Job Discussion Forums

[Charlie1487]

Hi,

I'm a newbie to the TEFL world, a 29 year old white English male with a Trinity TESOL qualification. I am looking to land my first job abroad asap and I've been torn between Vietnam and Russia (my pick of the Eastern European countries). Has anyone taught in both places or could you please give me some advice.

I am looking for:

- A different culture, with lots to see and do
- Good standard of living
- Good nightlife and a buzzing social scene
- Decent standard of people

Any advice you have would be much appreciated. If you have been to Moscow, St Petersburg or Ho Chi Minh City please feel free to give me an honest assessment of the place.

Thanks for your time.

[TTScott]

I have been to HCMC and liked what I saw. I think it still has a traditional SE Asia feel to it. i love Thailand but Vietnam has a better vibe in my opinion. The nightlife is pretty good in HCMC but ofcourse nothing compared to Bangkok. The people are friendly but ofcourse some will try to take advantage of you (e.g. cyclo drivers) Traffic is mad with motobikes as far as the eye can see. HCMC is more modern than Phenom Pen yet not aa advanced as Bangkok. Prices seemed reasonable enough but as I undertsand from this board inflation is starting to raise it's ugly head now.

I have never been to Russia but you may want to take a look at the Russian forum. By reading the posts there it does not sound like Russia is the place to be right now as far as teaching is concerned. It's a pity would like to teach there myself someday.

Good luck to you!

[Charlie1487]

Thanks TTScott, sounds like Vietnam is a good place. Is anybody currently in HCMC or Moscow/St Petersburg and can offer a description of the recent teaching climate and lifestyle?