ajc19810 · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 214

Hey sigmoid,
Curious to know what you dont like about Vietnam?
Do you think Vietnam is not chaotic and noisy or do you think it is not fun?
Are you still in Vietnam?

jestert79 · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 44

For me, it's just all the little things that add up. The air quality, motorbikes flying in all directions, cyclo drivers and motorbike taxi guys (xe oms) hooting, grunting, and waving at you every 10 feet (sometimes grabbing your arm.) Trying to bargain, people trying to charge you 3-5 times what something should cost and not backing down. Getting stared at like you have 5 heads, especially if you go to a non-touristy restaurant (where you'll probably have 8 waiters looming behind you and staring over your shoulder at the menu while other people point and laugh at how you hold your chopsticks.)

Like I said, any one of these things isn't too bad, but after being here about 10 months I'm just a bit weary - I'm wondering if once I get home I'll miss the chaos...

ajc19810 · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 214

Yeah I can understand that. Put all those little things together and it can become a bit much. It took me a while to get used to people staring at me. The way I got around that is to think that they are jealous of the super hot girl hanging off my arm or the fact that I am loaded compared to most of them.
Air quality is terrible and even now after so many years everytime i see a park I run into the middle of it and take a deep breath. Still smells like crap though I must admit.
Yeah, I dont know what the deal is with people wanting to touch you here. It always struck me as weird. My foreign 'girlfriends' here however, say they dont get touched.
I went back home after my first 6 months for study purposes and I really did miss it all. I realized that i actually hate the traffic at home more than here. If i dont like sitting in traffic i simply drive on the footpath.
I also realized standing in a checkout line is so much more boring than haggling for a lower price.
Plus, on top of all of that the beer is so cheap. Smile