Job Discussion Forums

dawnbuckley · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 68

Hi,

I was was wondering about saving on the salary I have been offered: Just over $1300, which seems a little low. I have a degree, masters, CELTA. Is this average? I don`t expect to save alot, but something decent to take home would be good!

Thanks,

Dawn

ajc19810 · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 214

Dawn,

Don't expect to save too much on that salary. Lets just say your an average person who likes to go out from time to time, stays in a hotel/guesthouse and likes to hit the shops every now and then. In this case you might be able to save. $100 - $200 per month.

That is a relatively low salary, but saying that you may only be working a few hours a week. With your qualifications I am sure you could get more. For a standard teacher who is working 5-6 days a week you should be earning at least $1600 - $2000 per month.

Good luck

dawnbuckley · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 68

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. The salary is $1360 plus $900 completion bonus and $500 towards flight (at the end)

Do people ever negotiate salaries there? I was thinking of saying I`ll take it if they raise it to $1500 but they might just tell me to get lost!

I am sure there are schools that may pay more, especially if I was already there but I`m not and this one is one of the big well known ones which I thought might be good for my first job over there.

Dawn

ajc19810 · Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 214

Ok. It sounds very much like a VUS, VATC or ILA contract. Not bad places to begin your career in Vietnam as they will offer some stability and security even before you arrive.

Yes, you can negotiate salaries. I have negotiated every single contract of mine and each one has been increased due to negotiations. So at least give it a try, they won't tell you to get lost. In fact I would be surprised if they did't agree to some kind of change in your contract.

Just a quick note. Working for a well known school does not always give you the credibility that you think it would. Most employers dont really care where you have worked, just as long as you have worked somewhere.

I also always write into my contracts a 'get out' clause. Which means you can leave if things aren't going as great as you want, but you must give one months notice.