United States
US
Keegan Wattrus
Teach Enrich Empower
Jetting off to Vietnam
Hi there, my name is Keegan Wattrus and this is my story.
In 2019 I made the decision to enroll in The TEFL Academy’s course. I had completed about half of my online content when I went for 10 hours of practical classroom training. This is when the excitement started and I wanted this dream to become a reality.
In July of 2019, I found myself set off on a plane heading for Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, a country I knew very little about. I was one of few who to choose to arrive without a job and see where the wind would take me.
With my TEFL certificate from The TEFL Academy, I found myself with multiple job interviews in the first week after a simple job enquiry on Facebook expat and teaching groups. The employer I ended up choosing offered me a place to stay for an extremely reasonable price of 4 000 000vnd (175$) a month. He also was able to rent me a scooter for transport and assisted me with getting my license. I’ve come to learn this sort of friendliness and support is common throughout Vietnam and I had an amazing sense of belonging.
In my first year of teaching, I attended An Binh Primary school not far from my home. I taught grades 1 and 2 for 3 days of the week. For the other 1 day, I travelled to another primary school nearby to teach grade 4. Although it was quite daunting at first thinking of teaching at 2 different schools it was no issue at all with the help of all your co-workers and the joy and excitement on the children’s faces when they see you as it’s only usually once a week.
Now that my job was set and I had my bearings it was now time to start meeting friends and seeing what my new beautiful city had to offer. One of the best things I could have possibly done was look for expat sports clubs. I joined the rugby club where I was met with an array of different nationalities and personalities. They welcomed me with open arms and really made me feel like I was officially in my new home. With my new friends, I was able to make new friends, and this was the domino effect that has led to me now having a wide circle of friends from all places in the world. Once I had friends exploring the city and discovering places was easier than easy!
To anyone contemplating enrolling in a TEFL course and going overseas but is hesitant, my advice to you is that you have nothing to lose.
Through my job, I have been able to live very comfortably in Vietnam while travelling to see all its beauty and still end up saving money every month! I’ve got to experience so much more culture and different cuisines which is not only specific to Vietnam. I really have found my second home.
Once your certificate is complete that is yours for life. You could travel the world and be paid at the same time. I really do see it as the cheat code to life which is an opportunity for almost anyone.
Thanks for reading about my story. I hope you can write your own story too!
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