Job Discussion Forums

[Sue65]

Hi,
I recently gained my CELTA at Language Link in London, and am now living in HCMC with my husband. I was hoping to get part-time teaching work at one of the big, reputable places (e.g. ILA, Apollo) but, due to the fact that I don't have a degree (I dropped out 25 years ago!) they won't touch me. Everyone says I just need to keep knocking on doors and eventually I'll get something but, as I have no teaching experience at all, I'm really quite nervous about turning up at a school and saying "hi, I'm an ESL teacher".

I'm not looking to earn big bucks, I really just want a few hours per week at a well-organised school/college so that I can gradually build up confidence and experience. I've emailed quite a few places, but have either had no reply, or the standard "we can't employ you without a degree".

Does anyone have any suggestions of places I could approach - or any other advice at all? I would really appreciate it

cheers

[I'm With Stupid]

The degree is for your work permit. You can get away with working without a work permit (legally, I think), but you'll be limited in the schools you can apply to (possibly in quality as well as quantity). Sorry, I don't know any specific schools you can work at.

[Oh My God]

[Sue65]

Thanks for the advice. Yes, my husband's company are sorting out his residence card, so I don't necessarily need a WP. I guess I just need to be brave and start literally knocking on doors. I'm also looking at online teaching as a possibility, to gain some experience.
Thanks again, and happy christmas

[grace717135]

expectations are way to high but give yourself credit your there and
trying it. Get to know the culture , research your target group and learn
to walk the walk. Start with privates and build up. Good luck.

[hot_rock]

Tet is at the start of feb- a month either side of that is a bad time to look for work.

But on a more positive note I don't think your desire to work at one of the 'reputables' e.g. ILA, VUS, Apollo is all that over-ambitious. I started at $17 after tax at VUS with a degree- they'd maybe sign you for $15 without one.

[snollygoster]

I'm also looking at online teaching as a possibility, to gain some experience.

PM me Sue and I'll give you some very good places to try On Line- I have a lot of experience in this and am giving it up- Not because I donnt like it, but my needs are changing.

$15-$17 at VUS? Very glad if thats their rate that I dont work there.
I believe you can keep your expectations higher than that.

[Sue65]

Thanks for the advice everyone.
@snollygoster - can't pm you yet as I haven't posted enough comments! (minimum 5) I'm nearly there - will be in touch as soon as possible

[hot_rock]

17 after tax, so about 19 before. I'd like more but know a lot of people working for less. ILA start at about 15-16 after tax for graduates by all accounts. You are probably on a lot more but you've been here and in the game a lot longer (I presume from your general bitterness).

You often profess to be able to open doors for people; you're clearly not a run-of-the (language) mill teacher.


If you think she'll get more than 19 before tax as a starting wage without a degree, keep dreaming. I wonder if you actually believe your own comment.

Whilst any disdain for the mills is hard to fully reject, I must point out that ACET start at (just) $21 before tax; they are a fantastic school, as you know...BUT preparation time here and in similar schools is -in my experience and that of everyone I've spoken to- far, far higher.

Working at VUS is so easy it's frightening at times, whereas for the extra 40,000 VND an hour at ACET you have to work harder, better and crucially MUCH longer .

ILA are -supposedly, I've never worked there- a lot more of a ball-breaker than VUS, yet as I say, pay less, so do me a favour and direct at least a portion of criticism at them and/or stop with your snidy little remarks all the time.

[snollygoster]

I doubt this forum is meant to be for you Hot Rock or anyone else to vent your misguided disappointment at your personal situation in a personal attack on anyone else who chooses to answer contributors questions.

If you consider my information to be "snidy remarks" then I am sure you are not addressing reality, and I suggest you, as another poster said to you, "get a grip".

Please feel free to "smirk" as you claimed on another post, but from comments I receive, what you find worthy of "smirking" about is appreciated by those who want to know answers to their questions.

As to your comments about how I earn more than some figures mentioned on this forum, I can only say what I earn IS certainly better than the $15 an hour you mention. If you don't like that, or don't like my mentioning it, maybe you could do something about improving yourself to the point where you also are capable of earning better.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

A long standing policy on this board is that members address the message rather than the messenger. If this does not start happening immediately on this thread, there will be permanent bans including ISPs.

Members are requested to advise the Mod Team by PM or Report Post of any and all postings not in compliance with the warning above.

[Sue65]

At this stage, experience is more important to me than money, but thanks for the information.

[hot_rock]

You said she can expect to earn more than $15 an hour after tax WITHOUT A DEGREE. Out of the question in my opinion. perhaps possible but by no means a suitable ball-park or target wage.

I am not "disppointed with my situation" with $17 after tax, though obviously it's not setting the heather alight.

How much do you earn and at what standard of school? thanks

[snollygoster]

Are you addressing me?

You said she can expect to earn more than $15 an hour after tax WITHOUT A DEGREE. Where did I say that?

Out of the question in my opinion Yes-in YOUR OPINION.

How much do you earn and at what standard of school? Thats personal-sorry-but lets just say I am an ordinary teacher (not as you suggested earlier) in a "normal" language mill.

See Moderators comments earlier- SMACK!

[hot_rock]