TEFL Vietnam

TEFL course and TEFL Jobs in Vietnam

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.

Hanoi
• Hanoi Cambridge Celta	from £872
Ho Chi Minh City
• Ho Chi Minh City Cambridge CELTA	from £872