Vietnam is an intriguing and rewarding place to teach
English language. The market for English language learning
is developing at a frantic pace, and, as its population
continues to reap the benefits of impressive economic
development, it’s set to continue in this vein for
years to come.
Some work in smaller country centres is available through
volunteer placement organisations, but the vast majority
of job opportunities are in the two major centres of Hanoi
and Ho Chi Minh City. A handful of schools employ foreign
teachers at some smaller cities, such as Danang and Haiphong.
Schools vary greatly in the quality, type and cost of
services they provide. Small locally-owned schools typically
want to employ foreign teachers for a few hours per week
to supplement a programme that is essentially entirely
taught by local teachers. Other schools employ a balance
of local and foreign teachers, and a handful of better
schools offer only native-speaking teachers. TEFL work
is also available teaching for universities, including
one or two foreign universities operating here now, and
at international primary and high schools.
Wages vary according to the type of organisation, but
in general they are very healthy in comparison to the
standard of living. Fifteen US dollars per hour is probably
a median figure. Work is generally not difficult to come
by for qualified teachers at the time of writing, though
few schools hire in late Dec or early Jan due to the Lunar
New Year holidays.
Whilst the ESL market is maturing rapidly, the government’s
effort to control the industry is doing likewise. Thankfully
for the industry, the government has recently implemented
restrictions requiring teachers to carry an official work
permit. An internationally recognised English teaching
qualification is now essential. Work permits are organised
by employers. Teachers coming to Vietnam should carry
original certificates/degrees/etc. A police clearance
from your home country or state is also required, and
so it may be prudent to bring this with you on arrival
too.
TEFL training has only recently come to Vietnam. Cambridge
Celta has been offered by one centre in Hanoi for 3 years
now, and also started recently in Ho Chi Minh City.
Like many developing world cities, it has its share of
pollution and traffic issues, but Vietnam is both a fascinating
and frantic place in which to live. Energy abounds in
every street and alley. Many who come here intending to
stay a short time end up staying a long time.