Teach English in Vietnam

Quick Facts

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

Get Started

Unsure? Get expert advice and guidance

We’ll send you more info, explain the program and answer all your questions.

Program Options

What’s included for each Program Option

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.

• 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!

Lifetime Placement Guarantee

• 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.

Teaching Placements

Teaching Placement Overview

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.

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.

Our Program Includes:

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.

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

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.

Ho Chi Minh hotel where you’ll be based for your TEFL/TESOL course.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fees

The following costs make up the program fee and are payable to TravelBud before you head over to Teach English in Vietnam.