TEFL Work Guide: Vietnam
With its breath-taking landscapes and exquisite cuisine, Vietnam should next be on your list of adventures. From the sandy beaches of Con Dao, to the vibrant cities of Hanoi, or the exceptional views of the Marble Mountains, Vietnam has something for everyone - it’s a hugely diverse country! The TEFL market in Vietnam is growing rapidly, so it’s definitely one to consider.
The TEFL market in Vietnam
A country built on international trade and tourism, the market for EFL teachers is huge in Vietnam, and it’s only getting bigger! Tourism is booming, alongside industries such as manufacturing and hi-tech IT. The growth in these particular industries means an increased demand for EFL teachers who can also teach Business English. There’s also endless opportunities for EFL teaching in schools. You can find TEFL jobs in public schools, language centres and international schools. You can find positions available for EFL teachers with either lots or little experience.
Requirements
Generally, native English speakers are preferred within the EFL market. To work in Vietnam, you’ll need to obtain a work visa. When you search for TEFL employers, ensure you choose ones that ask for a work visa. To obtain your visa, you’ll need at least an 120 Hour TEFL Certificate (but those with less or no teaching experience would benefit from an 150 Hour TEFL Certificate). You’ll also need to have achieved and hold a certified Bachelor's degree. If you don’t have a degree, there are other ways you can go about it. Five years of relevant, documented teaching experience in place of a degree can sometimes allow you to obtain a work visa. If you don’t have either of these, you might still be able to apply for relevant volunteer positions in Vietnam. You’ll also need a full criminal background check and complete a full health exam to obtain your visa.
Job expectations
The cost of living in Vietnam is relatively low, so it’s a great place to work whilst still having the financial freedom to explore everything it has to offer. As with anywhere, where you choose to live, what job you take and your lifestyle will affect your potential earnings.
Potential salaries vary depending on the type of job and the type of organisation you choose to work for. In public schools and language centres, you can expect to earn between 28 million - 47 million VND (£984 GBP - £1650 GBP) per month. In international schools, there is potential to earn up to 70 million VND (£2460 GBP) per month. Rental properties in bigger cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, offer monthly rent for a furnished apartment ranging anywhere from £125 GBP to £250 GBP (English equivalent) a month, so well within a potential salary range.
Life in Vietnam
You’ll find that a lot of EFL teachers tend to look for jobs in the south of Vietnam. The south is home to Ho Chi Minh City, which is the largest city in Vietnam. It’s a popular city for tourists, and has an interesting mix of modern skyscrapers, ornate temples and Chinese pagodas. It’s vibrating with energy and innovation, so it’s the perfect spot for those looking to delve into the country’s incredible culture while living the city life.
Vietnam is perfect for those looking to explore a new, tasty cuisine. It has French heritage, which you can really tell from their food. In particular, banh mi sandwiches, which are legendary in Vietnam, are made with fresh French bread and filled with fillings like roasted pork, chicken, and head cheese topped with fresh coriander and chilies. Their most famous dish, Pho, is a refreshing noodle soup full of fresh and tasty vegetables.
You’re never too far from the coast in Vietnam. With over 2,000 miles of coastline, including tropical beaches, traditional fishing villages, dynamic port cities, and ancient imperial capital there is always something new to do!
Finding jobs
There are many different channels you might want to go down when you start to think about finding a TEFL job in Vietnam. A quick search on a TEFL job site will bring up a variety of options. You can find a great job listing on our website, supporting students with their English at community focused schools. You can also find some great opportunities on websites such as Vietnam Teaching Jobs, TravelGrad and Teachaway.
