Job Discussion Forums

[eclectic]

IS this a reasonably probable outcome? And would the job pay enough to save $200/month? Living frugally of course.

[snollygoster]

Never heard of them. Is WHAT a likely outcome? Save $200 month? Depends on your life style expectations. More info and someone may be able to help you.

[eclectic]

If you go to Dave's ESL CAFE Homepage.........you'll see it 2nd down the list of ESL certification programs.

Yes living frugally, as I said in the OP. Getting a TESOL in Saigon. Lookibng for work right in Saigon. Are salaries just break-even, or is there a savings potential?

This is a financial question. What is the savings potential in Vietnam for an ESL teacher with a TESOL from ITTT?

[snollygoster]

AsI said- never heard of them. There are well established TESOL courses running in Vietnam, and there is CELTA too.
Be aware that the requirements to get a work permit can depend on the perceived "suitability" of the TESOL course you undertake- some are highly regarded and some are considered scams and therefore worthless.

It is becoming increasingly important to have a Uni degree as well as TESOL etc, and in fact its a requirement of getting a work permit.
Work is still available without a Uni degree, but at the lower end of the scale, and definately not full-time with any security attached.

Save money? Depends on your life style.
As an "entry level" teacher fresh off the course, you can not realistically expect to make more than about $14 an hour, and probably only get about 12-20 hrs a week.

With experience, a recognized TESOL/CELTA and a Uni degree, you can expect $25-$30 hr, and as many hours as you can handle. I am knocking back 36 a week, and can get more if I want it.
Cost of living is low, so savings are certainly possible.

Beware the ever changing "Work Permit" laws- usually your first 3 months will be on a tourist visa. There are other threads on this forum that go into the Work Permit mess in greater detail.

Good luck.

[eclectic]

thx snolly that was an excellent reply and just what Ive been lookng 4. I guess ITTT, just because its paying for an ad on this website, may or may not be top-notch. I shouldnt have assumed.

I got a BA English, an unrelated Masters and 2 yrs teaching in Korea. (finishing my 2nd year here in Sept. 2010)

Was comsidering dfoing a TESOL or CELTA (still dont know which, and for what reason, I should do, please advise) after that.

p.s. will vietnam require a crim back check like Korea did?

[snollygoster]

Crim check DEFINATELY!
Not sure if you need a TESOL/CELTA as you have BA English, and experience- HOWEVER, TESOL is highly regarded here especially if you want to teach both kids and adults. If only adults then CELTA is fine, and to be honest, probably the better choice as it is accepted well outside Asia as well as inside Asia.
Take care with your selection of which company provides TESOL- Predominantly on-line ones, although accepted, are looked on suspiciously, and will see your application being considered only by the lower end schools.
Your major challenge in Vietnam will be the Work Permit issue, which, whilst having well laid out guide lines from government depts, tends to be interpreted differently from area to area, from public servant to public servant, and depending on the time of day, the weather, and a whole host of unrelated factors.
There is also a "hazy" interpretation of the Tax law which has some schools deducting up to 25% of your salary. Its refundable after you have been her a while- I forget the time frame but I think its 3 months, but it has been reported as "cumbersome" to get it back.
No one seems to be able to give a definitive answer to this matter, and some schools will deduct it-some wont.
After Korea you will find Viet students a pleasure to teach. Although there are some who learn English because their parents force them, most see it as a gateway to better opportunity in the longer run, so tend to be a bit more committed.
Also the way teachers are treated here is more respectful in general.
Good luck!
If you pm me, I can tell you about a few TESOL suppliers I know whose courses DO get the thumbs up in Vietnam. Cant say here as its a blatant recommendation.

[tennisqt84]

I think it's very easy to save $200 per month. I'm saving $1800 per month. I just arrived in April and started teaching straight away. Granted, my rent is only $280 per month, I don't eat at expensive restaurants, I don't go out drinking every night, and I work 40 hours per week.

[jonbar-on]

I also signed up for ITTT online courses. While the course is good and reminds me of education courses I took in college, I find the best schools are not interested in just an online certificate. ITTT has a facility in Saigon, but I don't know if it is worth it, or are there more recognized ones there?