Job Discussion Forums

Down Home · Joined: 30 Jun 2005 Posts: 22

We're thinking of teaching children in Vietnam. What are they like? In Thailand they were screaming monsters; in Korea they are difficult to control.
Any opinions?

inky · Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 283 Location: Hanoi

In general, they are easy to teach because they are engaging and inquisitive. They are generally respectful toward teachers and the older you are, the more respect you'll be handed. Initially. It is easy to lose that respect. Come to class late, or obviously hung over, or smelling bad and looking grubby, or come unprepared, and they will quickly think less of you. They can readily sense it if you don't want to be there.

They will sniff out self-importance as well, so be yourself. Be firm, they don't need a pal, they want a teacher who is in control of him/herself and in control of the room. Pay attention to them as individuals. Treat them with respect and courtesy. Look them in the eye, learn their names asap. Why do some teachers have no problems at all, then another teacher takes the same group and things fall apart? Did the students suddenly change? I don't think so.

Another factor could be the school itself. Is the general atmosphere chaotic? Or is there a profesional atmosphere? Is placement testing done carefully so that children are studying at the proper level? All of these things have an impact.

skarper · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 477

There's nothing wrong with the kids. They're much less spoiled than Japanese kids and are friendly and outgoing.

Problems come either from untrained/unskilled/unprepared teachers or from schools that don't take the education side seriously.

I think it would be hard to find a school in Vietnam that doesn't at least sometimes compromise on quality to make money. But that is business.

Anyway - the kids are mostly alright. inky has it covered.

saigon cowboy · Joined: 24 Apr 2009 Posts: 84

They are good kids and listen to the teachers if you respect them in return. Some kids might have some family issues and not be so inclined to study as much as they should.

I had one 13 year old girl break down in class and start crying. I gave her a tissue and a smile and continued teaching the others as if nothing had happened.

By the end of the 90 minute class she was happy again and chatting with her friends.

Learning english is stressful and not easy. Quitting is not an option for them.
I like them and would not work here if i didn't.