Teach English in Vietnam

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. The country is best known for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Halong Bay, bustling Ho Chi Minh City, and the historic capital of Hanoi, which is located in the heart of Southeast Asia. As a TEFL instructor, you’ll have the opportunity to see both the iconic places and the true, local side of Vietnam.

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.

Teach English in Vietnam: Types of jobs 

Teachers have three primary options for teaching English in Vietnam, each with its own set of criteria, advantages, and workload. It is mandatory, or at the very least strongly encouraged, that you are TEFL certified, regardless of the type of English teaching job you are interested in.

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.

Where to teach

There are many wonderful cities in which to teach English in Vietnam. Do you want to live in a major city? Enjoy the fast-paced lifestyle in the teeming southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City or the northern capital of Hanoi. Do you want to be near the beach in a more casual setting? Consider Da Nang, Vung Tau, or Nha Trang and the surrounding paradise.

Classroom culture

While teaching English abroad, it is critical to explore and comprehend the cultural differences you may encounter in the classroom. In addition, because students and teachers can connect in various ways, ESL teachers in Vietnam should be respectful and understanding as they adjust to a new classroom environment.

Due to the high value put on honouring elders in Vietnam, children will treat their professors with professionalism and will not likely joke about with them. Students will also wait to be called upon before speaking.

Here are some other things to consider before teaching English in Vietnam:

• Your attire is business casual.
• Make an effort to conceal tattoos.
• Students will most likely refer to you as a teacher.

How to get a job teaching English in Vietnam

The easiest way to locate a job in Vietnam is to travel there and look for one in person, which can be daunting for individuals who have never travelled. Fortunately, online resources are now available to apply for employment and conduct virtual interviews.

Where to find a job

Third-party services like the ones listed below assist teachers in finding available employment in Vietnam, and some even provide TEFL instruction and certification.

Job boards, such as the one here at The TEFL Institute, are another excellent resource for finding open employment, particularly if you already have your English teaching certification.

Work visas

In contrast to other countries, it is possible to enter Vietnam with a three-month tourist visa and look for work. The company will typically assist you with the relevant documentation once you’ve been recruited and signed a contract (potentially paying the visa expense). The cost of a visa is determined by the kind and length of your stay. Before applying, ensure you have an original copy of your university diploma, teaching certificate, and other essential documents.