TEFL jobs in Vietnam
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in Vietnam
Overview
Exotic meals, bustling cities, and striking natural settings are just a few of the reasons why so many people choose to teach English in Vietnam. From the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay to the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the historic charm of Hanoi, Vietnam offers a balance of adventure, culture, and affordability. As a TEFL teacher here, you’ll experience both the country’s iconic landmarks and its authentic local life.
In most circumstances, a BA degree and a criminal background check are required to lawfully work teaching English in Vietnam. You should also have TEFL certification, prior experience, or education in a related profession. If you find a job while in the nation, you can change your tourist visa to a work visa, which is a popular way to work in Vietnam. In addition, there are many volunteer options to teach English in Vietnam, which can be a fantastic way to get a feel for the culture and determine if it is right for you.
Consider teaching English in Vietnam if you want a pleasant environment all year, friendly pupils and coworkers, and an excellent base for touring Southeast Asia on the cheap. In this Teach English in Vietnam Ultimate Guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about anything from getting your TEFL certification to locating the top jobs in the country.
Types of teaching jobs
Language schools
Language schools abound in Vietnam’s cities. Because of their sheer size, huge towns like Hanoi and Ho Chi Min City make it incredibly easy to get work. You’ll need a TEFL or CELTA certification for the best (and highest-paying) employment, although other employers merely require you to be a native English speaker.
Language schools’ key advantages are their dependability, support, and professional development. In addition, these schools typically provide new teachers with workshops, training, and support. Another thing worth knowing is that, for English teachers in Vietnam, language schools often offer the most complete benefits packages.
Working in a language school has its drawbacks, including set contract periods that may oblige you to work weekends, limiting your ability to travel.
International schools
The most profitable TEFL jobs in Vietnam are at international schools. These schools are usually found in large cities, where they provide a pleasant environment with enough to do.
A few years of teaching experience is frequently required for a position teaching English in Vietnam in an international school. It does, however, provide continued career growth chances as well as benefits such as flight reimbursement and a housing allowance. In addition, you’ll most likely be teaching a mixed group of pupils, including foreigners and Vietnamese students. These schools are usually located in residential suburbs, so you won’t be as centrally located, but your living costs will be reduced.
Private lessons
Teaching private English courses in Vietnam, particularly in the larger cities, is quite simple. The most significant benefit is that you can be more flexible with your teaching schedule and charge more per hour than if you worked in a language school.
Teaching individual English sessions in Vietnam can be unreliable, and it’s challenging to make a living doing it full-time. So to augment their school salaries, many instructors work as private English tutors teaching English online or to locals in their homes. However, you need to be aware that this comes with even more red tape, so private tutoring entails navigating appropriate work permits and arranging visas on your own, which is not always easy.
Private classes cost between $10 and $16 per hour, depending on experience. However, if you’re an experienced teacher with well-respected teaching credentials, you could be able to charge much more.
Living costs
Thinking about teaching English in Vietnam but not sure how much you’ll earn, spend, or save? The good news is that Vietnam remains one of the most affordable countries in Asia, meaning TEFL teachers can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while still putting money aside each month. Even on an entry-level salary, most teachers earn significantly more than the local average, allowing them to live well and save.
Of course, where you teach, how much experience you have, and whether or not you have an English or Education degree will all play a role in determining how much money you can earn. It should go without saying that lifestyle decisions are important.
You can have a fantastic time without breaking your wallet if you eat street cuisine and avoid tourist traps. Although housing is not usually included with teaching jobs, it is not difficult to find a place to rent. While modern condominiums are popular among ex-pats, you can save money and have a more immersive experience by renting in a local neighbourhood. It’s also possible that health insurance will not be included in your contract, so it’s critical to have enough coverage while you’re in the nation.
Because travel in Vietnam is inexpensive, teachers can spend their vacations seeing the nation, especially Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s ancient capital. Although public transportation is affordable, many ex-pats prefer to rent a motorcycle (about $50 per month), which allows them to travel around quickly for both business and pleasure.
Cost of living figures are supplied by numbeo.com, the world’s largest cost of living comparison site.
Key facts
Language: Vietnamese
Population: 101.6 Million
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Capital: Hanoi
TEFL job demand: High
Our TEFL rating: 4
Popular locations for TEFL jobs
Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Can Tho and Bien Hoa.
Average salary for EFL teachers
Salaries for English teachers in Vietnam can vary significantly between different locations and institutes. However, as a guide, the basic monthly salary for a full-time position is likely to be in the region of 27-46 million VND (€1,000–€1,800) per month. Hourly rates range from 390,000 VND to 740,000 VND (€15–€27) per hour. Pay is often quoted in American $.
TEFL qualification requirements
A 120-hour TEFL qualification will be required for most positions
Prerequisite university degree
To be eligible for a working visa in Vietnam, you must have a BA degree, be a native English speaker (or a non-native English speaker with a teaching qualification – more on this later!) and be able to provide a clean criminal background check.
Term times
Term times run from August to June, with peak hiring times between August and December for public schools and year-round for language schools.
Teaching programmes
Teaching opportunities include public schools, private schools, international schools, universities, language centres, business English, and volunteer programmes.
Age restrictions
The maximum age for teaching in Vietnam is 60.
Previous teaching experience
Previous teaching experience is not required to teach English in Vietnam.
Key Points
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Got Questions?
Get clear answers about TEFL courses, certification, teaching jobs, and everything in between.
To legally teach English in Vietnam, you need to have a university degree that you can provide the government when you are applying for your work visa. However, if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, it’s possible to find volunteer teaching opportunities that don’t require one.
Yes, you must have a visa and passport (valid for six months from arrival) to enter Vietnam. However, it’s possible to arrive in Vietnam on a tourist visa to search for work before you apply for a work visa.
First-time English teachers in Vietnam can usually make about €950 per month. For those with more teaching experience or qualifications, they can earn between $1,200-$2,000. But, of course, it also depends on the teaching institution, whether it’s a private, public, or international school.