Job Discussion Forums

[Beenzes]

This is my first post here. I want to thank all the contributors, and, of course, the creator, of this site. There is an absolute wealth of information here! Honestly, I feel confident about the big things. I just have questions about the little things.

At any rate, here's the plan:
I am an American, 32, female, Caucasian (and I look it with reddish hair and blue eyes), so it sounds like these stats will work in my favor.
I have a B.A. in English Literature with 3.9 GPA on 4.0 scale and experience working in charter school and corporate business sectors.
I'm arriving in HCMC Sept 30 to take the Apollo CELTA running Oct 3-28.
After the CELTA, I'll look for a job. I have a decent amount saved up to live modestly for quite a few months. I know that with Tet approaching, jobs will be scarce in Jan-Feb, but I'm hoping to have at least a part-time job set up by the end of Nov.
In the meantime, I've been gathering documents before I leave (chasing the endless streams of authentication).
In addition, I know a couple people from Vietnam, so they have offered to ask their friends and family to give me a hand if needed.

The little questions:
Are there good places for women to have their hair cut in HCMC?
Do schools care if women wear their hair short i.e. about chin length?
Do most schools allow sandals with a strap around the heel? (I really don't like the thought of closed-toe shoes in that weather, but I can deal with it. I just want to know what to pack.)
Will I be able to find peanut butter?
Can I buy decent running shoes when I get there, or should I bring mine?

The medium-sized question:
Before I arrive, is it advisable to pre-book three nights at a place (such as a guesthouse), then set out once I arrive to secure housing for a reasonable monthly rate? Basically, what is the cheapest way to go about securing housing? I see things posted on CL and Easysaigon.com, but I'm doubtful these are the best deals.

The big question:
Does everyone feel it's true that the bigger places, like VUS, ILA, Apollo, Cleverlearn, typically hire year-round? I suppose I am asking for assistance in developing a door-to-door application plan. Any advice in this arena is appreciated. Feel free to include any suggestions for approaching the employment question.

I think that's it! If I left out any pertinent information, please let me know. I appreciate your responses and I promise I will reply to at least say thank you.

[snollygoster]

The little questions:
Are there good places for women to have their hair cut in HCMC? THOUSANDS
Do schools care if women wear their hair short i.e. about chin length? NO
Do most schools allow sandals with a strap around the heel? (I really don't like the thought of closed-toe shoes in that weather, but I can deal with it. I just want to know what to pack.) YES
Will I be able to find peanut butter? YES
Can I buy decent running shoes when I get there, or should I bring mine?
DEPENDS ON SIZE- MaNY INTERNATIONAL BRANDS ARE MADE IN VIETNAM
The medium-sized question:
Before I arrive, is it advisable to pre-book three nights at a place (such as a guesthouse), then set out once I arrive to secure housing for a reasonable monthly rate? Basically, what is the cheapest way to go about securing housing? I see things posted on CL and Easysaigon.com, but I'm doubtful these are the best deals. FORGET CL- THOSE PRICES ARE UNREALISTIC. PERSONALLY, I WOULD GET A MY LINH TAXI EX AIRPORT, AND ASK DRIVER TO TAKE YOU TO A KACH SAN IN PHAM NGU LAO AREA- THATS A BACKPACK HOTEL- VERY COMFORTABLE WITH ALL FACILITIES AND GOOD PRICE AND THE AREA HAS PLENTY OF FOREIGNERS AND FACILITIES THAT APPEAL-GOOD LANDING SITE.

The big question:
Does everyone feel it's true that the bigger places, like VUS, ILA, Apollo, Cleverlearn, typically hire year-round? I suppose I am asking for assistance in developing a door-to-door application plan. Any advice in this arena is appreciated. Feel free to include any suggestions for approaching the employment question. YES- THOSE ARE THE ONES THAT HIRE ALL YEAR ROUND- INCLUDE VATC-
DOOR TO DOOR PLAN? VISIT ALL AND LEAVE BEHIND A CV- NO FACE-NO INTERVIEW IS THE USUAL.
GOOD LUCK

[deadlift]

Are there good places for women to have their hair cut in HCMC?
Yes, but the trouble my western friend had recently was finding one where staff spoke enough English and knew how to handle Western hair, but wasn't ridiculously expensive.

Do schools care if women wear their hair short i.e. about chin length?
No, it's quite a fashionable look fashionable here.

Do most schools allow sandals with a strap around the heel? (I really don't like the thought of closed-toe shoes in that weather, but I can deal with it. I just want to know what to pack.)
At the schools I've worked at, yes, so long as they're somewhat more professional than your average pair of backpacker sandals.

Will I be able to find peanut butter?
Yes, there's a lot of foreign grocery shops here.

Can I buy decent running shoes when I get there, or should I bring mine?
Size could be an issue, but yes you can find all the name brands. They won't be a lot cheaper than at home, unless you get knock-offs.


Before I arrive, is it advisable to pre-book three nights at a place (such as a guesthouse), then set out once I arrive to secure housing for a reasonable monthly rate? Basically, what is the cheapest way to go about securing housing? I see things posted on CL and Easysaigon.com, but I'm doubtful these are the best deals.
You're right that the websites are not a good place to start looking, at least without being able to visit the places. Just come here as a tourist and spend the first few days finding a good hotel that you wouldn't mind staying in for a month or six weeks. After the CELTA, you'll have more of an idea of where you may want to live, and you will have met people who can help you.


Does everyone feel it's true that the bigger places, like VUS, ILA, Apollo, Cleverlearn, typically hire year-round? I suppose I am asking for assistance in developing a door-to-door application plan. Any advice in this arena is appreciated. Feel free to include any suggestions for approaching the employment question.
There are definitely low demand periods, but in my experience it is possible to get a job at any time. Being here in Saigon and able and willing to take opportunities that arise is a big advantage. Timing is key here, in my opinion.

All the best.

[Beenzes]

Thank you snollygoster and deadlift. I will look into the suggestion about accomodations.
I'll probably pack the running shoes, or wear them on the plane. I'm size Women's US 6.5-7, equivalent of EU 37. I'm not sure how hard this size is to find, but I'd hate to risk not being able to exercise.
Thanks again!

[toiyeuthitmeo]

echo that, the bob cut is all the rage these days. echo all the previous posters as well. in fact, a common complaint at some schools is that the male teachers are trapped in ties and leather shoes whilst the female teachers enjoy the garb that takes better advantage of the air con. one thing to add though, is pack light! Between the shopping and the bequeathing of belongings of friends who move along while you establish yourself here, your best bet might be to buy an extra suitcase while you're here! wish you the best and you've found the right place.

[coloradofirefly]

Beenzes,
I took the CELTA at Apollo in July/August of this year. It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed the experience and learned a lot. My trainers were Andy and Paula, and they were very knowledgeable and helpful. If you want to stay in HCMC and potentially work at Apollo, make sure the trainers know. Trainers don't hire, but they have some influence with HR. Let me know if you have any more questions about Apollo, and good luck!