Teaching English in Vietnam

A land of Exceptional Beauty and Exquisite Cuisine

The Vietnamese are fun-loving and direct....

A land of exceptional beauty and exquisite cuisine embodies Vietnam. From the rice field terraces, the lush, green mountains, the national parks and breathtaking coastlines to the capital city of Hanoi, Vietnam will inspire and amaze you. Influenced by Hinduism and India, infused with Chinese culture from the North, mixed with a French influence evidenced in Hanoi, along with 50 or so traditional tribes, Vietnam has its own distinct character.

Apart from exploring the country, many travellers visit Hoi An to have clothes expertly tailored in any design that they wish, at ridiculously reasonable prices. The Vietnamese are fun-loving and direct. Many TEFL teachers, however, report that the South is friendlier towards foreigners than the Northern parts of Vietnam, as a result of the Vietnam War.

Teaching Opportunities

Vietnam has emerged in the past years as a country whose growing tourism industry, along with manufacturing and its hi-tech IT business, means that there are many opportunities for those wishing to teach English. Considering this economic growth, it is not surprising to find that students are eager to learn, and to develop their English skills. They are also extremely pleasant to teach. Most TEFL jobs are centred in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh or the port city of Da Nang. There are job opportunities in both the private and the public sectors, and a growing demand for business English. Teachers wishing to work in state schools need to apply 2-3 months before the start of the school year, which begins in August.

Most teaching contracts are 25-30 hours per week. The cost of living is still relatively cheap, and the salary allows you to live comfortably in the country. Compared with some other countries in South East Asia, it is rare in Vietnam to find extra benefits attached to a teaching contract. Some of the better-paid jobs might offer benefit packages. In real terms, this means that you will be responsible for your own costs in terms of flights, accommodation, visa fees and health insurance. You will need to arrive in Vietnam with enough money to cover your costs for 2 months. By law, your employer is supposed to cover your visa fees. Many places, however, make you pay up front to guarantee that you will complete the contract. This is usually reimbursed at the end of your contract. You are also required to submit a criminal records check and health certificate from your own country.

Teaching Requirements

Degree Requirement	Typical Contract Length	Peak Hiring Seasons	Visa Info	Typical Students	Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency	Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency

BA/BS required

12 months

All year round

Work visa in advance, or a tourist visa which can be converted to a work visa

Business professionals, children

14,053,974 - 21,072,004 VND (400 GBP - 600 GBP)

22,125,605 - 44,094,345 VND (630 GBP - 1255 GBP)

Degree Requirement

BA/BS required

Typical Contract Length

12 months

Peak Hiring Seasons

All year round

Visa Info

Work visa in advance, or a tourist visa which can be converted to a work visa

Typical Students

Business professionals, children

Average Monthly Cost of Living in £ GBP & Local Currency

14,053,974 - 21,072,004 VND (400 GBP - 600 GBP)

Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency

22,125,605 - 44,094,345 VND (630 GBP - 1255 GBP)

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