Oral language develops most effectively through one-to-one conversations with a better language user who can model more sophisticated structures and vocabulary. Creative ways to increase the contact that students have with better language users in pairs or very small groups should be a priority. Oral examination - End of year . Foreign English language teachers for schools in Vietnam HCMC launches week of lifelong learning Activities to mark 20th anniversary of Student Culture House establishment Workshop on compiling, publishing textbooks held by Education Ministry Teacher Nguyen Ngoc Ky writing with feet passes away HCMC As their livelihoods snatched by the Covid-19 pandemic, many foreign teachers are running online classes at cheap rates to survive, while others have left Vietnam. When Daniel Payne left South Africa to take up a teaching job at a school in Ho Chi Minh City in 2019, he envisioned an exciting life with a lot of new friends, fun and adventure. Accordingly, the high school teachers need to gain the level of C2 [in order to teach at a B2 level]," noted Thuong Nguyen in her paper Vietnam's National Foreign Language 2020 Project after 9 years: A Difficult Stage. Nevertheless, the survey shows that upper secondary school teachers with the level of C2 only constitute a low percentage Understanding how best to prepare critical language teachers from abroad is imperative. This study examined the perceptions of 16 pre- and in-service teachers (6 Arabic and 10 Chinese) who attended four interactive professional development workshops and a weeklong online learning community that focused on learner-centered approaches to language nQ5kgF. Teaching English in Vietnam Vietnam offers an exciting and unique opportunity for ESL teachers to work in one of the most interesting and beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. With a growing economy, English language teaching in Vietnam has become extremely important over the past several years. Teaching English in Vietnam gives teachers the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Vietnam’s vast coastal beaches, inland mountains, and complex river systems. All while experiencing a charming traditional culture that continues to evolve as the country opens itself up to the outside world. What you need to know about teaching English in Vietnam Teach Away offers some of the most attractive teaching positions in Vietnam in conjunction with international and governmental organizations. Positions are generally located in major cities where teachers work in a friendly and supportive environment. English teaching jobs in Vietnam involve a full range of instructional activities including English instruction, student counseling, staff development, and curriculum development. The age of students ranges from children 7-15 years of age to adults 16-50 years of age. Benefits of ESL Jobs in Vietnam Teaching English in Vietnam can offer some of the most attractive employment packages in the region How to Teach English in Vietnam The following are requirements for teaching English in Vietnam. Some requirements are due to visa guidelines and restrictions Fluent English speaker Bachelor’s degree English major preferred TEFL/TESL qualification at least 100+ hours completed in class Teaching experience preferred The Role of the Teacher in Vietnam The teacher acts as a facilitator of students’ learning. As such, they have many roles to fulfill. Teachers are highly respected in Vietnam. The ESL teacher is responsible for managing classroom activities in an effort to promote communication in English. The teacher will also work as an advisor, providing feedback on student questions and monitoring their performance. OISE TEFL Certification for Private School Teachers Many private schools in Vietnam require applicants to possess an OISE TEFL certificate. The University of Toronto’s OISE TEFL Online Certificate can help you become a leading candidate for some of the top Vietnamese private school positions. Ready to Teach in Vietnam? Register for a teacher account to apply for teaching jobs in Vietnam. Vietnam at a glance Country information Capital Hanoi Language Vietnamese Population 89,693,000 2013 Currency Vietnamese dong ₫ Government Single-party Communist-Socialist Republic Major religion Folk religions/beliefs Climate Tropical and Temperate Size 331,210 km² Quick facts Vietnam is well-known for its ancient, traditional buddhist pagodas. It shares a border with Cambodia, Laos and China. It is the world's largest exporter of cashew nuts and black pepper. The capital city of Vietnam is Hanoi, however the largest city in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City. Cuisine traditionally combines five taste elements spicy, sour, bitter, salty and sweet. Soccer, table tennis, volleyball, badminton, tennis and martial arts are the country's most popular sports. Some of the most important cultural symbols are the dragon and the bird. Southeast Asia is, without a doubt, one of the most popular regions for teaching English as a foreign language. Vietnam, in particular, offers great opportunities for TEFL qualified professionals in all of its major cities, as well as in many smaller towns across the nation. Vietnam is also a great destination for non-native English teachers and those without a degree. If you would like to teach English in this beautiful country, take a look at our pick of the top 5 places to teach English in to this blog postAlso read How much can I earn teaching English in Vietnam?1. Ho Chi Minh CityWith a population of nearly million, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and typically has the highest demand for foreign teachers in the country. There are hundreds of English language schools eager to hire TEFL qualified English teachers right now. Ho Chi Minh City played a pivotal role in the Vietnam War and is also known for its French colonial landmarks, including the beautiful Notre-Dame Cathedral. The bustling Bến Thành Market is another popular attraction as it is lined with food stall streets allowing you to sample your way through Vietnamese our 4-week in-class course in Ho Chi Minh City with ITTT and start your teaching career in HanoiHanoi is the capital of Vietnam and has a population of more than million people. The city is world-famous for its centuries-old architecture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. The iconic Old Quarter boasts lovely narrow streets and many little temples, including the famous Fach Ma, honoring a legendary horse. If you get hungry, be sure to stop by Đồng Xuân Market, which sells household goods and delicious Vietnamese street food. If you are looking for an English teaching job in Vietnam, you can definitely find a position in read 5 Important Things to Prepare You for Teaching English in Hanoi 3. Da NangThe beautiful coastal city of Da Nang is located in central Vietnam. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country because of its sandy beaches and history as a French colonial port. Da Nang is also a great base if you want to visit the inland Bà Nà hills located west of the city. Another popular attraction in Da Nang are the Marble Mountains, five limestone outcrops with beautiful pagodas and hidden caves with Buddhist HueIf you are looking for a historic city to live in, Huế is a great choice. The city in central Vietnam served as the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors and was the national capital from 1802 to 1945. Its most impressive attraction is the vast, 19th-century Đại Nội Citadel, surrounded by a moat and thick stone walls. The Imperial City in Hue also houses various palaces, shrines and the famous Forbidden Purple City that was one the emperor’s read Top 10 Cities in Asia with the Highest Demand for English Language Teachers5. HaiphongActive and outdoorsy people might find their happiness in Haiphong, a major port city across from popular Cat Ba Island in northeastern Vietnam. It’s also not far from the world-famous Halong Bay scenic area which is one of the country's most popular attractions. The city itself is also beautiful and lined with French colonial-era landmarks, including the neoclassical Opera House and the Queen of the Rosary Cathedral from the 19th century. You should also check out Du Hang Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple. History buffs will also learn about the city’s history at Hai Phong you want the best possible start to your teaching career in Vietnam, why not complete your TEFL certification course at our training center in Ho Chi Minh City?You can also find out more about living and working in the country via our Vietnam country you ready to teach English in Vietnam?Apply now & get certified to teach english abroad!Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English us an email or call us toll-free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor ArticlesWhat’s Stopping You from Teaching English Abroad?TEFL Breakdown - What Subjects Will Your TEFL Course Cover?8 Traveling Power Couples Teaching English Abroad You Should Follow Right Now10 Tips When Teaching English as a Foreign Language to ChildrenThe Lowdown on Teaching English Abroad With a FamilyTop 10 Qualities Every Great Teacher Should HaveCheck out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Vinschool, Vietnam’s largest private school system with over 40 schools and 33,000 students, aspires to offer a world-class education, whilst inspiring positive, transformational changes within the education community in Vietnam. With several fully-accredited and CIS member schools within our system, we aim to provide the very best that international education has to offer. As a non-profit enterprise, Vinschool’s mission is to provide opportunities to Vietnamese students who would otherwise not have access to international standards. Vinschool is equipped with modern facilities and strives to remain at the forefront of educational models in Vietnam. Job Description Vinschool is seeking dynamic, dedicated and licensed English Foreign Language Teachers to join our international teaching team. Successful applicants will teach English as a Foreign Language classes at Primary or Secondary through Grade 12 levels in a non-profit bilingual school system. Successful applicants will be suitably trained and qualified, as well as being fully committed to supporting the development of students through curricular and extra-curricular activities. Essential Responsibilities included, but not limited to Teaching English as a Foreign Language to students according to the requirements of the school curriculum. Preparing curriculum and lesson plans, and teaching materials for class instruction and activities. Adapting teaching methods, learning strategies and instructional materials to meet the varying needs and interests of students. Conducting assessments of student attainment, monitoring student academic progress and providing pertinent feedback. Establishing classroom expectations, observing and evaluating student performance, behavior, social development and health. Conferring with teachers, parents or guardians to discuss student progress and to address behavioral or academic issues. Preparing and implementing remedial programs for students requiring extra help. Attending faculty meetings, professional development training and school events. Planning and working on extracurricular activities such as clubs, academic contests, etc. Performing miscellaneous professional duties as assigned by the Principal/Director. Qualifications Bachelor/Master in Education + TEFL/TESOL/CELTA or PGCE /Teaching licence or equivalent + TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Requirements Fluent English speaker minimum C1 fluency Strong presentation, communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills. Competency in class management, time management, interpersonal relations and team work. Adaptable, patient, flexible, devoted and positive outlook. Online LMS/teaching experience or willingness to adapt. Safeguarding and Student Welfare Vinschool is committed to high safeguarding standards and promoting the welfare of all the students in our care and those who work in the school. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, identity check, qualification verification checks and criminal record check. When applying please provide three professional referees, including your most recent line manager, with their position and email contact details. Other benefits - International medical insurance - Paid National and School holidays - Summer payments - Discount for children's tuition fee bilingual education - Visa and Work permit provided - Dependent Visa and residence card support Vietnam is often considered one of the best places to teach English abroad, and it's not just because of its warm tropical climate and fantastic food! English is in high demand throughout this Southeast Asian country, which means there are plenty of different job opportunities available year-round. Not to mention, ESL teachers in Vietnam typically enjoy a comfortable quality of life thanks to the relatively high teaching salaries and low cost of living. So, if you've ever wondered how to make moves to Asia, this guide shares all you need to know to start teaching English in Vietnam. SNAPSHOT OF TEACHING ENGLISH IN VIETNAM Avg. Salary $1,200-$2,000/month Teaching Hours 20-30 hours Duration of contract 6-12 months Peak hiring season Year-round for language centers, Spring for public schools School term September to May Visa requirements Work permit, business visa or temporary residence card Teaching English in Vietnam comes with a long list of benefits. ESL teachers not only enjoy an outstanding work-life balance, but also plenty of choice in where to teach in Vietnam as well as the type of position. Vietnam is also a popular destination with a large and diverse expat community, making it very easy to meet fellow teachers. Couple that with the gorgeous landscape made up of beaches and mountains, and you have a picture-perfect place to gain valuable professional experience. Read More Is Teaching Abroad Alone Safe for Women? TYPICAL REQUIREMENTS TO TEACH ENGLISH IN VIETNAM To be competitive as an applicant, aspiring ESL teachers will need to meet these strict job requirements Be a native-English speaker Have a bachelor’s degree in any field Have a reputable TEFL certificate Hold proof of a clean criminal background To be the most competitive applicant in Vietnam, you'll need to have at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate from a reputable provider. International schools require teachers to have a teaching license and/or a Master's degree in education. Types of Teaching Jobs in Vietnam PUBLIC SCHOOLS Many first-time English teachers in Vietnam opt to start teaching in public schools. Public school teachers work during regular school hours and typically are responsible for teaching just a few classes per day. Class sizes are usually larger, and technological resources can be lacking. However, lesson planning can be a little more fun as English teachers are responsible for teaching subjects like math and science in addition to English. An average public school teacher's salary is 28 million-42 million VND $1,200-$1,800 per month. To get a job teaching at a public school, you must apply with a private organization. EMG Vietnam and Compass Education are two reputable agencies that connect teachers with open positions in public schools. LANGUAGE CENTERS Teaching at a private language center is another fantastic opportunity. These centers operate after school, providing English tutoring services to students of various ages. Teachers are expected to work nights and weekends. But there are many centers around the country, which means high job availability. Language center salaries tend to be slightly higher than public schools, and teachers on average receive 28 million-47 million VND $1,200-$2,000 per month. However, some language centers take advantage of teachers. Therefore, it's crucial to read reviews from previous teachers before accepting a new position. Some of the most popular language centers in Vietnam include ILA, VUS, Apax, and Apollo. INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS Those who have a degree in education and a teaching license are eligible to apply to teach at international schools in Vietnam. These positions pay the best and typically provide fantastic benefits like rent stipends and flight reimbursement. On average, you can earn between 47 million-70 million VND $2,000-$3,000 per month at an international school in Vietnam. These positions come with more responsibility as you're the lead teacher of a class and responsible for the bulk of lesson planning and classroom management. Where to Find Teaching Jobs in Vietnam You have options when it comes to finding Vietnam teaching jobs. VIETNAM FACEBOOK GROUPS Facebook is another place to find job openings in Vietnam, primarily for language centers. Some of the best groups to find ESL teaching jobs in Vietnam include; ESL Teaching in Vietnam, English Teaching Jobs in Vietnam The Original, and Hanoi Massive. There are also Facebook groups dedicated to specific cities that offer a wealth of information. For example, if you have a question about how reputable a prospective school is, where to find an English-friendly doctor or virtually anything else, it's probably been answered there. Two popular Facebook groups include the Expats & Locals In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi Expats. DIRECTLY ON A HIRING SCHOOL’S WEBSITE Going directly to Vietnam’s most popular schools is another fantastic way to find current job openings. School chains like Language Link and Apollo English are two popular places to teach English in Vietnam. However, there are many job opportunities across the nation, and this comprehensive list shares even more English language schools in Vietnam. And sometimes, finding great ESL teaching jobs in Vietnam is as simple as a Google search Frequently Asked Questions You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers. WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO TEACH ENGLISH IN VIETNAM? Click to Open Unfortunately, popular tourist destinations like Ha Long Bay have little to offer aspiring ESL teachers. Most job opportunities can be found in Vietnam's largest city centers. Here are some of the best cities to teach English in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is a sprawling metropolis known for its massive expat community and as one of the best places to find a job teaching English in Vietnam. Compared to Hanoi, it's a much busier and more dynamic city. Hanoi is Vietnam's other best place to find an ESL job, and the city is noted for its various green spaces and lakes. It's considered Ho Chi Minh's sleepy sister because of its lack of nightlife, thanks to a 1030 pm curfew. Da Nang is the largest city in central Vietnam that offers a more relaxed and less-crowded atmosphere on the coast. However, it's still an excellent place to find a teaching job and is a favorite destination for those seeking a slower pace of life. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO TEACH ENGLISH IN VIETNAM? Click to Open Before you make the leap to begin your exciting adventure teaching English in Vietnam, check out these helpful guides to learn a bit more about it Why You Should Teach English in Vietnam by CIEE TEFL Saigon vs. Hanoi Which City is the Best for You? by Untold Wanderlust 25 Interesting Facts about Vietnam by Swedish Nomad Moving to Vietnam Checklist for Packing by Move to Vietnam Motorbike Safety in Vietnam by So the Adventure Begins WHICH TEFL CERTIFICATE IS BEST FOR TEACHING IN VIETNAM? Click to Open One of the most important requirements of securing a job teaching in Vietnam is to have a TEFL certificate with at least 120-hours. Choosing a course with a TEFL practicum, or in-class teaching component, is also important. A practicum provides you with professional experience in the classroom, something that can give your resume a huge boost. CIEE TEFL’S 150-HOUR TEFL CERTIFICATION CIEE TEFL is an internationally recognized and trusted TEFL provider with a proven track record of helping graduates successfully secure English teaching jobs around the world. CIEE TEFL's flagship 150-hour certification provides comprehensive training to ensure aspiring ESL teachers succeed in the classroom. Plus, all coursework is done online and the course only takes three months to complete. The CIEE TEFL 150-hour course includes 130 hours of ACCET accredited coursework 20 hour TEFL practicum Instruction by highly qualified TEFL tutors Lifetime job search assistance Learn more HOW MUCH CAN YOU EARN TEACHING IN VIETNAM? Click to Open How much you can earn teaching English in Vietnam depends on your professional experience, the type of job, and where you teach. But on average, English teachers in Vietnam earn between $1,200 - $2,000+ per month. Public school teacher salaries are lower, whereas international school teachers can earn upwards of $2,000 or more per month. COST OF LIVING IN VIETNAM The cost of living in Vietnam is quite reasonable and typically ranges between million - million VND per month $500-$1,000. However, your cost of living depends significantly on the type of lifestyle you choose for yourself. It's very easy to live a frugal or lavish life as an English teacher in Vietnam. For example, eating local Vietnamese can be as cheap as $1 per meal, whereas a western dish can cost you $10 per meal. Additionally, you can save by renting a bedroom in a shared flat, which ranges between $150-$350 per month. A centrally-located apartment in the big cities can cost about $400-$700 per month. Thanks to the high salaries and low living costs, Vietnam is considered one of the best countries to teach English and save money. Teachers can save up to $600 per month teaching English in Vietnam! Deciding to teach English abroad is a big decision. Even if you’re ready to commit to a year or more away from home, you still have to figure out what country to go to, what visa you’ll need for teaching, how much you’ll make, challenges you may face, and more. If you’re thinking of teaching English in Vietnam, you’re not alone! Vietnam is one of the most popular countries for teaching English. This stems from its combination of low cost of living and relatively high wage for teachers, friendly locals, delicious foods, and plethora of things to do across the country. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for entering Vietnam as an English teacher, in including job availability, requirements, visas, salaries, potential challenges, and more. Demand for English Teachers in Vietnam Vietnam is one of the countries with the highest demand for English teachers. The demand had already been rising for years before COVID messed everything up. But now that Vietnam is totally open again, the demand has already rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. If you visit any expat Facebook group related to teaching jobs in Vietnam or simply Google “teaching jobs in Vietnam”, you will most likely be overwhelmed with unending posts about job offers. What you’ll probably have to do at this point is decide where in Vietnam you want to live in order to narrow your choices down. Job Requirements – Who Can Teach in Vietnam? Despite what you may have heard in the past, not just anybody can show up in Vietnam and become an English teacher – at least not anymore. The requirements have become stricter and the schools more professional as the years and decades have passed. At the bare minimum, you legally need a degree to teach English in Vietnam. On top of that, there is a strong preference for native English speakers and this can get a little messy – see the “ugly truths” section below. You’ll also need a clean background check. Last but not least, more and more schools are now requiring some kind of TEFL certification – which you can easily do online. You DON’T need to have any teaching experience. Also on the plus side, the general requirements for entering Vietnam have loosened significantly since COVID times. Here’s a summary of the base requirements/qualifications for teaching English in Vietnam Native English speaker – Usually this is determined based on what passport you have, with the main ones they usually recognize as “native” being USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. More on this university degree – This is a legal requirement to get officially hired in Vietnam. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an education or English-related degree – any 4-year Bachelor’s degree will do. Some schools, however, prefer to hire teachers with a degree specifically related to education or English. They will want to see the original degree, not a – Most but not all schools in Vietnam also want teachers to have taken a TEFL course or something similar, like CELTA. This is not a legal requirement, but most schools nowadays require it. You can easily get your TEFL certificate online. You can enjoy 35% off if you use vietnam35 as a coupon code – You can also get certified once you are in valid passport and visa more on visas below. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your anticipated starting date, though more than a year would be ideal so you don’t have to apply for a new one while you are background check – from your home country or country of residence in the last 3 yearsCV and related documents – The school may want a formal resume/CV plus any other relevant documents demonstrating your work experience or courses you’ve taken. TIP If you want a more professional teaching position, look for schools that will check not only your English credentials and physical appearance, but also who will require you to have experience in teaching, a teaching certificate, and/or a master’s degree. These schools are more serious in the business, which is also an indication of the quality of teaching they provide to their students. Visa and Work Permit for Teaching A business visa for Vietnam You won’t believe how many English teachers come here and work on a tourist visa. This is, in fact, illegal – if you plan to work here, you legally have to secure a business visa and a work permit. Working on a tourist visa or on illegal documents can result in serious trouble such as deportation and being banned permanently from the country. If the school let you work on a tourist visa, this is a red flag and a sign of unprofessionalism. They are more likely to screw you over at some point, for example, by not giving you your last paycheck when you quit the job or simply firing you without any acceptable reason. They can also use this against you and you cannot ask for legal help regarding this matter. If you get hired before you come While landing a job before you arrive can have some downsides you can’t see the school/meet the boss first, you don’t really know what you are getting into, the plus is that the school with help you navigate the visa process. What’s more, with only shorter 30 day only visas now being given for travelers, it is now an even better option than before to get hired BEFORE coming to Vietnam. If you land your job before coming, the school will help you apply for a 3-month business visa before you arrive. This will give them the time they need to apply for your work permit after you arrive. You are allowed to work while you are on the business visa, but only under the condition that you work permit is being applied for. In other words, you can’t just get a business visa and then work indefinitely with that alone. If you want to arrive first then find a job If you prefer to show up in Vietnam first, this has the advantage that you can explore first, see the schools/meet the boss, and become more familiar with what’s what in Vietnam before signing a contract to teach. However, with only 30-day visas now available for tourists, this is not enough time to arrive, get settled, find a job, and have your school process your business visa. Therefore, you’ll have to either or leave the country and re-enter to get another 30 days. Unfortunately, these 30-day tourist visas can’t currently be extended like they used to. Another thing to know about this route is that you’ll want to bring enough cash to set up your life there before you land your job and get your first paycheck. Find out how much you’ll need in our budget for moving to Vietnam. You can find more detailed information about all this in our guide to the different Vietnam visa types, how to apply for a Vietnam visa, how to apply for a Vietnam business visa, and applying for Vietnam visa as a US citizen. GET YOUR TOURIST VISA NOW – IT TAKES ONLY A FEW HOURS Click this photo to access the deal! Ugly Truths or Potential Challenges There are loads of private English centres and public schools that are desperate to get their hands on a foreign teacher. However, there are a few ugly truths about teaching in Vietnam that you need to know about Native English speakers are strongly preferred. They generally determine whether you count as one according to your passport type US, Canada, UK, NZ, OZ, South African preferred. However, they don’t consider that many people from other countries such as Singapore, Philippines, Indian, and more also speak English from birth. Even if you are a native English speaker, your skin colour can affects your chances. Some schools and parents still hold the outdated idea that a “real” native English is White. Many expats and even locals have voiced their concern about how wrong this is. Sadly, changes regarding this discrimination still have a long way to it seems that some schools just want to hire White foreigners so they can have a White face to show to the parents and attract more English speakers and non-Whites may have more difficulty finding a teaching job in Vietnam. If you belong to either category but are qualified, you should look into bigger companies and international schools. These tend to be more professional and are more interested in your experiences and qualifications. Having said that, I also know for example, brown/black people from Western countries who still manage to get jobs in regular private schools. To say it more directly, racism in Vietnam in the field of ESL teaching is widespread. People of colour have a harder time getting an ESL job simply because of their skin colour or accent despite their years of experience in this same applies for Viet Kieu, or Vietnamese born overseas. Despite the fact that they may be native English speakers and possibly even speak Vietnamese too!, they will struggle to get hired and paid the same as White English may encounter a slight preference among schools for female teachers, especially for younger aged students, because of the traditional belief that women are more nurturing, and because most local teachers or young children are women. Still, this won’t stop male teachers from finding a job. If you are offered a lower pay rate simply because you are not Caucasian but you know that you are a qualified one, don’t accept or sign the contract. There are jobs and students who are willing to pay you fairly, and know your value. If all aspiring ESL teachers coming to Vietnam will fight this massive race issue by rejecting low paid jobs, at some point, hopefully, Vietnam will see everyone’s value equally. What Is Teaching in Vietnam Like? When deciding whether you want to become an English teacher in a country like Vietnam, it’s important to ask yourself questions like “Will I actually enjoy teaching?” and “Will I be a good teacher?” If you aren’t good with kids, are super shy or awkward when speaking in public, don’t like being in the spotlight, aren’t good at following instructions, then this job may not be for you. Working with young kids and watching then grow can be super rewarding, but it can also be quite tiring. 20 teaching hours per week might not sound like a lot, but it really is, especially when you factor in the preparation time and commuting time. If you’re teaching in a private/cram school, the quality of the schools varies a lot. Some are quite professional, have strict guidelines, and provide training, outlines of what to teach, and lots of materials. Others are poorly run businesses with bosses just trying to cash on the fad. You may be given little guidance and just have to wing it on your own. It’s important to keep in mind that, as businesses, these kinds of schools tend to care about one thing the most keeping their customers. It might sometimes seem like maintaining a nice facade and appeasing the parents is more important than actually educating the kids. Although less common, some foreign teachers get hired by public schools. These jobs tend to be pretty lax, without much preparation time, but you may sometimes feel like you are more of a babysitter than a teacher. These schools often have very large class sizes, too, so that’s something else to be aware of. What is the Salary for Teachers? Cold, hard Vietnamese dong While you won’t get paid as much for teaching English in Vietnam as you would in, say, the Middle East or Northeast Asia, you probably WILL make more than you would in nearby Thailand. But more importantly, a typical teacher’s salary in Vietnam is quite attractive if you compare it to the super low cost of living. This section will give you a ballpark idea of what the salary of an English teacher in Vietnam is like. Depending on your lifestyle, you can definitely save some serious money while teaching in Vietnam. See here to learn how to send money out of Vietnam! Hourly Rate The hourly pay rate in Vietnam ranges from $15-$25 per hour. You will see higher rates in the big cities, like Ho Chi Minh Saigon and Hanoi, while you can expect less in smaller cities or rural areas. There are some schools that will hire you and start the pay at $18 with a chance of a raise depending on your performance. Always double check your contract before signing. With these rates in mind, if you work around 15-20 teaching hours per week, which is pretty normal, you can expect to make around $1000-1500 per month teaching English in Vietnam. Put in a few more hours per week, though, and you can push that figure to $2000 or more. Part-time vs Full-time Some schools may hire you as a full-time teacher, which means you will be guaranteed to get around 20-25 hours per week for a whole year. However, sometimes, as the “full-time” teacher, you may be expected to stick around more or do extra things, and you’re kind of locked in for the year. Schools tend to prefer giving full-time roles to teachers with some experience. As a part time teacher, you may get less hours, such as 12 or 15 per week. You may be happy with this, or you may want to find additional hours in other schools or tutoring to supplement your income. As a part-time teacher, you may even get full-time hours, but since you are not officially full-time, those hours are guaranteed to stay. In other words, being a part time teacher is more flexible. Salaries for Non-native English Speaker or Non-White Sadly, despite your experience, if you are a non-native English speaker, often you will be offered a lower salary $10-$15/hour. Another painful reality is even if you are a native English speaker, if you are not Caucasian, there is a chance they will try to pay you lower. In this situation, especially if you have the experience, you should work with well-known language centres or international schools that look past your physical appearance but rather value your skills and experience. How to Find an ESL Job in Vietnam A quick search on Facebook will yield various groups for finding jobs, such as the above. Now that we’ve covered most of the aspects of teaching, how do you actually find a teaching job in Vietnam? Facebook Groups One of the most common ways to find teaching work in Vietnam is to join Facebook groups aimed and teachers and teaching jobs, such as this one or this one. There are several of them, and a constant stream of new job openings are posted every day. It’s a good idea to browse for a while and do some research before opening dialogue with employers or committing to anything. You can also upload your job posting, CV, contact details, and what you are looking for in these groups and ESL schools and centres will reach out to you. If you receive an offer but are in doubt about if it is legitimate or not, you can ask about it in the expat Facebook groups, of which there are also many. Websites & Agents You can also directly find reputable schools in Vietnam online and then apply directly to their sites, or use websites that list jobs for schools across the country. Examples are this one and this one. We recommend you to be cautious here, as some job listing sites can be dodgy. Remember to never pay anything to anyone who promises to get you a job – this scheme is often a scam. Teaching Online Another way to earn money being an ESL teacher is to teach online. There are great benefits in doing this. For example, you can teach while travelling, you don’t need to hustle through the traffic and spend money on transportation, and you can teach comfortably at home. You might even consider staying in Vietnam on a tourist visa, doing visa runs or extensions, and teaching kids online – the kids could be anywhere in the world. This is a huge business in China, and Vietnam is on the same time zone, so it would make sense time-wise. Some examples of this are EF China-focused and Preply international. Other Questions about Teaching in Vietnam Here are a few other questions you may have about coming to Vietnam to teach English. Will I have to Do a Teaching Demo? Some schools will ask you to do a demo lesson for around 30-minutes as a part of the onboarding process. Some demos are paid whilst others are not. Remember to ask about this before agreeing to perform one. Be aware that some schools invite a lot of aspiring English teachers and require them all to do demos for free. Essentially they are using this as an excuse to get free teachers. If you’re getting hired from abroad, there won’t be a demo requirement, but you may have to do an interview over the phone or video chat. Are there Additional Perks or benefits? Some schools in Vietnam offer additional perks like free accommodation or a transportation allowance, but this is not the norm. Similarly, it is very rare for them to pay for your flights, which you might see in some other countries. However, some schools in Vietnam do offer a year-end bonus, because they strongly prefer that teachers finish the school year for obvious reasons, including continuity for students, if not stay for several years. This bonus usually amounts to half or even a full month’s salary. Another perk to teaching in Vietnam is that you get to experience Vietnam! Whether this be taking a holiday in tropical Phu Quoc island, exploring the country’s huge caves, riding a motorcycle on these famous routes, temple-hopping, hiking, cruising on Halong Bay, and/or feasting on delicious Vietnamese street food, by working in Vietnam, you get to broaden your horizons and get to know one of the world’s most unique and fascinating cultures. What should I pack? Dress Code? Once you have found a teaching job and signed a contract, there are a lot of things that you still need to prepare. One of them is to pack the right work clothes. Fortunately, we’ve prepared this packing checklist for moving to Vietnam! The dress code for teaching in Vietnam is not a lot different than in other parts of the world. You are expected to dress at least semi-formal. Some more high-end schools may expect more formal attire, while some private schools may even be fine with shorts and more casual clothing. You can of course buy more clothes in Vietnam, but you may find it tougher to find clothes you like, or clothes that fit if you are very tall or plus-size. Depending on where you will be living and teaching, some schools have AC while others don’t. If you will be in the north, pack a good semi-formal jacket as it can be cold during winter, while in the south, make sure you pack light but comfortable clothes, as the south can be very hot and humid year-round Some schools even have a casual day once per week. It is best to ask about your school’s policy if they haven’t already informed you. Also see our more general guide to what to wear in Vietnam. Female teachers For women, here are some suggested outfits a dress that is knee-length or longer with a short or longer sleeve, but stick with a standard neckline – showing lots of cleavage isn’t appropriatedress pants and a button-up shirt with sleevesa knee-length skirt or longer and button-up shirt with sleevesyou can wear a sleeveless blouse but use a jacket cardiganblack shoes, high heel shoes or flat shoes are all acceptable as long as they are closed Male teachers Here are some ideas on the dress code for men dress pants and a button-up shirt with short or long sleevesdress pants and a polo shirtblack shoesit is not expected to wear a tie unless specified by your schoolsome schools may allow jeans and a T-shirt or possibly even shorts Well, we hope we’ve answered all the questions you have about how to teach English in Vietnam. Teaching in Vietnam is a true opportunity, but better you research and plan your move, the higher your success rate will be. Learn more in our guide to moving to Vietnam!

foreign english language teachers for schools in vietnam