Job Discussion Forums

James_T_Kirk · Joined: 20 Sep 2003 Posts: 357 Location: Ten Forward

Hi everyone,

I am seriously considering going to HCMC this summer to look for a teaching job. This board has been a great resource. Most of my basic questions have already been answered by reading other posts, but one thing that hasn't come up yet is the number of vacation days teachers have per year. How many days would you estimate, on average, a teacher in Vietnam gets off for vacation each year? Maybe no one truly gets any "vacation days", just Vietnamese holidays off perhaps? If this is the case, how many holiday days are there each year? Any insight is appreciated!

Thanks,
Kirk

tiggerpoo · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Posts: 18 Location: Vietnam

Most schools do not give any paid holidays, even VN's national holidays. You will get the days off work but it will not be paid holiday. There are a few exceptions: international schools give about 8 weeks plus VN's national holidays plus the school's country's national holidays, RMIT international university gives 20 days plus VN's national holidays plus Christmas and New Years, if you are on a long term contract with the school you work for and holidays will vary.

James_T_Kirk · Joined: 20 Sep 2003 Posts: 357 Location: Ten Forward

Thanks for the quick response tiggerpoo. Now let me ask this: how many unpaid days does a teacher get off per year on average? This is assuming that a teacher works a five day work week with two days off (maybe this is a bad assumption?), so let's exclude those days.

I guess what I am really wanting to know is if I teach in Vietnam, will there be any instances when I will have a week or two off to visit someplace like Cambodia or Laos? Tet comes to mind as one of those times, but I honestly have no idea how long Tet lasts...how about other VN national holidays?

Thanks,
Kirk

tiggerpoo · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Posts: 18 Location: Vietnam

Depending on the school, your hours and days will vary. I wouldn't expect anything less than a 5 day working week with two consecutive days off (that doesn't mean only Monday - Friday), but that's just me. Without a degree or some sort of certificate your options and choices are greatly reduced.

Most schools usually give two weeks or more for Tet. There is another 2 day holiday on April 30 (liberation) and May 1 (labor) and another in Sept. (liberation). You'll have no problem getting time off to travel as most schools allow you to take time off; many schools do not sign long term contracts but would like you to work full time. Without a contract you're free to take as much holiday as you want (as long as your wallet can sustain it).

Many teachers often take time off and still have plenty of work. NOTE: there is a good flight with Vietnam Airlines that allow you to go to Lao and Cambodia from HCMC in the same tour for under 200 USD but there are a few restrictions. It beats the single return fare to Lao of 289 USD. Ask around when you arrive for more details or visit an offical Vietnam Airlines travel agency.

James_T_Kirk · Joined: 20 Sep 2003 Posts: 357 Location: Ten Forward

Thanks for the great information tiggerpoo. In just a couple of weeks, you have become the Vietnam guru on this board! I would love to meet up with you when I get there this summer, as I owe you a beer or five for all of this useful information!

Cheers,
Kirk

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

Just a quick $.02. A lot of us work multiple jobs and it has been great because vacation time can be lined up with minimal effort. I'm in Nha Trang for a couple of days as a result.

Just my opinion that once you get the 'lay of the land' so to speak you can work some pretty sweet situations.