Job Discussion Forums

[chatfouz]

I am new to this whole ESL game. I want to go work in Vietnam.
Personal Details
Age-23
Race-white
Edu-BA biology, CELTA,
Exp - Studied in China, Japan, France - Taught English informally in china/japan

goals - Move away from home, get my own apt, have a pet rabbit, save at least $400 a month, and move away from home.


I think from reading past post that was all the detail y'all ask for to better answer questions.


I have read several post that give the impression that trying to line up a job abroad is not a reliable way to find work. The school will often try to pay you less than what was discussed online, reimbursements never happen etc.

Question 1 - Is it really worth trying to line up a job abroad or just show up and go school to school looking for work?

I have been looking at work online, through this site and others, and most of the jobs I found pay $1200-$1500 a month for 20-30 hours a week. But after reading a lot of post from y'all about what y'all are able to save ($500-$1000) I think I am really missing the high paying job postings.

Question 2 - Are the higher paying jobs listed elsewhere or do these higher wages come from negotiation?

Many job postings offer 15-25 hours per week. At least most of the jobs I have seen, I could be mistaken.

Question 3 - Are people working 2-3 part time jobs or just one job at one school.

Finally the big thing that seems to have these forums hopping is something about new visa rules. I have been trying to read about it, but I think I am missing something. It looks like this is mainly a problem for people trying to renew their visas and not for people starting out.

Question 4 - For someone just starting out, is the new visa rules a big problem or is this a headache waiting to happen to anyone who comes to Vietnam?

Thanks y'all for any advice. I am going to go back to the forums and continue reading.

[Belgrove]

If you've got half a personality and are practical and flexible you'll have a ball. Don't get caught up in the negatives.

Good luck.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

Found at the top of this forum:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=83795

Three such postings have just been deleted.

If you wish to discuss living and teaching in Korea, please do so on the Korean Job Discussion Forums.

[Sweetbanana]

I am sure it depends where in the country you are. I am in Da Nang and my husband and I found our own jobs working part time at 5 different schools. Rarely is there a school here who pays salary or who will give full time hours. Classes are abundant but unpredictable, as are most things here. There are definitely enough schools here to work 15-20 hours a week but average pay is around $12/hr, in this city, at least. If you have a lot of experience some will pay $15-16.
As far as saving that much, I doubt it, unless you work a LOT and eat only VN food and find very cheap rent..
A visa is going to be a headache no matter what. We have been here over 2 months and none of our schools are working on it yet...we will have to get extensions in Dec and hope one of our employers gets in gear to help us with it..
We love Da Nang..beautiful beaches, some good food, good size foreign community, and very laid back lifestyle. Just don't bring your rabbit or you may very well find it hanging in the local market.