Job Discussion Forums

[ESLprofessional]

Hi everyone,

I have accepted a full time (15 hour per week) contract with Apollo - Danang and am planning to move there in Jan, 2012. I want to get some feedback on the school. I have met the school managers (VNese and the western academic manager) and am quite happy with the interaction and am excited about the new job.

I am kinda worried about the hours though - I am hoping there would be more hours after Tet? I need to be teaching 23-25 hours per week ideally. The thing is that, I am quitting an ESL management position in Hanoi to go and teach in Danang,and am taking a large cut in my pay cheque. But after nearly 20 months living and working here, I had enough of Hanoi.

Is it easy to land a part time job (teaching in the mornings/early afternoons) in Danang? Any leads to find a decent house/apartment and/or part time job in Danang, would be very appreciated.

Just to give an quick summary of my qualifications - MA in English, TESOL, have 3.5 years work experience, post teacher training in China, India and,
Vietnam, trained IELTS trainer. Can teach IELTS and TOEFL classes apart from YL, Teens, GE classes.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
M

[just noel]

[1st Sgt Welsh]

Hi ESLprofessional,

I'm certainly no expert on that part of the country, but I would have thought, with your qualifications, that the University of Queensland would have been a better option if you want to live in Danang. I know one guy who used to work there and it doesn't sound like a bad gig. Anyway just thought I'd put it out there but, like I said, I'm certainly no expert. Good luck!

[ESLprofessional]

Thanks Noel and Welsh for your replies. Yes, I do have debts and they will be paid off in a year's time. Apollo did promise more hours after Tet, so hope I can work around 20 hours a week there. (15 hours is guaranteed per week, but not capped at 15)

I did leave my resume with the director in ELI when I was job hunting in Danang, a few weeks ago. They did say there were no positions as of now, but things may change post Tet.

I am on the list for cover teaching for Singapore International school (from Jan 2012 onwards) and the AUS- Danang also want to speak to me, regarding part time hours, when I get to Danang, in Jan. So I have made some 'contacts' - now whether these would materialize into realistic teaching hours, remains to be seen.

If anyone is leaving Danang in Jan 2012 and want someone to take over yr lease on the apartment/house - please contact me.

Thanks once again,

Matt

[Oh My God]

[Mister Al]

How about Apollo in Hanoi or just in general? Good organisation to work for? Any info appreciated. Thanks.

[snollygoster]

It has been a few years, but when I did a gig there they were quite OK. A bit heavy on the top end with orders from above type thing, but basically oirganized and reasonably honest.
I see stories things may have changed some, but I still think they are a quite solid starting point.

[Andy123]

There is a Uni in Da Nang that has a good representation for quality. Viet universities are not the best places to work. The city has a charming feel to it but it is small and has many 1 day tourists.

I have asked many Viets why the central part of Viet Nam has not experienced the growth that Ha Noi and Sai Gon has had and I always get blank looks.

There are rumors that the port in Da Nang may become an international mega port i.e. rent a port for international military ships. If that does occur the city will boom. Always remember 90% of rumors in Viet Nam are just that; rumors.

I had often entertained the thought of moving there but what scared me was the lack of expat info regarding work. On the positive side I never heard anything negative.

If you have the resources to wait it out and network you have a good chance in making something work. It seems like a very peaceful place and I wish you the best.