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Guaranteed Job Placement with Peace of Mind Pre Departure and In-country Support
We outline the entire process you’ll follow to realise the dream of teaching in Vietnam, from all pre-departure support, to guaranteeing you a job in one of our trusted and vetted schools and supporting you during your entire experience.
Our knowledgable, experienced and passionate enrolment and support teams guide and support you every step of the way both before you leave your home country and once you arrive in Vietnam.
With TravelBud, you’ll always be talking to someone who has taught abroad before, so you’ll get informed, first-hand advice to guide, prepare and support you before, during and after your experience.
- We guarantee you a teaching job in carefully vetted and trusted schools where every effort is made to match placement preferences.
- We'll explain all the paperwork, visas, contracts, taxes, work hours, budgets, requirements, responsibilities and answer all of your questions to help ease any anxieties.
- We guide you through everything you need before you depart to Vietnam and from the moment you touch down, you'll continue to receive peace of mind 24/7 support from our in-country team who will be on hand for you throughout your placement.
Quick Facts
Salary
Earn $1200 – $1400 USD * (32 – 35 million Dong) per month.
* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.
Placement Types
Placements are mainly in public schools and private language centers teaching students of all ages but mainly children.
Contract Length
1 year contracts with private language schools and can be renewed if you’d like to stay and continue to teach and travel.
In-class Accreditation & Placement Only options
Get TEFL/TESOL certified in-class. If you already have an accredited TEFL/TESOL certification, our Placement Only option is best for you.
Eligibility Requirements
You don’t need to have any teaching experience to teach English in Vietnam. You do need:
Required
- A passport from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand
- A bachelor’s degree in hand in any field – no teaching experience required
- A Native English Speaker
- No major medical or mental health diagnosis or medication in the past 5 years
- No communicable diseases
Preferred on case-by-case basis
- Between 20 and 60 years of age
- No criminal conviction whatsoever (even misdemeanors)
- No visible tattoos, such as on the face, neck and hands
Unsure? Apply for a Free Consultation
Submit a quick application and we’ll let you know your eligibility and best program fit.
Can I teach English in Vietnam without a degree?
While you don’t need to have any teaching experience to teach English in Vietnam, you do require a bachelors degree to qualify for the program.
If you are a non-degree holder please see our Teach English in Cambodia program.
Can I teach English in Vietnam with a diploma or associate degree?
While these often require you to do just as much work as a bachelor’s degree unfortunately they’re just not held in as high regard internationally.
There are a number of reasons for this, particularly that colleges offering these aren’t required to be kept to the same internationally recognized standards as those offering bachelor’s degrees.
Courses can vary wildly in terms of standard and requirements for both enrollment and passing and it makes judging the quality of the certificate really difficult. This means that schools in general, the world over, have a blanket rule of not accepting diplomas and associate degrees as a qualifying certificate.
Check out our Teach English in Cambodia program if you’re a diploma or associate degree holder.
Reviews
Travel Bud had me feeling so well prepared for this trip
The comfort they provided me set the tone for a welcoming , warm journey into Vietnam. I have felt extremely looked after and the way that the staff responded to every question I asked no matter how big or small was both genuine and helpful.
So supportive and helpful
Travelbud has honestly been the best company to come overseas with. They have been so supportive and helpful always checking in and emailing me to see if I need anything. They helped me through the paperwork process so amazingly and the staff are so friendly and kind and just want to help.
Program Options
Option 1: In-Class TEFL & Placement
If you do not have an internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL certification, we highly recommend our in-class course held in Vietnam to prepare you for your teaching adventure abroad.
Option 2: Placement Only
If you already hold an accredited 120 Hour TEFL/TESOL certification, then our Placement Only option guarantees you a teaching job with all our in-country support benefits.
What’s included for each Program Option
scroll horizontally to view full table
Option 1In-Class TEFL & Placement | Option 2Placement Only | |
Secures your spot | ||
Comprehensive pre-departure support and guidance | ||
Personalised one-on-one Support | ||
Visa Guidance | ||
Your questions answered | ||
Guaranteed Job Placement | ||
24/7 In-country support | ||
Lifetime Teaching Placement Guarantee | ||
TEFL/TESOL Course | (4 weeks in-country) | |
Internationally Accreditated Certification | ||
Practical Teacher Training in-class | ||
Airport pickup and transfer Subject to correct arrival times | ||
Airport Assistance Info & guidance on trains/taxis/buses and routes | ||
SIM Card Included | ||
SIM Card guidance | ||
Local bank account guidance | ||
Shared Accommodation | (for 1st month in-country) | (for 1st week in-country) |
Cultural Orientation including excursions | (1 week) | (1 week) |
Visa Run | (for 1st month in-country) | |
Lesson Plan templates and resource directories | ||
Support Network | ||
Self-development and advantageous future employability | ||
Fees | View Fees | View Fees |
Full Program Highlights
-
Comprehensive pre-departure support and guidance
- Getting the necessary documentation prepared prior to departure.
- Assisting you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgets and booking flights.
- Answering your questions to help ease any anxieties you may have regarding your trip.
-
Logistics and safety when arriving
- Airport pickup and transfer to accommodation.
- Sim card setup assistance.
-
A toolkit for navigating Korean culture
- Cultural Orientation.
- Social events and meet and greets.
-
Practical Teacher Training
- To hone your craft and ensure confidence before you begin teaching professionally.
-
Guaranteed Job Placement
- At carefully vetted schools.
-
An Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL certification
- The knowledge required to teach english successfully.
-
A support network of fellow teachers
- Lifelong friendships and travel opportunities.
-
24/7 In-country support
- Ex-foreign teachers and local, on-the-ground support staff provide you with personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience.
- You can rest assured knowing that any queries will be answered such as translation help, legalities, emergencies, travel options or school queries. Someone is on hand.
- Teacher meet-ups.
- We check in with you regularly and keep up to date with your teach abroad experience.
-
Lifetime Teaching Placement Guarantee
- Teach somewhere else after your contract and explore new cultures.
-
Self-development and advantageous future employability
- Add teaching abroad to your CV to stand out from the crowd.
Guaranteed Job Placement
We find you a teaching job or jobs to ensure you have the maximum work hours allowed under your visa.
You could spend your own time trying to find your own teaching position.
But this can be time-consuming and stressful because you’ll have to wade through a myriad of risk factors and paperwork when evaluating teaching positions.
These can include but are not limited to:
- Work visas, relevant permits and documentation
- The interview process
- The credibility of the school
- Your safety at the school
- Understanding contracts, contract length and hidden clauses
- Payment terms and what happens in the event of non-payment
- Taxes
- Teaching philosophy and environment
- Teaching materials
- School code of conduct
- Local staff support and English proficiency
- After school activities and requirements
- Disciplinary processes
- And many more considerations!
We take the pressure and stress away from you by guaranteeing your job placement and providing peace of mind support
- We guarantee you a teaching job in carefully vetted and trusted schools where every effort is made to match placement preferences.
- You can focus on enjoying your new lifestyle knowing your income of $1200 – $1400 USD is secured.
- We’ll explain all the paperwork, contracts, taxes, work hours, requirements and responsibilities.
- We guide you through everything you need to know before you depart to Vietnam and from the moment you touch down, you’ll continue to receive peace of mind 24/7 support from our in-country team who will be on hand for you throughout your placement.
- We’ve all taught abroad before and, having placed over 2200+ participants around the world, know the key to success is well-trained, culturally-adjusted, and emotionally-supported teachers. Read more about our teaching placements.
Free Enrolment Consultation
Apply now and we’ll call you back, explain the program and answer all your questions.
Lifetime Placement Guarantee
Once you’ve taught in one of the TravelBud schools, we can guarantee you a position at another partner school in any of our destinations for which you are eligible on your program line, at no additional charge to you.
- Pay one fee and you’re able to teach in any partner school on your program line as long as you like.
- It’s a once-off fee for a lifetime of opportunities to make a difference in the lives of your students and travel the world in a sustainable way.
- For example, once you’re finished in Vietnam you can travel over to Thailand or South Korea and experience a whole new cultural adventure.
Boost your employability
You might think you’re taking a step back by taking a year off but nothing could be further from the truth!
Although you may think it’s a halt in your education journey, you’re actually fast tracking yourself through:
- Learning independence.
- Learning how you react to different situations.
- Learning how to master and grow your confidence in public speaking.
- Learning how to overcome obstacles.
- Learning about yourself through your own personal self discovery.
- Learning how to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.
These would normally take much longer in a normal, sheltered environment and wouldn’t be nearly as much fun!
When you do head back home, you’re not just another resume in a pile of resumes – you are someone different who’s done something interesting and rewarding.
People who are able to reflect on their experiences will give them an edge in their interview, no matter what industry or profession.
Teaching Placements
Teaching Placement Overview
Salary range in USD per month | $1200 - $1400 USD * * May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility. |
Salary local currency per month | 32 - 36 Million Dong |
Saving potential in USD per month | $500 - $800 |
Employment Type | Full-time |
Contract Length | 1 year |
Placement Types | Public Schools, Private Language Centers |
Classroom Audience | Kindergarten, Primary (elementary and middle), High school students |
Classroom Age | Between 4 - 12 |
Classroom Size | Private Language Centers: 15 Public Schools: 40 - 50 |
Working Hours per week | Private Language Centers: 15 - 25 Public Schools: 20 - 25 |
Days off | 2 days per week but may not be consecutive |
Holidays / Paid Leave | 20 days paid vacation and 12 public holidays (paid) |
Tax rate range for teachers | 20% for +- first 6 months. Thereafter, between 5%-15% |
Visa | In-class TEFL participants: Tourist Visa and Visa Run after course Placement Only participants: Business Visa |
Initial Enrollment to Arrival | 3 Month Minimum |
Top Placement Locations | 1. Ho Chi Minh 2. Hanoi 3. Binh Duong 4. Bien Hoa 5. Hai Phong |
Teaching Placements
There are two main types of schools that we place people with in Vietnam: Public Schools and Private Language Centers.
Private Language centers operate throughout the year. The public school year runs from September to May. The peak hiring time is in August for both school types.
Public school placements are possible outside of this time period but chances are reduced after September.
Private Language Centers
Private language centers are where students go to learn English after school and at weekends. As a result, language center teachers primarily work in the evenings and on weekends, leaving their daytimes free.
Language centers typically offer high tech facilities and have lots of resources for teaching and lesson planning. They offer a well-supported working environment to new teachers. Most language centers we work with are large companies with many different branches all over Vietnam. Some of the advantages of language center teaching are:
- Class sizes tend to be around 15 students per class
- Teachers have access to internal systems where they can share lesson plans
- There are many books and resources to help plan for classes
- Classrooms are well equipped
- Teaching in the afternoons and evenings, and also on the weekends, 2 days off (not consecutive in
some cases) * - There is generally a Vietnamese assistant teacher to assist in the language school classes
* While two days off per week is the norm, sometimes, in the first month or two, teachers are scheduled to work 6 days but this can be smoothed out after being there for a bit. They may just be scheduled 6 days to start to get enough hours for a full-time contract.
Public Schools
Public schools are where students go for their day to day schooling.
Many public schools contract with language centers to have foreign teachers sent to their school.
Teachers who work in public schools typically teach at 2 – 3 different public schools during the week to fill up their schedules. Public school teaching is Monday to Friday during the day.
Public schools tend to have larger class sizes and fewer resources but teachers are able to reach a wider demographic of students. Public school key points include:
- There are 9 month and one-year contracts to work in public schools
- Working hours are typically in mornings and afternoons, from Monday to Friday
- Hours are around 20-25 per week but important to note that there may be gaps in the middle of the day. For example, a teacher might teach from 10AM to 12PM, then have a gap until 4PM, and then teach from 4PM to 7PM
- There are typically 40-50 students per class at the public schools
- There is typically a Vietnamese teaching assistant in the class but this is not guaranteed
Teachers will most likely be teaching either solely at a language center or at a public school. However, Mixed contracts are occasionally the only possibility.
It may be the case that teachers will be required to work in both school settings as part of their contract.
We can usually accommodate preferences on which type of school if a candidate wants to be in a major city. Language centers recruit throughout the year, public school recruiting is focused around September. There may also be public school positions availability sporadically throughout the year.
Working Hours
Private Language Centers (one year and four month contracts) Teaching in the afternoons and evenings, and also on the weekends, 2 days off (not consecutive in some cases).
Public schools (mainly 9-month contracts September to May): Mornings and afternoons Monday through Friday.
15-25 teaching hours: May fluctuate from week to week
Vacation leave is possible, providing appropriate notice is given. The amount of leave allowed, when it can be taken, and whether it is paid or unpaid will vary depending on the type of school, length the participant is staying, and contract offered.
Taxes
All participants will pay taxes in Vietnam. If a participant signs a one-year contract, their taxes will be 20% for the first month or two, until the receive their work permit and can establish residence.
Then they will be taxed at 10-14%. However, if they leave their contract early, they may be retroactively taxed at 20%, which will be taken out of their last pay check.
School Break Period
There are no extended school breaks associated with these placements. There may be short times off, but as language schools operate all year long, there is no extended period of school recess. There is likely to be time off during the Tet holiday in February.
Required Visa Trip
Teachers who take the In-class TEFL/TESOL course must do a visa trip once they have completed the course and before (or soon after) they start teaching.
This is due to the fact that teachers will arrive on a tourist visa and will need to switch over to a school-issued business visa once they are at their school.
Popular destinations for the visa trip are Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. The visa trip can often be completed in a single day, but there may be circumstances that require a participant to be gone for 3-4 days.
The cost of the visa trip will be anywhere from $300 to $500 USD.
Note that this may not be required for those who do the Placement Only program, as they will likely have their placement before they arrive and thus will arrive on a business visa provided by their school.
Don’t worry, we’ll talk you through the whole process, explain all your options and guide you every step of the way!
Transportation from accommodation to work
Not provided by schools, though some schools will provide a travel stipend. Most people rent scooters.
What are the age groups you will be teaching?
Mixed ages but mainly children.
After contract can you still travel in the country or do you need to be out?
You can stay as long as you like as long as you have a job and you maintain a legal Visa status. It is important to check with your school on how long you have. Most schools cancel work permits and visas within a month of a teacher leaving.
Can one renew working contract and visa without leaving the country?
Yes
Medical services and insurance?
Insurance coverage differs between schools. Some schools and contracts provide it whilst others do not. Some schools require that the teacher pass probation first before becoming eligible for paid insurance but they also offer the teacher to buy their own insurance through the same provider.
Dress code for teaching?
Smart. Typically collar shirts for men and conservative dress for women.
What is the level of English and behavior of students?
This will vary from student to student, however, there is typically beginner knowledge of English throughout the country. You should expect to teach students of all ages (though they will mostly be children). Vietnamese students are generally well behaved, at least compared with children in the West.
What curriculum will they follow at school?
Your school will provide and train you on their specific curriculum. The schools have specific curriculums and curriculum support.
Do your colleagues speak English?
Yes.
What are the chances of schools deducting security money? And how does this work?
This is very rare and unlikely to happen. However, many schools pay teachers on the end of the first week of the following month. That provides a small bit of security for the school if you leave abruptly without notice.
Do you get paid overtime?
Yes, in most cases.
What are the chances of getting a salary increase?
Quite high for your second contract but your salary is typically fixed for your contract duration. But there might be opportunities for overtime work.
When are the school holidays?
As Language centers are open year round you will not share the usual school holidays as you would in Public schools. Instead, participants may take vacation leave and take public holidays.
However, all language centers do close for the Tet Holiday which usually last for 7-10 days at the beginning of February.
Cultural Preparation
Part of the success of your experience comes from understanding the culture that you’re going to be living and working in.
Cultural awareness training helps you to settle into your new environment, make local friends, avoid misunderstandings, and enjoy success in social and professional life.
Our Program Includes:
Pre departure Support
to guide and prepare you
Logistics and safety
when arriving
A toolkit for navigating
your new country
A support network
of fellow teachers
24 / 7 In-country support
for peace of mind
Having Fun!
& embracing your new adventure
Pre-departure Support
We assist you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgets, booking flights and any questions or information you need.
Pre departure Support
- We’ll outline the entire process you’ll follow to realise the teaching abroad dream.
- You’ll be provided comprehensive information relating to each step in the pre-departure process and you’ll have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you like, no matter how silly you may think they are!
- We’ll explain and help you get the necessary documentation prepared prior to departure.
- We’ll assist you with all planning, packing, visas, costs, budgeting and booking flights.
- We’ll ease any anxieties you may have regarding your trip and share the positive and life-changing adventures of the teach abroad experience.
Logistics and Safety when arriving
We’ll pick you up from the airport and introduce you to your support team in-country.
Logistics and Safety when arriving
- Airport pickup.
- We’ll introduce you to your 24/7 support team on the ground.
- Transfer from the airport to your accommodation is included. You can arrive anytime from Friday – Sunday prior to your intake – we will collect you at any hour. For Placement Only program applicants, there will be an additional cost for the hotel room if you arrive on Friday or Saturday, this is normally 8-16 USD per night. For the In-class or Online TEFL/TESOL and Placement applicants, we arrange accommodation from the Friday before your intake date.
- We provide guidance with your SIM card setup so that you can contact your loved ones back home and your new friends you’re about to make on your epic orientation!
- We provide guidace setting up a local bank account so you can save money on international withdrawal fees. Your salary is paid into your local bank account.
- You’ll get to meet and greet fellow teacher travellers.
A toolkit for navigating your new country
The perfect foundation for adjusting to life in your new country and meeting your fellow teachers and in-country stafff members.
A toolkit for navigating your new country
Our 1 week cultural orientation on Vietnamese culture and language gives you the perfect foundation for adjusting to life in Vietnam as well as an opportunity to bond with your fellow teachers-in-training and in-country staff members.
Learn foundational Vietnamese language
We help you with foundational language to help you navigate:
- The bustling markets.
- Grabbing a taxi.
- Ordering a delicious meal.
- Garnering respect from locals.
(plus it’s pretty cool to impress your mates at home or add it to your resume!)
Cultural and History lessons
- Learn from local Vietnamese staff and ex-foreign teachers who have made their home in Vietnam.
- You’ll understand the cultural dynamics so that you don’t feel like a fish out of water.
- You won’t be making any faux pas or disrespecting the locals.
- How to address locals and your fellow teachers.
- You will know what you can and can’t do in Vietnamese classrooms.
Relevant Cultural Excursions
Excursions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Visiting the fascinating War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Experience a local night market, shop with the locals, and indulge in many of the delicious treats Vietnam has to offer.
- Participating in authentic cooking lessons.
- Take part in an authentic vietnamese martial arts class, focussing on the unique aspects of the sport in Vietnam.
- Visit the Ben Duc/ Cu Chi Tunnels, an elaborate network of tunnels used during the Vietnam war.
A support network of fellow teacher travelers
In addition the personal assistance and 24/7 support we provide, you’ll also have a support network of fellow teachers.
Meet fellow Teacher Travellers
Meet other like-minded individuals who are experiencing the same pleasures and challenges you are.
Only they understand what you’re also going through in a way that friends at home would never.
Make Lifelong Memories
Many of our teachers visit the friends they make during the cultural orientation and TEFL Course.
This becomes a valuable network and community for you as you’re able to visit your friends in different parts of Vietnam and fully experience all that the country has to offer.
Diverse range of background
We have teachers participating in the cultural orientation and TEFL course from all over the world.
24/7 In-Country Support
- Ex-foreign teachers and local, on-the-ground support staff provide you with personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience.
- You can rest assured knowing that any queries will be answered such as translation help, culture shock, legalities, emergencies, travel options or school queries. Someone is on hand.
- Teacher meet-ups.
- We check in with you regularly and keep up to date with your teach abroad experience.
Have some fun and embrace your new adventure!
Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL Certification
There are so many options when it comes to TEFL/TESOL courses that it can be quite overwhelming to understand what’s legitimate and what high quality schools require from teaching staff.
A quality TEFL/TESOL course helps teachers avoid the frustration and pitfalls of being unprepared in the classroom and provides all the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively teach English.
Educational Philosophy
Students are trained based on a global ‘best practices’ approach to teaching English as a second language that incorporates the direct method, communicative approach, and task-based teaching approach within a lesson planning structure of Present, Practice, and Produce.
We focus on teacher creativity. In many environments, teachers cannot depend on technology, so they must be both creative and resourceful in their lesson planning and execution. Technology is a tool, not a crutch.
Our teachers must harness their own creative spirit during the course and perform in a low-tech environment. Then once they have demonstrated that, we begin to instruct on how to use technology and allow students to incorporate technology into their lessons.
We require extensive teaching practice. We believe that proper education in TESOL must involve praxis, or the application of theory in a classroom setting. The course provides at least 16 hours of teaching practice whereby students are placed in a classroom as teachers, under instructor supervision and assessment, during the course. This typically happens several times during the course.
The process entails, preparing lesson plans for classrooms of different ages and skill levels, delivering those lessons, receiving peer and instructor feedback, and adjusting lesson plans and teaching approaches based on that feedback. This process is critical to the course and preparing teachers for the field.
Course Location
Our headquarters are in Ho Chi Minh City, with offices, meeting rooms and a large classroom for TEFL/TESOL training. It is footsteps to accommodations, tons of food shops, the famous War Museum and numerous green spaces.
Course Components
- Information and discussion about Vietnamese culture, history, politics, and society to provide exposure and help students navigate their new environment.
- Significant instruction in Vietnamese language.
- Strong grounding in the history and theory of teaching English as a foreign/second
language. This is taught in a way that emphasizes application of theory to enhance
success in the classroom. - Significant practical training in teaching listening, reading, speaking and writing in the
classroom, including extensive lesson planning, presentation, and feedback from
peers and instructors. - Tons of tips, tricks and examples of how to teach English to every age group.
- Advice and guidance for effective classroom management.
- Teacher practicum in a local charity school and/or language center.
Detailed Course Overview
Week One – Orientation
The first week of the course is an amazing, interactive, orientation on Vietnamese culture and language, as well as an opportunity to bond with other teachers-in-training and staff members.
The program is held in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is taught by area experts, and includes several exciting and informative cultural excursions.
Week Two
The second week of the course is a deeper exploration of theory in the discipline of English as a second language and how to teach grammar.
Students learn about the structure and key elements of a lesson plan. Every lesson requires a detailed lesson plan that lays out the procedures of the class, and encourages teachers to consider the challenges, technology resources, and other factors that can impact a successful lesson in the classroom.
During week two, students will also learn how to teach speaking and grammar. Grammar can be challenging to teach. One of the reasons for this is that it has been a long time since native English speakers have reviewed grammar rules, so we provide students with a bit of a refresher. The major assignments for week two are to create a lesson plan for teaching grammar and to present a full lesson just as a teacher would in a classroom.
Week Three
The third week of the course focuses on how to teach reading and listening.
The major assignments for this week are to create lesson plans for teaching reading and present full lessons just as a teacher would in the classroom. During this week participants will learn more about teaching young learners and practice planning lessons for kindergarten students.
Additionally, our participants will learn about curriculum development for long term learning goals for their students.
Week Four
The final week the class is dedicated to classroom management and preparing for and conducting the English camp *.
While classroom management may be the final topic covered, it is in fact extremely important, especially in cross-cultural contexts. Classroom management is about setting ground rules, apply them consistently, getting to know your students, and earning and maintaining their respect and commitment.
Students spend several days preparing their lessons for the English camp. The camp typically lasts 2-3 days.
During the final week there will also be an in-class final exam.
* Exact scheduling is subject to change
International Accreditation
Our internationally accredited TESOL course is accepted by employers around the world and is accredited by Accreditat. Accreditat is registered under the UKRLP (UK Register of Learning Providers), Number 10065351. Registration on the UKRLP means they have been verified against a recognised legal source.
Graduates of our internationally accredited 120-hour TESOL course have used their TESOL certificate to successfully find employment in ESL teaching and education fields in nearly every Western, native-English speaking country, as well as across Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond.
Accommodation
Accommodation during the TEFL/TESOL Course
Your accommodation for your TEFL/TESOL course is all pre-booked and sorted for you before you arrive in Vietnam. Typically with two or three people per room in a vetted local budget hotel.
Transfer from the airport to your accommodation is included for both In-class TEFL/TESOL course appliants and Placement Only. You can arrive anytime from Friday – Sunday prior to your intake – we will collect you at any hour. For Placement Only program applicants, there will be an additional cost for the hotel room if you arrive on Friday or Saturday, this is normally 8-16 USD per night. For the In-class TEFL/TESOL applicants, we arrange accommodation from the Friday before your intake date.
Accommodation after the TEFL/TESOL Course
Teachers will be given guidance on accommodation options in areas accessible to their school.
There will be resources available (both from XploreAsia and from the partner school) to find accommodation in the area.
Most accommodations will be studio apartments or shared houses.
Below is an example of a typical accommodation for teachers in Vietnam.
Some of the housing may even including someone who will do laundry and cleaning for a small fee on site, or it is included with the accommodation.
Houses are often several stories high with one or two rooms on each floor, several bathrooms, and the kitchen and lounge on the ground floor.
How much will rent cost?
Rent will vary depending on where you are living and is typically $150 – $450 USD per month but it is guaranteed to be affordable based on what you will be earning.
Will I be living with someone?
If you are placed with a friend or partner, we can assist with finding accommodation for you both. If you are living in one of the bigger cities, there is a strong network of foreign teachers and choosing accommodation in a shared house can be an easy, affordable and fun option.
We’re here to help you through the whole process and will provide help, guidance, information and assistance finding your ideal accommodation during your teach abroad experience.
Dates
- One of the huge advantages of taking the TEFL/TESOL course in Vietnam is that the course itself prepares people thoroughly for teaching in Vietnamese schools and gives you first-hand experience in the classroom during the practical portion of the course.
- The course begins on Monday morning, we typically have a welcome meeting on the Sunday afternoon before the intake. We would want all participants to be in country by Sunday afternoon before their course starts.
- Placement-only candidates will join one of the dates outlined below for their orientation before heading to their placements.
2024 | ||
---|---|---|
ALL THAILAND TESOL COURSE DATES ARE AN OPTION, FOLLOWED BY PLACEMENT IN VIETNAM THEREAFTER. | - October 28th - November 25th - December 30th | |
2025 | ||
24 February 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
07 April 2025 (Online TEFL & Placement and Placement Only) | Spaces Available | Apply |
02 June 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
30 June 2025 (Online TEFL & Placement and Placement Only) | Spaces Available | Apply |
28 July 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
25 August 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
17 November 2025 (Online TEFL & Placement and Placement Only) | Spaces Available | Apply |
Budgets
- Vietnam is generally affordable to travel to, so you should be able to manage on
a relatively low budget if necessary. - Although Vietnam may appear inexpensive due to favourable currency exchange rates, costs do add up and it can be easy to overspend. It is easy to overspend on lots of little things and big nights out before you adjust to local costs, and it is important to watch this if you are on a tight budget.
- You shouldn’t expect your first payday until the end of your first month of teaching. Therefore, this is a guide to provide you with an approximate budget for your initial few months in Vietnam.
- The amount of money you will need depends on your spending habits.
IN-CLASS TEFL/TESOL COURSE & PLACEMENT PROGRAM
We strongly suggest you bring no less than $2,000 USD with you when you arrive
in Vietnam. Please note, that this amount does not include any costs associated
before arrival in Vietnam.
PLACEMENT ONLY & SUPPORT PROGRAM
We strongly suggest you bring no less than $1,500 USD with you when you arrive in Vietnam. Please note, that this amount does not include any costs associated before arrival in Vietnam.
Currency Converter
Change to your currency. Default prices in US Dollar (USD). Please take note that the amount reflected above is based on the current exchange rate and may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility on the day of being invoiced.
Pre-departure costs
FlightsFlight prices vary depending on where you travel from and when you book. Prices can occasionally exceed this range. TravelBud is partnered with Student Universe so you are more than welcome to click here to complete our form and receive a free quotation for your consideration. | $700 - $1500 |
DocumentationBackground Check | $10 - $50(country dependent) |
DocumentationLegalized Background Check | $50 - $250(country dependent) |
DocumentationLegalized Degree | $50 - $250(country dependent) |
DocumentationLegalized TESOL/TEFL/CELTA Certificate | $50 - $250(country dependent) |
DocumentationOther Legalized Documents (Affidavit/COVID-19Vaccine Record/IELTS) | $50 - $250(country dependent) |
DocumentationEnglish Proficiency Test (IELTS) | $76 - $400(country dependent) |
InsuranceTravel insurance prices can vary dependent on things like provider, your age, country of origin and duration of your stay. This range is for TravelBud's recommended policies based on stays of 6 months or 1 year. Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all TravelBud programs. | $250 - $800 |
Visa Cost &Upon arrival at the airport in Vietnam, you will apply for your visa. This amount will be reimbursed by your school when you arrive at school. Keep hold of your receipt to be reimbursed. | $500 - $700 |
TOTAL | $1276 - $3890 |
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In Country TEFL course, Placement & Support - 1 month in Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation, Deposit, & Early Arrival (Food, Attractions, & Transportation )If you plan to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City a day or two early, you should budget in the cost of transportation, attractions, and food. You can save money by using public transportation whenever possible and only take metered taxis. Public transportation consists of the buses and taxis. These public transportation methods are easy ways to navigate Ho Chi Minh for much cheaper than a taxi (13,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND) per mile).You will be asked to put down a deposit of $100 USD; this will be returned to you at the end of your stay, minus any damages done to the room. Shared Accommodation is included in your course fee from the Sunday before start date. If you arrive before the Sunday before your course starts, you will need to pay between $24 USD per night you stay at the hotel. We have monthly contracts with the accommodation, so if you arrive outside of the contract period, you may need to pay for the early arrival. | Early arrival fee: $188 - $234Deposit: $100 |
English School Camp SuppliesAs you will learn on the course, having colorful, creative, engaging materials for teaching enhances the experience for your students. During the teacher camp, you will need to make flashcards, props, and possibly some worksheets.Most teachers spend about 200,000 – 350,000 VND (8 - 16 USD) on their camp supplies for flashcards, worksheets, activities, and games. You will be able to use these materials once you start teaching at your placement as well. We do provide access to stationary (sticky tack, stapler, tape, scissors, and whiteboard markers) throughout the course to help you plan your homework and class presentations. | $11 - $22 |
Startup items (toiletries, towel, phone)In Vietnam, you can find all toiletries like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. at many convenience stores. Most accommodations in Vietnam do not provide towels; therefore, we recommend people buy a towel once they get to Vietnam. You can certainly bring one from home, but it may take up space in your luggage.Another important thing to note is that Vietnam is a BYOTP culture (Bring Your Own Toilet Paper). Toilet paper is not often provided at public restrooms, restaurants, and even accommodations. The Vietnamese way is to use a spray gun, which almost all toilets and squatting toilets have. However, toilet paper is available in local convenient stores. We will provide you with a SIM card for your phone. If you wish to purchase a cheap burner phone here, they are available at the mall and cost about 300,000 – 2,000,000 VND (13 – 89 USD). | $10 - $70 |
Daily Expenses (Food, laundry, transportation around Ho Chi Minh City and to the TEFL/TESOL course)One of the best ways to budget your cash while living in Vietnam is eating the local Vietnamese street food. A local meal in Vietnam is about 15,000 – 50,000 VND (.64 – 2.15 USD) per dish. There are many restaurants that sell western style food but it is substantially more expensive. Western meals like hamburgers, pizza, etc. range from 60,000 – 250,000 VND (3 - 11 USD) and up for a single meal.There are coin laundry machines (60,000 VND [2.68 USD] per load) and full-service laundry shops (25,000 vnd per kg of laundry) in Vietnam. Public transportation on routes in Vietnam cost 6,000 – 20,000 VND (.26 - 1 USD) per trip. If you are looking to go somewhere specific, or are in a hurry, you can rent a taxi or take the bus. | $340 - $520 |
Optional Expenses (Nightlife, weekend trips, shopping)If you drink alcohol you will soon realize it becomes one of your biggest expenses. Be mindful of this when heading out as it is one of the many causes of participants running out of cash.Bars, especially in tourist areas, can vastly over charge on beer. For example, local beer will be 10,000 - 25,000 vnd at a local restaurant, but bars in the tourist area sometimes charge 50,000-100,000 vnd a beer. Cocktails are only marginally cheaper than western prices. (typically 100,000-120,000 vnd). If you are interested in going on weekend day trips with fellow participants to the local waterfall, temples, and beaches, there are some national park entrance fees and transportation costs. We will tell you more about these options during your first week and we can help arrange the trips. You can spend however much you like on these extra optional things, but please be mindful of your budget. | $80 - $420 |
TOTAL | $729 - $1366 |
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Important
On average those participating in the In-class TEFL/TESOL course, Placement and Support program will be placed within the first 6 weeks in HCMC, however, on occasion, the placement process can take longer. Therefore, it is important to be prepared and budget for a couple of weeks post-course in HCMC before heading to your placement.
Placement Only & Support - Orientation week in Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation, Deposit, & Early Arrival (Food, Attractions, & Transportation )If you plan to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City a day or two early, you should budget in the cost of transportation, attractions, and food. You can save money by using public transportation whenever possible and only take metered taxis. Public transportation consists of the buses and taxis. These public transportation methods are easy ways to navigate Ho Chi Minh for much cheaper than a taxi (13,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND) per mile).You will be asked to put down a deposit of $100 USD; this will be returned to you at the end of your stay, minus any damages done to the room. Shared Accommodation is included in your course fee from the Sunday before start date. If you arrive before the Sunday before your course starts, you will need to pay between $24 USD per night you stay at the hotel. We have monthly contracts with the accommodation, so if you arrive outside of the contract period, you may need to pay for the early arrival. | Early arrival fee: $188 - $234Deposit: $100 |
Startup items (toiletries, towel, phone)In Vietnam, you can find all toiletries like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. at many convenience stores. Most accommodations in Vietnam do not provide towels; therefore, we recommend people buy a towel once they get to Vietnam. You can certainly bring one from home, but it may take up space in your luggage.Another important thing to note is that Vietnam is a BYOTP culture (Bring Your Own Toilet Paper). Toilet paper is not often provided at public restrooms, restaurants, and even accommodations. The Vietnamese way is to use a spray gun, which almost all toilets and squatting toilets have. However, toilet paper is available in local convenient stores. We will provide you with a SIM card for your phone. If you wish to purchase a cheap burner phone here, they are available at the mall and cost about 300,000 – 2,000,000 VND (13 – 89 USD). | $10 - $70 |
Daily Expenses (Food, laundry, transportation around Ho Chi Minh City and to the TEFL/TESOL course)One of the best ways to budget your cash while living in Vietnam is eating the local Vietnamese street food. A local meal in Vietnam is about 15,000 – 50,000 VND (.64 – 2.15 USD) per dish. There are many restaurants that sell western style food but it is substantially more expensive. Western meals like hamburgers, pizza, etc. range from 60,000 – 250,000 VND (3 - 11 USD) and up for a single meal.There are coin laundry machines (60,000 VND [2.68 USD] per load) and full-service laundry shops (25,000 vnd per kg of laundry) in Vietnam. Public transportation on routes in Vietnam cost 6,000 – 20,000 VND (.26 - 1 USD) per trip. If you are looking to go somewhere specific, or are in a hurry, you can rent a taxi or take the bus. | $86 - $130 |
Optional Expenses (Nightlife, weekend trips, shopping)If you drink alcohol you will soon realize it becomes one of your biggest expenses. Be mindful of this when heading out as it is one of the many causes of participants running out of cash.Bars, especially in tourist areas, can vastly over charge on beer. For example, local beer will be 10,000 - 25,000 vnd at a local restaurant, but bars in the tourist area sometimes charge 50,000-100,000 vnd a beer. Cocktails are only marginally cheaper than western prices. (typically 100,000-120,000 vnd). If you are interested in going on weekend day trips with fellow participants to the local waterfall, temples, and beaches, there are some national park entrance fees and transportation costs. We will tell you more about these options during your first week and we can help arrange the trips. You can spend however much you like on these extra optional things, but please be mindful of your budget. | $80 - $100 |
TOTAL | $729 - $1366 |
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Important
On average those participating in the Placement and Support program will be placed before they arrive in HCMC for orientation week, however, on occasion, the placement process can take an extra week longer. Therefore, it is important to be prepared and budget for a couple of weeks in HCMC before heading to your placement.
1st month teaching post orientation week and TEFL course
Transportation to Your Placement & Visa runAt the end of the course, the placement team will advise you on the best way to get to your placement. They will assist you in purchasing the correct van, bus, train, or plane ticket. The bus system in Vietnam is the most common (and cheapest) form of transport. Most people will take a bus to their placement. If you do need to book a plane ticket, the cost is around 1,600,000 – 2,500,000 VND (70 - 110 USD).Some schools will have participants do their visa run right away, while others will wait until after you have taught for a month or two. Most of the time you will need to pay for your own flights for the visa run, but the school will cover or reimburse the cost of the visa. | $9 - $800 |
AccommodationWhen you get to your placement, you will need to pay rent and one month’s deposit. Depending on your location, the rent will cost anywhere from 5,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND (220 – 352 USD) per month. Typically, the deposit is equal to one month's rent. | $430 - $840* Including 1 month deposit |
Daily Expenses (Food, laundry, transportation around town) | $344 - $517 |
TOTAL | $783 - $2157 |
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Budget Totals
Pre-departureFlights, insurance, documentation(Notarization and Legalization), and visa stamp. | $1276 - $3890 |
In-class | $1512 - $3532 |
Placement Only & Support Program Total- Orientation week + first month at placement | $1247 - $2791 |
- The amounts shown above are estimated for someone who has frugal spending
habits. We highly recommend that you bring no less than $2500 for your program
start. This will provide an additional $500 USD cushion.
We realise that moving abroad to teach English in Vietnam is expensive at first, but remember that with TravelBud your teaching job is guaranteed.
- You can focus on enjoying your new lifestyle knowing your monthly income of $1200 – $1400 USD is secured.
- Once you start earning a salary, your living costs will be comfortably covered and you’ll start to learn how to cut down on your monthly expenses (for example, eating out less and finding the most affordable grocery store in your placement town).
- You will be able to enjoy your time teaching and travelling in Vietnam and save a good portion of your salary($500 – $800+ USD per month) to fund your bucket-list travel adventures, pay of student loans, and return home with some savings to your name.
Fees
The following costs make up the program fee and are payable to TravelBud before you head over to Teach English in Vietnam.
Currency Converter
Change to your currency. Default prices in US Dollar (USD). Please take note that the amount reflected above is based on the current exchange rate and may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility on the day of being invoiced.
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Option 1In-Class TEFL & Placement | Option 2Placement Only | ||
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Enrollment Deposit | $599 | $599 |
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Comprehensive pre-departure support and guidance |
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Personalised one-on-one Support |
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Visa Guidance |
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Your questions answered |
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Online TEFL Fee | Not applicable | ||
Final Program Fee, Guaranteed Job Placement and 24/7 Support | Final Program Fee$2300 | $1300 | Due 12 weeks prior to your selected intake date |
Guaranteed Job Placement |
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24/7 In-country support |
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Lifetime Teaching Placement Guarantee |
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TEFL/TESOL Course | (4 weeks in-country) |
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Internationally Accreditated Certification |
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Practical Teacher Training in-class |
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Airport pickup and transfer Subject to correct arrival times |
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Airport Assistance Info & guidance on trains/taxis/buses and routes |
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SIM Card Included | Not applicable | ||
SIM Card guidance |
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Local bank account guidance |
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Shared Accommodation | (1st month in-country) | (1st week in-country) |
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Cultural Orientation including excursions | (1 week) | (1 week) | In-class TEFL participants experience:
Online TEFL & Placement Only participants experience:
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Lesson Plan templates and resource directories |
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Support Network |
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Self-development and advantageous future employability |
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Total Fee | 120 Hour In-Class TEFL$2899 | Placement Only$1899 | Default prices in US Dollar (USD). Please take note that currency converted pricing is based on the current exchange rate and may fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility on the day of being invoiced. |
Free Enrolment Consultation
Apply now and we’ll call you back, explain the program and answer all your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
FAQ
How much does it pay to teach English in Vietnam? How much can I earn?
A full time contract requires you to work +- 80 hours in the month and will normally pay between $1400 USD – $2000 USD* (32 – 47 million Dong) per month. If you want to increase your salary you can easily pick up extra classes at your language centre.
* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.
Safety in Vietnam
Moving to another country to live and work is a big step and we realise that safety can be a concern.
Vietnam is generally a very safe country to live and travel in. Our teachers (both men and women) report feeling safe and accommodated during the time they lived in Vietnam.
The roads can seems quite chaotic at first and it takes a while to get used to the seemingly incomprehensible traffic laws.
Once you get used to it, however, you’ll realise that people drive quite slowly in the cities and are very careful on the roads. If you’re on a bike, take it slow and weave with the traffic and you should be just fine.
If you’re taking buses intercity, make sure that you’re travelling with a reputable bus company. Chat to us if you need any assistance or suggestions.
How are the authorities?
The police in Vietnam can seem intimidating, especially because of their military attire and history of militant culture.
Don’t be put off though! Authorities will be very helpful towards foreigners, as long as you are sticking to the law.
Safety Tips
- Be cautious with eating food that has not been cooked as fresh fruit and vegetables can be washed in tap water which might make you sick.
- Don’t drink tap water.
- Be alert and keep your valuables in a safe place, especially in a particularly touristy area.
24/7 On-the-ground Support
Our on-the-ground support staff provide you with personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience.
You can rest assured knowing that any queries will be answered such as emergencies, travel options, translation help, culture shock, legalities, or school queries.
Someone is on hand.
Is English spoken in Vietnam?
In the major cities most people will have a basic understanding on English.
Are teachers in high demand in Vietnam? Why?
Teachers are in very high demand in Vietnam. In the past decade, Vietnam has experienced massive economic growth and a booming middle class, which has created a large market for English education.
Many Vietnamese parents understand the importance of English education for their children and this has led to a great increase in the amount of language centers and foreign teachers in public schools in Vietnam.
In order to attract teachers and meet this demand, schools in Vietnam offer very good wages, especially considering the low cost of living in Vietnam.
Do students have to learn English in Vietnam?
Almost all students will take English with Vietnamese English teachers for some time in public schools, but most students will not come in contact with a foreign teacher.
How long does it take to get a TEFL/TESOL certificate in Vietnam?
We have a four week program with one week of cultural orientation and a three week long in-class TEFL Course.
Refer to the TEFL/TESOL Accreditation section for more information.
Do schools in Vietnam accept Online TEFL/TESOL certificates? If no, Why not?
Online TEFL/TESOL certificates are not generally accepted for public school nor for most language centers in Vietnam.
This is because most schools in Vietnam do not believe online TEFL/TESOL provide a high enough standard of training and the private language schools in Vietnam are quite expensive for parents, pay very well, and have higher expectations.
There are limited exceptions to this and we consider those on a case-by-case basis.
We offer an internationally accredited in-country TEFL/TESOL course that thoroughly prepares students for teaching English in Vietnam.
Refer to the TEFL/TESOL Accreditation section for more information.
What are the expected tax deductions from your paycheck? Does is differ from school to school?
Teachers are taxed at two different rates in Vietnam.
The first rate is 20%, which is the tax rate for those in process of obtaining a work permit and until they are considered a resident.
Once teachers have resident status, the typical tax rate will be from 5-15%, depending on the teacher’s salary. Schools will handle all teacher tax matters.
Where will I be placed teaching English in Vietnam?
We can place teachers in: cities, satellite towns around cities and you can teach Kindergarten, Primary (elementary and middle) or High school.
Refer to the Teaching Placements section for more information.
Our blog post on placements teaching English in Vietnam explains placement options in more detail.
Do schools pay you a fee/portion of my salary? If so, Why?
No, TravelBud and our partners DO NOT receive a portion of the teacher’s monthly salary.
After teachers are placed at a school, they will sign a contract directly with that school, not an agent or any third party.
The school pays the teacher directly. The amount the teacher will see on their contract is their salary, with taxes being the only deductions.
What is the big difference between language schools, private schools, government schools and varsity?
The two types of schools in Vietnam are language centers and public schools.
If teaching at a language center, teachers will work weekday evenings and daytime hours on the weekends, as these are schools students go to outside of their regular schooling.
Teachers will have one or two weekdays off a week, as well as a lot of free time during the day on the other weekdays.
Class sizes will be smaller, with averages of between 10-15 students. Lessons are typically 1.5 to 2.5 hours long.
If teaching in a public school, teachers will work daytime hours during the week, with weekends off.
Classes will be shorter averaging around 40 minutes with 30-40 students.
In both types of schools, teachers likely have around 20-25 teaching hours per week.
Some teachers will also have the opportunity to teach in both public and private school settings as part of their contracts.
How long are contracts for Teaching English in Vietnam?
Contracts are for 1 year and are renewable if you want to stay on in Vietnam.
What do I need to budget for?
Please review the budget section on this page thoroughly. We provide useful breakdowns to help you budget.
How many days off do I get?
You’ll have numerous travel opportunities with 20 days vacation plus all public holidays (for 12 month contracts) to explore and weekend getaways from the major cities are cheap, feasible and easy to plan.
Our support team will provide you with a detailed breakdown of your days off so you can plan your epic adventures!
Read our Vietnam blog posts to read about our alumni’s experiences teaching English in Vietnam.
What is the main religion in Vietnam?
Vietnam is made up of a number of religions with the majority practicing Mahayana Buddhism.
Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism are heavily intertwined. This Wikipedia article has detailed information to review.
Will I get picked up from the airport?
When you arrive in either Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, you’ll be fetched from the airport and taken to the shared accommodation which TravelBud organises for the duration of your Cultural Orientation and In-ClassTEFL/TESOL course.
Can I be placed with my friend or partner?
Yes, we can place you in the same town as your friend or partner. You might be teaching in the same school or in nearby schools, depending on the availability of jobs.
What if I am unhappy with my job? Can I be placed somewhere else?
If you are unhappy and there are clear reasons why the job is not working out for you, TravelBud will place you in a different job.
We have strong relationships with our partner schools and our applicants are generally very happy with their placements.
We are also available 24/7 to chat about how things are going and will check in with you throughout your adventure.
What is the dress code for teaching?
Dress code is smart-casual – collared shirts for men and conservative for women.
How are the authorities?
The police in Vietnam can seem intimidating, especially because of their military attire and history of militant culture.
Don’t be put off though! Authorities will be very helpful towards foreigners, as long as you are sticking to the law.
Travel Bud had me feeling so well prepared for this trip
The comfort they provided me set the tone for a welcoming , warm journey into Vietnam. I have felt extremely looked after and the way that the staff responded to every question I asked no matter how big or small was both genuine and helpful.
So supportive and helpful
Travelbud has honestly been the best company to come overseas with. They have been so supportive and helpful always checking in and emailing me to see if I need anything. They helped me through the paperwork process so amazingly and the staff are so friendly and kind and just want to help.
The experience as a whole has been wonderful
I had never left the US before signing up to come teach and it’s been great. TravelBud guided me through the process have really been exemplary in their ability to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible. The kids I am teaching are fantastic and the food here is unbelievable!
We’re here to help
We’ll answer all your questions and guide you every step of the way!