What is “Teacher Placements in Vietnam”

Hanoi lake is an experience to be enjoyed

Placing teachers in great schools

Vietnam ESL and Teacher Placements

Because there is such a high need for qualified English teachers in Vietnam, VietnamESL launched the English Placement Program in Vietnam in 2021 to assist teachers from other countries in entering and successfully obtaining a position at a Vietnamese school or center.

We also offer introduction services to schools wanting online teachers. During the Covid pandemic, most schools closed but they still need qualified and competent EFL teachers.

While many websites provide a click-and-search service, we set ourselves apart by offering a personalized service that puts you in direct contact with the owner or human resource management.

Our Vietnam teachers support program.

Our support starts even before you come to Vietnam. We introduce teachers to only those schools that are recognized as being both professional and honest in their dealings with NES ( Native English Speaking ) Teachers.

You will be talking with ex-pats who, like me, have been in Vietnam for a long time. Vietnamese who are bilingual will also help you overcome any problems you may have.

We Also…

Connect & match secured job offers from legitimate employers with Teachers’ expectations in Vietnam. We will liaise with the school to get your documents processed faster and get you teaching quicker.

Provide Airport pick-up and departure services. You will then be taken to a clean and comfortable hotel on arrival. Bi-lingual support when first arriving will solve a lot of problems.

Organize accommodation on arrival if needed. Being on the ground in Vietnam we know the good and safe hotels. We normally arrange 2 nights stay ( Or more if needed ) so you can have a base to call home.

Provide local sim cards and a video explaining the “dos’ and donts” in Vietnam. Some cultural differences are important to know first off. And a quick education into understanding exchange rates will stop a lot of potential rip-off situations.

Provide Emergency contact numbers. All too often people who first come to Vietnam will have some problems. Whether it is a motorcycle accident, dental emergency, or health scare. Or even being kicked out of their apartment. We provide emergency services.

Visa and Covid advice. We provide a list of trusted and respected professionals who will help you. We do not charge for this service. Vietnam is a developing country and there are some unscrupulous businesses that will charge exorbitant amounts for things you can do yourself. We are not one of those.

Provide Classroom advice and Teacher training. Either online advice or face-to-face tuition can be provided if needed. There are a lot of resources available and we can help you maximize your in-class experiences.

How do we do it? | Step by Step.

  • STEP 1
    You provide us with all the necessary documents (Degree, teaching certificate, updated resume, police check, health check ) for scanning. It is a good idea to get your paperwork notarized before you leave your country. This is a form of certification you can organize at your consulate or embassy.

  • STEP 2
    VietnamESL will gather your paperwork and find suitable schools depending on your qualifications and experience.
  • STEP 3
    We will send all your paperwork to connect you with our suggested employers and find those best suited to your skills.
  • STEP 4
    After your agreement on the schools we recommend we will set up an online interview.
  • STEP 5
    More often than not you will be asked to do an online demonstration class. ( Post Covid it will be a classroom demo. ) This is where you need to shine.
  • STEP 6
    Read the offer and contract and accept or decline.

    If you accept you need to organize your visa and book your ticket to come to Vietnam. ( Once classroom teaching starts )

    What is it like now

Currently, most schools are teaching online, but the same steps apply. When the schools reopen again they will require you to travel to Vietnam as quickly as possible. There is a shortage of good qualified and vaccinated teachers in Vietnam so this is an opportune time to take advantage of the scarcity of people like you.

What can I earn?

There are a number of positions available now that will pay between $17 to $23 ( I have seen up to $30 ) or more depending on your qualifications and experience. The schools have become a lot more flexible in age requirements so do not hesitate even if you are over 55.

Depending on your background, you may be eligible for benefits such as housing, work permit assistance, and end-of-contract bonuses.

The salary as mentioned will comfortably cover your living expenses, which in Vietnam are far lower than in most Western countries.

You will get at least one day off per week to travel around Vietnam and see the sights and scenery. Shorter contracts may pay less, but the amount is determined by the number of hours worked, so the harder you work, the more you get.

How much money should I bring?

Before you go, our support team will guide you through everything to ensure you have precisely what you need when you need it.

However, in order to be comfortable, you should bring about $4,000 with you. The majority of schools pay in arrears on a monthly basis. You definitely do not want to run out of funds in your first month in a new country.

What is it like teaching in Vietnam?

Because the locals are eager to learn English, there are a variety of opportunities for both adults and children to learn the language.

Most schools are currently teaching online, but when classrooms reopen, you will be required to be completely vaccinated against Covid and qualified as a teacher.

Because schools are still closed due to the effects of Covid, online teaching has become the norm. For teachers who are used to teaching in a classroom, this has caused some challenges.

Some of my favorite teaching materials can be found online: ==> HERE <==.

However, it won’t be long until we’re back in the classrooms.

More information about Vietnam and teaching can be found ==> HERE<==

Conclusion.

We provide the personal touch and are people who have lived and worked in Vietnam for a long time. If you want to speak with a native English speaker and get the real information on what and who is good or not so good contact us below.

Contact us.

For any service you choose or if you need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us through email at…

stephen@vietnamesl.com

Or leave a comment below.

Any or all links on this site may be affiliate links, and if you purchase something through those links I will make a small commission on them.

There will be no extra cost to you and at times due to my affiliation, you could actually save money.

You can read our full affiliate disclosure here.

How to learn Vietnamese fast | Or any Language

The Best ways to learn a language.

Learning a new language

Learning a new language necessitates the acquisition of new vocabulary. There is a lot of vocabulary in every language, but you do not need to know or learn every word.

Many people blame their poor memory for their inability to learn new words, so they give up before ever getting started. Quite often it is because they try to learn too much.

To speak a language you do not need to know all of its vocabulary or phrases

Make use of the Pareto principle and know that putting in 20% of your effort to learn new vocabulary can result in 80 percent comprehension in a language.

For example, only 300 words make up 65 percent of all written material in English. We use those words frequently, and every other language does as well.

How do I learn a language fast?

The brain seems to work at different speeds with different languages. Changing from one language to another is like shifting gears in a car.

This is difficult at a beginner’s level because you will need an explanation of the words or phrases in the new language you can’t understand,

But these tips and hacks will help you learn faster.

My Tips and hacks to learn faster.

Set Goals. Setting goals for what you want to achieve is the first step in learning a new language quickly.

How do you know what you want to achieve and judge if you’ve achieved it if you don’t set goals?

Most of us are intimidated by the prospect of learning a new language. There are a lot of words to learn and a lot of ways to study. Setting goals helps you focus your attention so you can quit sweating the small stuff and get down to work.

Don’t get distracted by anything that is different from your native language. Turn off your phone or switch it to the language you are trying to learn.

Change the language of your computer to the language you are trying to learn. Fully immerse yourself in the language you wish to learn.

Create an environment without distractions of other languages. For example; Don’t listen to English songs if you are trying to learn Vietnamese. And visa versa.

Use Flashcards. To help with learning, flashcards of the most common words can be downloaded or purchased. Good flashcard methods use a repetition mechanism and are available in a variety of phone apps these days.

You hear words at deliberately spaced intervals, just before you forget them, rather than going through the same list of vocabulary the same way every time.

Don’t overextend your learning. Losing direction and motivation after feeling motivated and full of energy and ambition is normal. And the issue is due to poor planning or unrealistic goals.

So, instead of planning for those times when we will be full of energy why not plan for those times when we will be exhausted? If you feel drained, take it easy and still learn.

Wear a headset and listen to music in the language you’re learning. Watch children’s cartoons, read comic books. Even if when you don’t feel inspired you can still learn passively.

The number one skill of learning any language is the listening skill. Babies do not speak their native language as soon as they are born, they listen and then form words. You can do the same.

Use Social Media. Begin an online conversation with a native speaker, someone who has spent their entire life speaking that language. You only need to learn a few things for your first chat.

But if you utilize it right away, you’ll see what’s missing and can fill in the gaps. You can’t study alone until you’re “ready” for any kind of social connection.

Speak out loud. Do not be shy. Make use of everything you know, focus on communication more than perfection. Sure, you could wait until you’re ready to say “Excuse me, Sir, could you point me in the direction of the closest bar”.

But “bar where ?” will convey the same information. So even though it’s not perfect you will get the same message across.

And maybe you will be helped in your phrases at the same time. It will be evident that you’re a learner, you’ll be forgiven for being straightforward.

Moreover, you will be congratulated for trying to learn the native language of the country you are visiting or living in.

Jump in the deep end. Talk to your native buddy about their weekend activities, and tell them about yours. Then talk about something that’s on your mind and try to communicate your thoughts.

It’s critical to take an active role and ensure that you’re having a diverse range of talks. Make a list of topics you’d like to talk about and bring them up (hobbies, favorite music, vacation plans, etc.) to keep the discussion moving.

Learn the culture. It takes more than just reading words on a page to comprehend a language. It’s also good to understand the culture and history which will help understand the use of the language.

Understanding the history, current events, religious beliefs, and common customs of a country or culture can help you grasp a lot of what people say and do.

People can understand a second language better when they comprehend the culture and background behind the language they are trying to learn.

Test yourself. Try to regularly test yourself in little ways. If you’re learning from a textbook, take practice tests or complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.

You can also play online games or take online tests. Online practice tests can be found in almost any language

Get a Teacher. It is easy to plan to succeed yet fail. If you have a course or teacher that you have paid for you will be more driven to learn. You will not want to waste the money you have spent and will commit to a more rigorous style of learning.

UDEMY provides some great resources with native teachers if you are not in the country you wish to learn the language of.

Use a phone app. There are a lot out there, Duolingo, Mondly, and a host of others. I have used and tested a lot of them and my favorite for ease of use and resources is Mondly. But find what is right for you and stick to the program.

Conclusion.

Language acquisition is a very personal experience, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, one important aspect of learning is to laugh a lot and have fun, as well as to express thanks when people aid you.

While you can accomplish a lot in a few months, you must practice, study, and use your new language as much as possible. When you achieve fluency in a language, though, it tends to stick with you for the rest of your life.

Who am I?

My name is Stephen and I am an EFL teacher in Vietnam. I have taught English as a Foreign Language for over fifteen years and have my own school.

I also place native English teachers in schools around Vietnam. Teaching is something I love, along with traveling and discovering new cultures. Street food is a passion of mine and I try to partake as often as possible.

You can check out my house in Vietnam by clicking on the YouTube button below.

Any or all links on this site may be affiliate links, and if you purchase something through those links I will make a small commission on them.

There will be no extra cost to you and at times due to my affiliation, you could actually save money.

You can read our full affiliate disclosure here.

How to teach English in Vietnam


Teaching English in Vietnam

For several years, teaching English in Vietnam has been highly popular. The unique culture, vibrant marketplaces, tropical environment, and friendly people are all reasons to visit.

Vietnam stretches along the South China Sea’s coast and has borders with three other nations. It has become a popular destination for backpackers, vacationers, and English teachers.

Because the locals are eager to learn English, there are numerous options to teach both adults and children.

Currently, most schools are teaching online but once the classrooms reopen you will be expected to be fully vaccinated against Covid.

What kinds of jobs are available?

Having a TESOL or TEFL qualification can provide you a big edge in the eyes of your employer if you want to be an EFL instructor, especially in Vietnam. What kinds of teaching jobs can you get with them, though? Continue reading to find out!

Get Qualified.

Before you start your journey as a teacher you will need to be TEFL or TESOL qualified. You can use a course provided by UDEMY to get your Teaching Certificate.

Udemy

Teaching Online

Teaching online has become the norm recently as schools are still closed because of the effect of Covid. This has presented some learning curves for teachers who are used to classroom teaching. You can find out some of my favorite tools for teaching online. ==> HERE <==.

Classroom Teaching.

Once the schools reopen there will be an urgent need for qualified and vaccinated teachers. There are job advertisements being placed on various Facebook groups already. Below are the general types of employment you can expect.

Vietnam English Teaching Schools and also HCMC ESL Teaching jobs are 2 such groups you can find jobs.

Language Schools:

Language schools abound in Vietnam’s cities and towns. Finding a job in large cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Min City is surprisingly simple. A TESOL or TEFL certificate, as well as a bachelor’s degree, are required for the best (and highest paying) professions. However, finding English teaching positions as a native speaker is still rather easy.

Teachers pick language schools for a variety of reasons, including reliability, assistance, and professional growth. These institutions normally provide a lot of workshops, training, and managerial meetings for new teachers.

Another benefit is that they frequently offer incentives like contract completion allowances, relocation packages, and overtime as well as covering the costs of visas and work permits.

If you don’t like waking up early in the mornings, this may be a good option for you.

The cons of Language Schools.

Working in a language school has a couple of disadvantages. One is that you need to sign a contract that commits you to that particular company. There can also be a set amount of hours outlined in the contract, but this can also be flexible.

This usually translates to a weekend and a set weekday routine, which may limit your vacation options. Your normal working hours will be in the evenings Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sundays.

Be very careful when signing contracts as there are sometimes penalty clauses for arriving late to work. And with the traffic in the bigger cities, you are going to be late at least some times. It can be very annoying to be docked one hour of pay if you are 5 minutes late.  Read your contract.

Another problem can be these institutions will frequently allow pupils to go to the following level. Even when the student is not ready to advance to the next grade level. This can be aggravating for English teachers as well as pupils’ peers.

Public Schools

Teaching in State schools is another popular route for the EFL teacher to take. The State schools normally get their EFL ( English as a Foreign Language) teachers from private companies. These companies can loosely be termed recruitment agencies at best. At worst, they are just cannon fodder for providing teachers. They advertise heavily on Facebook groups.

Working in State schools comes with its own pros’ and cons’. On the upside, you are working through the day and have the weekends off to explore your new city and surroundings.

The normal hours at State schools are from 7 am to 4 pm. However, you will be allocated classes that run up to one and a half hours in length. If you have no classes you do not need to stay at the school.

Be prepared for a long lunch if you work in a state school, as often the students will have a break between 11 am and 1 pm.

The cons’ of State schools.

The biggest complaint you will hear from teachers is the size of the class. Expect 50 students in your class and anything less is a bonus. So imagine teaching 50 noisy students in a large classroom. There are some tools that make teaching easier that I have written about before. You can look => HERE <== to find out more.

International Schools.

A few years of teaching experience is frequently required for a position in an international school. However, it can provide ongoing career development chances as well as significant benefits such as flight reimbursement and housing allowance.

You’ll primarily be teaching English to Vietnamese youngsters who are either ex-pats or rich. These schools are typically placed in well-off residential suburbs.

Obtaining a list of schools from online groups or ex-pat directories can help you find these schools. Keep in mind that, unlike language schools, these positions are normally only accessible throughout the summer months of June through August.

Private Tuition.

Teaching private English courses in Vietnam, particularly in the larger cities, is quite simple. The biggest benefit is that teachers have far more flexibility and earn far more per hour than those who work in language schools.

Finding pupils is as simple as advertising yourself in local papers or online on a regular basis. Because most parents still do not understand English, it is preferable if you have some Vietnamese language abilities.

Or employ an assistant to help you in your marketing attempts. Teachers can also rely on word-of-mouth and publish notices in neighborhood hangouts to get good results.

Teaching private English sessions can be unpredictable, and it can be difficult to make a living doing it full-time when you first arrive. Some teachers use private tuition to supplement their classes or online teaching activities.

But once you have been here for a while you will attract students who will look for private tuition. It is not uncommon for some reputable teachers to work full time in their own business and make substantially more than teaching in the schools.

Open Your own Language Center.

A natural progression is to move from private tuition to opening your own language center. Create your own language school.

Setting up your own language center is an excellent idea if you want to pursue business in addition to teaching. You’ll be the boss as well as a teacher, allowing you to still pursue your passion for teaching.

Your company location can be your own house or a rented space. Having a TEFL or TESOL degree and teaching experience will assist you greatly in attracting students.

You would need to set up all the necessary legal requirements for running a school in Vietnam. There are a lot of English-speaking lawyers who can help in this matter.

Become a curriculum designer

Many English centers have openings for this position. This is more of a management position. Planning and creating the curriculum and particular courses, coordinating the teaching schedule, and conducting teacher development seminars are all common roles.

Become an EFL Textbook Writer

You can utilize your knowledge and experience to design and sell textbooks and supplemental materials. Many book publishers want to work with experienced teachers since they can benefit from your expertise and experience.

Qualifications Needed.

Officially, a native English speaker with a bachelor’s degree is required to obtain a work visa in Vietnam. In addition, a criminal background check is required. A TEFL or TESOL certificate and work experience is becoming increasingly required.

Work visas can be arranged in-country and it’s still allowed to arrive in Vietnam on a three-month tourist visa and look for work. When you find a job your new employer will normally assist you with the relevant documentation. A health check will also be needed.

Your new employer may or may not pay for your visa, therefore it’s a good idea to set aside some money ($50-$100) for this expense.

The cost of a visa varies depending on the kind and length of your stay. Make sure you include official documentation, such as your university diploma or teaching certificate. And it is preferable to have it notarized at your local consulate or before you arrive.

There are or were some schools that flouted the law ( Regarding paperwork ) and have got away with it for a long time. It is still possible to find employment without qualifications but is becoming increasingly harder to do so.

N.B. With the rise of Covid, it has also become necessary to be fully vaccinated if you wish to return to classroom teaching.

Find out about “resolution 105′ ==> HERE <== and how it affects teachers.

Conclusion.

Choose the type of teaching experience you want. Most full-time employment will require you to work 15-25 hours a week in the classroom, plus prep time. Other language schools will hire part-time teachers, expecting you to tutor or work at a variety of locations.

Your lessons will typically last 45 to 90 minutes, and you will frequently teach five classes per day, five to six days per week.

When lesson planning, office hours, and other activities are factored in, teachers should expect to work 30-40 hours per week in full-time jobs.

The schools are planning to start reopening from December, so hopefully, everything will be getting back to some form of normality soon.

Who Am I?

My name is Stephen and I have been living and teaching in Vietnam for 15 years. I have my own school as well as providing fully qualified teachers to schools in Vietnam.

You can look at my house in Vietnam below.

My House on YouTube

 

Any or all links on this site may be affiliate links, and if you purchase something through those links I will make a small commission on them.

There will be no extra cost to you and at times due to my affiliation, you could actually save money.

You can read our full affiliate disclosure here.