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Teach English in Vietnam
TEFL/TESOL accreditation
Including cultural orientation
Guaranteed job placement
Earn $1400 – $2000 USD* (32 – 47 million Dong) per month
* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility
Do you want to find out more about Teaching English in Vietnam? Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you!
Why Teach English in Vietnam?
- Vietnam is the perfect destination for those looking for a beautiful setting to live in while reaping the benefits of high salaries of $1400 USD – $2000 USD* per month (32 – 47 million Dong) and a significantly low cost of living.
* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility. - Vietnam is also one of the only countries where teachers can advance their career in schools through promotion to management positions.
- This makes it the ideal program to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture, it’s natural beauty and unique cuisine while honing your teaching craft and gaining invaluable teaching experience.
- Guarantee yourself a year abroad with 12 month contracts and are renewable if you want to stay on in Vietnam. (Salaries for short contracts may be lower but are based on hours worked – the more you work the more you can be paid)
- 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.
- You will prove the students you teach with a skill that will see them break through the barriers of poverty with endless employment opportunities available to those who can speak and understand the English language.
Travel Opportunities Teaching English in Vietnam
Vietnam is an incredibly beautiful country which is easy to travel around and perfectly situated for traveling to other countries all over Asia.
If you are teaching for 1 year, you should get up to 3 weeks leave as well as the holiday over Vietnamese New Year which will be 1 to 2 weeks. This gives you plenty of time to explore Vietnam and the surrounding countries.
Weekend getaways from the major cities are cheap, feasible and easy to plan.
Chat to us if traveling widely is part of your plan. We’d love to offer advice and suggestions for exciting travel experiences in and around Vietnam.
Visit Phu Quoc, the largest of Vietnam’s islands.
Justin stayed with a family in Sapa, full of rolling mountains of rice paddies.
Halong Bay is Vietnam’s premier tourist attraction and an absolute must if you love dramatic scenery.
Lao Cai and Sa Pa in far northern Vietnam can be reached by overnight sleeper train and/or bus from Hanoi and are great for scenic vistas and experiencing Vietnam’s many minority cultures.
Hue is a wealth of regal looking buildings, especially within the imperial citadel. Just be prepared for some rain though, the city has a notoriously wet climate so bring an umbrella.
Full-service Placement Process
It can be scary and intimidating traveling to a foreign country and the complex documentation and requirements can be overwhelming and confusing.
We know. We’ve all taught abroad before.
That’s why we don’t just find you an oversees teaching placement, we support you throughout our entire teach abroad experience!
Here’s how we help
- Everything explained clearly. We’ll walk you through each step and make sure you’re prepared.
- We help you plan. From what to pack to what documents to gather when.
- Guaranteed job placement. We place you in carefully selected and reputable schools in Vietnam.
- Accredited TESOL and cultural orientation. We provide the essential courses to help you succeed abroad.
- 24/7 support. Once you arrive in Vietnam we’ve got your back in an emergency or to answer any questions.
With TravelBud, you’ll always be talking to someone who has taught or volunteered abroad before, so you’ll get informed, first-hand advice to guide and prepare you for your experience.
Experience your own unique cultural adventure by teaching and traveling in Vietnam with TravelBud
Do I Qualify To Teach English in Vietnam?
You don’t need to have any teaching experience to teach English in Vietnam.
You do need:
- A passport from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, or New Zealand
- A bachelor’s degree in any field
- A 120-hour, in-class internationally accredited TESOL certificate or equivalent qualification (we provide this as part of the program)
How long is the teaching contract for?
- Placements are for 1 year and can be renewed if you’d like to stay in Vietnam for longer.
What if I don’t have a TESOL certificate?
We offer both in-class and online TESOL courses to prepare you for your adventure abroad. Read about our TESOL courses below to learn more.
If you’re unsure about any of your qualifications, chat to us! We’ll answer all your questions and do our best to accommodate you.
Watch the Teaching English in Vietnam summary video below:
Teach English in Vietnam TESOL Courses
Many TESOL courses are not accredited and do not provide adequate preparation for teaching. That’s why we highly recommend completing the 120-hour in-class TESOL in Vietnam. It will give you the best possible preparation and ensure that your students get the best education. These courses are tailored specifically to living and working in Vietnam and will give you valuable insight into Vietnamese culture, living arrangements and the specifics of teaching in a Vietnamese classroom.
The in-class TESOL course includes lessons on the local language, culture, society and politics.
The TESOL Course and orientation takes place over 4 weeks in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, Vietnam and is tailored specifically for native English speakers preparing to teach English in Vietnam.
It consists of a 1 week Vietnamese cultural orientation followed by 3 weeks of TESOL theory and practical learning.
Below is a brief breakdown of the TESOL course:
- 120 hours of onsite and off-site instruction and work
- Course book, multiple handouts
- Comprehensive cultural orientation including four days of lessons on the local language, culture, society and politics
- Cultural activities and excursions
- 2 days of real teaching experience at a local school in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi
- Camp facilitation
- Advice and guidance for effective classroom management
- Internationally accredited TESOL certificate and personalized letter of recommendation from your instructor
Here are just some of the excursions that make up our cultural orientation in Vietnam:
- 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 martial arts class, focussing on the unique aspects of the sport in Vietnam
- Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an elaborate network of tunnels used during the Vietnam war.
- Welcome dinner with our Vietnam in-country team
The in-country excursions are punctuated by in-class language and culture lessons, developed to establish a basic understanding of Vietnamese politics, culture and language.
Many of our teachers visit the friends they make during the cultural orientation. As we place teachers across Vietnam, this becomes valuable as you’re able to visit your friends in different parts of Vietnam and fully experience all that the country has to offer.
Tour in Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City
Learning excursions provide insight into the multiple facets of Vietnamese culture, and allow participants to interact with the locals.
Step inside the Cu Chi Tunnels, an elaborate network of tunnels used during the Vietnam war.
Experience the fascinating history of the Vietnam war
Bond with your fellow TESOL classmates and form a network of new friends from all over the world.
Costs
What Will I Earn?
As an English teacher in Vietnam, you’ll earn $1400 – $2000 per month*. * May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.
This will comfortably cover your living expenses, which are very low, as well as weekend adventures and more long-term travels.
How much does it cost?
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.
We offer three program options:
- Option 1 (includes TEFL/TESOL certification)
In-class TEFL/TESOL Certification and Guaranteed Job Placement, Orientation and Support (Highly Recommended) - Option 2 (if you already have your TEFL/TESOL certification)
Guaranteed Job Placement and Support.
OPTION 1
In-class TEFL/TESOL Certification and Guaranteed Job Placement, Orientation and Support (Highly Recommended)
The in-class TESOL courses is tailored specifically to teaching English in Vietnam and will give you valuable insight into Vietnam culture and the specifics of teaching in a Vietnamese classroom.
Enrollment Fee and Pre-departure SupportThis secures your spot in a program that has limited availability per course and gets the process started.Here's what happens next:
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Shared Accommodation, In-class TEFL/TESOL, Guaranteed Job Placement, Orientation and our award winning 24/7 support
| $2250What's included? |
TotalBirthday Sale! $200 USD off! |
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OPTION 2
Already have a TEFL/TESOL Certificate?
If you already have an approved in-class TEFL/TESOL certification then you may qualify for our Placement Only program.
Placement Only candidates will join one of the in-country orientation weeks before heading to their placements. By doing the in-country orientation, you will be able to experience a full Korean cultural program as part of a group, meeting many other teachers who are also going to teach in Vietnam.
Enrollment Fee and Pre-departure SupportThis secures your spot in a program that has limited availability per course and gets the process started.Here's what happens next:
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Shared accommodation during Orientation Week, Guaranteed Job Placement, Cultural Orientation and 24/7 Support
| $1250What's included? |
TotalBirthday Sale! $200 USD off! |
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What is included in the TravelBud enrollment fee?
Pre-departure Support
As soon as you pay your deposit, your pre-departure support kicks off. From that moment on, TravelBud will be on call to answer all your questions and provide all the support and guidance you need.- 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.
24/7 Dedicated Ongoing In-country Support
- On-the-ground support and personal assistance throughout the duration of your teaching experience.
- In the event of an emergency, we’ll be on hand 24/7
- TravelBud’s support managers will also check in with you regularly for the duration of your teaching English in Vietnam experience.
Lifetime of job placement opportunities
- Your once-off placement fee guarantees you a lifetime of job placement with TravelBud.
- If you want to teach somewhere else after your time in Vietnam, we will organise job placement for you – as long as you qualify to teach in that country.
Teaching Resources and Support from local teachers
- Access to online teaching resources such as printable lesson plans and worksheets which will make your job a whole lot easier!
- There is always a supervisor that teachers can go to for help with their teaching tasks.
What is included in the TravelBud Program fee?
Once you’ve paid your enrollment fee, you’ll unlock all the benefits of your pre-departure support and placement process. The last thing you’ll need to pay is your final fee, this is the remainder of the cost for the program you’re signed up for. Here’s what’s included in that:- 3 Week in-class TESOL course with an experienced instructor, tailored to teaching in a Vietnamese classroom (if you qualified for the orientation & placement only option on this program, your final fee will have been adjusted to exclude this)
- 1 Week cultural orientation packed with activities, classes and lessons to help you make the most of your time in the country
- Transfer from the airport to the arranged accommodation is included. You can arrive anytime from Friday – Sunday prior to your intake – we will collect you at any hour. For Placement 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 TESOL + Placement applicants, we arrange accommodation from the Friday before your intake date.
- SIM card guidance/assistance
- Guaranteed Job Placement at a carefully vetted school where every effort is made to match your placement requirements
- 24/7 in-country support for everything from basic advice to help resolving issues which might arise with your employer or landlord to crisis management in the case of emergencies
- Access to our teacher network, our TESOL education team and a wide array of online teaching resources to help you in your job in the classroom
- Lifetime placement guarantee ensuring placement on any qualifying program where there is availability on our Asian network for FREE, once you’ve completed your first contract
We understand it’s hard to take this all in.
With TravelBud, you’ll always be talking to someone who has taught or volunteered abroad before, so you’ll get informed, first-hand advice to guide and prepare you for your experience.
Budgets
What are the other costs involved prior to departing?
The tables aboe detail costs you’ll need to pay TravelBud in order to join the program. You’ll also need to budget for various other expenses, not payable to TravelBud, which allow you to legally teach abroad plus the cost of travel to your destination and insurance for your trip. Our support team will walk you through everything prior to you departing to ensure you have exactly what you need by when you need to have it. The following is what you’ll need to budget for:Please Note:
Due to COVID-19 rules and regulations, budgets are subject to change. Our team will advise you on all the latest up to date information and pricing.
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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What do I need to budget for?
Bear in mind that you will be spending at least 2 months in Vietnam before you receive your first paycheck. You will therefore need to budget enough money to see you through the 1 month TESOL course and your first month of teaching. Of course, the amount of money you need depends on your spending habits and Vietnam is generally a cheap place to travel to, so you should be able to manage on a relatively low budget if necessary. In total, we recommend taking at least $1500 with you to start your teaching journey in Vietnam. However, you might find that you need more money to suit your lifestyle or to buffer unexpected expenses. However, you might find that you need more money to suit your lifestyle or to buffer unexpected expenses. Take a look through our budget guidelines to see what budget suits your spending habits: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.
Budget for 1 month during the in-class TESOL course in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, Vietnam
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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Budget for your first month of teaching English in Vietnam
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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Please Note:
Due to COVID-19 rules and regulations, budgets are subject to change. Our team will advise you on all the latest up to date information and pricing.
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 |
- We strongly suggest that you bring no less than $2000 USD with you when you arrive in Vietnam, or have access via ATM, to buffer any unforeseen costs prior to your first pay check.
When can I start Teaching English in Vietnam?
These courses are tailored specifically to living and working in Vietnam and will give you valuable insight into Vietnamese culture, living arrangements and the specifics of teaching in a Vietnamese classroom.
These dates coincide with the highest demand for teachers by Vietnamese schools and we therefore highly recommend choosing a Vietnam TESOL course.
2024 | ||
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| 27 May 2024 | Orientation Only. TESOL completed in Hua Hin, Thailand. | Apply |
| 22 July 2024 | Full In-Class TESOL in Ho Chi Minh City | Apply |
| 19 August 2024 | Orientation Only. TESOL completed in Hua Hin, Thailand. | Apply |
| ALL THAILAND TESOL COURSE DATES ARE AN OPTION, FOLLOWED BY PLACEMENT IN VIETNAM THEREAFTER. | ||
2025 | ||
| 24 February 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
| 21 April 2025 (Online TEFL & Placement and Placement Only) | Spaces Available | Apply |
| 26 May 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
| 21 July 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
| 18 August 2025 | Spaces Available | Apply |
| 3 November 2025 (Online TEFL & Placement and Placement Only) | Spaces Available | Apply |
- Placements are for 12 months in private schools and can be renewed if you’d like to stay in Vietnam for more than a year.
TESOL Thailand Dates
In the event that the above dates don’t suit your needs, speak to your enrollments coordinator about the option of doing your orientation and TESOL in Thailand where courses happen almost monthly. You’ll then fly over to Vietnam upon completion to start work. These courses are tailored to teaching and living in Thailand, so we recommend you choose one of our Vietnam courses listed above wherever possible.
In-depth presentation of not only the surface elements of Vietnamese culture such as food, entertainment and dress, but also the underlying influences that guide peoples’ behaviors.
Experience authentic Vietnamese food.
Participants pose for a group photo at a Vietnamese food market.
French Colonial style city hall in Ho Chi Minh City.
Arrival & Orientation
Pre-departure Support
As you prepare for your trip, TravelBud’s support managers will guide you through:- Packing
- Visas
- Budget
- Travel insurance
- And any questions you might have to help ease any anxieties during the pre-departure process.
Arriving in Vietnam
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 TESOL course.- Your accommodation will be organised for you.
- Airport pick-up
- Travel to your accommodation.
Teaching Environment
Your teaching job is guaranteed with TravelBud. You’ll head off to your new job as soon as you’ve completed your TESOL course.
What is the duration of the contract?
The contract duration in Vietnam is 12 months.
1 Year Program
- Contract duration: 1 year (12 months)
- You will be teaching at a private language centre.
- Monthly salary of between $1200 – $1700 shorter contracts usually pay between $900 and $1500, depending on how many hours worked (minimum 12 per week)
- End of contract bonus payout
- Your contract is renewable, so you can choose to teach for more than one year.
- You can expect to teach between 12 and 15 students per class at the private language centres and your typical work day will start at 12pm and end at 8pm. Hours and class size do, however, vary from school to school.
Where will I be teaching?
We can place teachers in:
- Cities
- Satellite towns around cities.
You can teach:
- Kindergarten
- Primary (elementary and middle)
- High school
Keep in mind that placements do depend on what jobs are available.
TravelBud does take your preference into account when placing you in a job. However, these placement do depend on what jobs are available so we cannot guarantee any jobs according to preference.
A teacher poses with his students in a Vietnamese classroom.
Vietnamese learners enjoy the fun and games of interactive class lessons.
A Vietnamese public school classroom environment.
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.
Justin, a videographer from South Africa, at a language institute in Vietnam. Here he is with his young class.
Teaching resources might be limited at some of the schools but the private language centres where you will be based will be fully stocked with resources.
Living Environment
What accommodation can I expect to have?
Accommodation in Vietnam will vary depending on where you are living and whether you are living alone or sharing with others.
It is possible to rent a room in a shared house or apartment at a very reasonable price.
Single occupants might expect to pay a bit more but rent is still very affordable.
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.
An example of a shared lounge for participants to relax and catch up/
Kitchens and bathrooms are modern and well equipped.
Where do I stay if I do the In-Class TESOL course in Vietnam?
Depending on where you go, you’ll have shared accommodation in hotels in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh hotel where you’ll be based for your TESOL course.
Hanoi accommodation is also clean and modern with everything you’ll need for your TESOL course.
How much will rent cost?
Rent will vary depending on where you are living, 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.
Let us know what you need in terms of accommodation and we’ll assist with finding the best living environment for you.
We’re available to talk you through the whole process!
Why Teach English in Vietnam with TravelBud?
It can be scary and intimidating traveling to a foreign country and the complex documentation and requirements can be overwhelming and confusing. We know. We’ve all taught abroad before.Pre-departure supportOur support managers will assist with all planning, packing, visas, costs, documentation, booking flights and answering any questions you might have. | |
24/7 In-country supportOur in-country partners will be available for the duration of your time in Vietnam. If you need any assistance or advice, or in the event of an emergency, we’ll be on hand! | |
Accredited in-class TESOL in VetnamIncluding shared accommodation for the duration of your course. | |
Job Placement Guaranteed | |
Lifetime job placement with your once-off program feeIf you’d like to move to another program after teaching in Vietnam, we will facilitate this at no cost. | |
Cultural orientation coursePrepares you for your teaching experience in Vietnam and introduces you to Vietnamese history, language, politics and culture. | |
Placement Accommodation, Transport and spending moneyChat to our enrollment coordinators for more specific details about budgeting. | |
Knowledge and adviceOur enrollment coordinators have all taught abroad and have first-hand insights on our teach abroad destinations and programs. | |
Airport pickup in Ho Chi Minh or HanoiWithin four days of the program start date | |
Flights | |
Flight and visa assistance | |
Travel insuranceWe'll assist you with the additional purchase of your travel insurance via our insurance partners. | |
Teaching resourcesYou’ll have access to a database of lesson plans, worksheets, flashcards and printable materials for your classroom. |
Safety
Moving to another country to live and work is a big step and we realise that safety can be a concern.What do TravelBud staff and teachers say about safety in Vietnam?
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.
Teach English in Vietnam FAQ
How much does it pay to teach English in Vietnam? How much can I earn?
In Vietnam teachers are paid hourly. So your monthly salary will depend on how many hours you work. A full time contract requires you to work about 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.
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 Vietnam TEFL/TESOL course.
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/TESOLs 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 Vietnam TEFL Course that thoroughly prepares students for teaching English in Vietnam.
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 10-14%, 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. Please review our blog post on placements teaching English in Vietnam which explains placement options in 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?
Choose between short contracts starting at 4 months up to 12 month private school contracts are available and are renewable if you want to stay on in Vietnam. (Salaries for short contracts may be lower but are based on hours worked – the more you work the more you can be paid)
What do I need to budget for?
Please review the costs 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 TEFL/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.
Reviews from our Teachers
Teach English in Vietnam Blog Articles
Teach English in Vietnam – Paige’s Story
After taking a leap from the comfort of home in Scotland - Paige began her teach abroad...
Vegetarian in Vietnam: A Crash Course
When I visited Vietnam for the first time as a vegetarian I was naturally curious and...
What it Was Like Teaching English in Vietnam – Aubrey’s Story
As the newest member of the TravelBud team, Aubrey Van Allen is a former English teacher...
A Quarantine Culture Trip Through Vietnam
With many of us hitting the two-month mark in our COVID-19 experience, things are...
What We Have Learned While Teaching Abroad as a Couple
Eddie and I embarked on our adventure to Teach English in Vietnam as a newly married...
Top 8 Places to Explore Whilst Teaching in Vietnam
There are hundreds of places you could explore whilst teaching English in Vietnam. The...
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City Over 3 Days
If you're thinking of teaching English in Vietnam, there's a big chance you could be...
Teach English in Vietnam: Public Schools vs Private Language Centers in Ho Chi Minh City – Parker’s Story
Teaching English in Vietnam is definitely our fastest growing program, and it’s very...
The Top 5 Movies & Documentaries You Need to Watch Before Teaching English in Vietnam
Arguably one of our most popular programs, teach English in Vietnam is becoming a very...
My Experiences Teaching English in Thailand & Vietnam – Kelsey’s story
This week we caught up with Kelsey, who has recently finished teaching English in...
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