NO B.S. -HOW TO GET AN ENGLISH TEACHING JOB IN VIETNAM

So you've decided to take the plunge, take control of your own life, and exerience the treasures that living and working in exotic "Old Annam" (Vietnam) has to offer the adventurous.

As an English teacher, Vietnam offers the best of both worlds-Adventure, a rich diverse culture, and a better than the rest of Asia salary possibility, combined with a low cost of living. Adventure at every turn.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO TEACH ENGLISH IN VIETNAM?

1. Speak English: You need to be able to speak English like a native English speaker.

Preference is given to those who have passports from English speaking countries.

2. TESOL/TEFL: You don't absolutely NEED a TESOL/TEFL certificate (A certificate proving you have taken a course in teaching English to speakers of Other Languages), but it is very helpful in securing employment. In fact, you will be given immediate preference over those who do NOT have one.

How do I get one?

There are lots of operators who can offer you a TESOL Certificate, but be careful- The price can be very high for what you get. (from about $900-$2,000+).

You will likely see TESOL courses available in your home country, and even one in Vietnam, offereing guaranteed job placement at the end of the course. BEWARE-the jobs offered are of the poorest quality with most of these-They will say they have fulfilled their legal obligation by securing a low paying job in a school you will hate.

Remember, there are so many jobs available that it is YOUR buffet-not theirs. AND they direct you to the job/s where they will get a % of your salary, or at least a fee from the school- that affects your salary.

For a discussion on getting the necessary certification to teach English in Vietnam, go to:

http://tesolinvietnam.blogspot.com/

3. University Degree- Not absolutely necessary, but without it you will be offered jobs in Language Centres (not in Universities) which have unusual hours, and generally slightly lower rates of pay.

Your Degree can be in any discipline, it need NOT be related to English or teaching, BUT, if you are already a registered teacher in your home country, your entry into the market will be a lot easier.

4. Police Check: Be sure to get this BEFORE coming to Vietnam, as without it, you can not legally be offered a job. Ask your local Police Station about this- It is usually quite inexpensive, and will be issued as a certificate indicating that you have no criminal record. If you DO have a criminal record, it does not necessarily mean you can't get a job as an English teacher, but you may have to explain.

5. Visa: To travel to Vietnam, this is an absolute necessity from most countries (ASEAN Passport holders excepted), and it needs to be gotten BEFORE coming to Vietnam. Some information available indicates that visas can be obtained at the airport on arrival- The procedure is so cumbersome, that it is certainly best NOT to try this way, as it rarely works, and you have a strong possibility of being turned away at the border gates.

You can contact your nearest Embassy of Vietnam, BUT

A much simpler way is to get the travel agent who arranges your trip to get this for you. Sure it will cost you , but it is very much worth the effort.

The BEST Visa to apply for is the multiple entry TOURIST Visa- Until you are employed, that's exactly what you will be. Ask for 6 months visa.

Your employer will assist you to change the type when the tourist visa expires.

EXCITED?

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