Category: vietnamesl

Teaching EFL in Vietnam.

Teaching English as a foreign Language (EFL) has provided many English speakers the opportunity to explore the world.

English teaching has opened up the globe to teachers, whether they are teaching online from a laptop or travelling overseas to work in underdeveloped nations.

Vietnam has become nearly associated with English language instruction. One of the world’s greatest ESL destination is Vietnam, thanks to a combination of strong demand, job availability, appealing lifestyle and amazing scenery, and a low cost of living.

Why is English teaching so popular in Vietnam

Around a decade ago, the Vietnamese government introduced numerous school reforms that placed a high priority on English proficiency.

As a result, there has been an increase in the number of English teaching jobs available in both public and private schools and learning centers.

Because of the high demand for western English teachers, not all institutions can screen for the best candidates, leaving the door open for new and occasionally unqualified  teachers to find job in Vietnam.

When you consider Vietnam’s low cost of living and enticing tourism sector, it’s easy to see why.

What’s it like teaching in Vietnam?

It can be a gratifying and life-changing experience to teach English in Vietnam.

Vietnam is a beautiful nation with kind people. You will cultivate a lot of friendships with both the Vietnamese community and the ex-pat as well. Most who come here are very friendly and supportive to the newcomers.

Teaching English provides a more immersive experience that allows you to interact with people while also contributing to a unique culture. When you work and live in a new culture you will understand it so much more.

When moving to Vietnam, though, it’s critical to have reasonable expectations. It is not all roses and butterflies. There are some things that will get on your nerves. The constant  agressive sales approach and the nightmarish traffic being the first ones that come to mind

Things work quite differently in the east than they do in the west. While bribes and frauds are surprising to Europeans, they are viewed as the usual in Vietnam. Don’t be offended if you go for a test in hospital and you have to “gift” a little present to smooth things through. It is just the way things are done here.

Be Cautious

Also as a Teacher be cautious when accepting employment offers to ensure that they are making the best option possible. Read your contract, do not just go YEH, and sign. There might be penalty clauses for arriving 5 minutes late to class.

With the traffic in Vietnam you are going to be late sometimes, just make sure you are not penalized unduly for it. I have seen some that will dock you 1 hour if you are 5 minutes late. Power English is one of those.

Can You Teach in Vietnam without a degree?

The answer is simple: Yes, but it is getting more difficult. In Vietnam, you don’t need a degree to teach English. However, if you don’t have a degree, you’ll almost certainly require a TEFL or TESOL certificate.

For inexpensive online TESOL classes, I highly suggest AIT as they will also help you in finding a job. The owner, Heather, has been a friend of mine for over 15 years. I first came to Vietnam as an aspiring teacher and now own 2 schools and still use Heather to supply me with Teachers.

I know people who have worked as English Teachers without a degree, but these are usually at lower paying, lower quality institutions, which are the ones you should avoid. but if you are an excellent communicator you can rise above these restrictions. I have some friends with no qualifications who are now teaching in Universities.

You can negotiate better pay with better schools if you have a degree and/or a TESOL or TEFL certificate.

It’s also a good idea to take a short IELTS course online to give yourself an edge over other teachers, which will look excellent on your EFL Resuume..

How much do English teachers make in Vietnam?

No Money, no honey is a phrase you will often here in Vietnam. I did say it is different here, so you have to leave your western idealistic ways behind. Vietnam is awake, not “woke”.

English teachers in Vietnam earn between $1000-$2500 per month on average. It can be more or less depending on the hours you work.

I first came to Vietnam in 2007 and I was making  $14.00 US per hour. ( 320,000 dong). After a couple of years I was making $20.00 US per hour. ( 455,000 dong ) Now, considerably more. Now my students pay between $30 to $70 a month, and I have a lot of students. Each of my classes have a minimum of 7 students and I am currently teaching on line because of Covid, but the price remains the same.

If you build a good reputation and get to be known as a good teacher, the sky is the limit. Shoot for the stars and even if you fall short , you will hit the moon.

Teachers with degrees and TEFL certificates are more likely to earn more money so i would sugest for you to do your training upfront.

Work Schedules

When it comes to teaching English in Vietnam, there are two basic work schedules to consider when you first arrive. you may want to set up a school, but that will come later

The first is through the traditional educational system. This, of course, means that you’ll be teaching on the school’s timetable. That means early mornings, think 7.30am. Up and at it, luckily the coffee here is like rocket fuel. however I would advise to keep those late night activities to a minimum through the week.

The other option is to work at night and on the weekend. And you can do this by teaching at one of the English academies like VUS or VAS. And so many more, but be careful who you choose. With Covid some schools have gone bust and have not paid teachers. They shall remain nameless. I have not got enough money to fight a court battle. LOL.

In Vietnam, there is plenty of night jobs for ESL teachers. This is due to the fact that many English learning institutions are open after school and are currently desperate for on line teachers. Why?, because so many teachers have gone home because of Covid. You can check out my COVID update  ==> HERE <==

I have taught in both areas before opening my own schools and there are plusses and minuses to both. The first thing you have to consider is are you a morning person and can entertain 50 kids in a classroom at a public school or are you a night person who can put up with office politics.

Are you White?

Sad but true, there are no restrictions on advertising for teachers in Vietnam. If you are white , you have more of a chance to get a job. If you are a young female you will be snapped up by schools and Kindergartens. If you have a tattoo, make sure it is covered when you go for that interview. Tattoos mean you are a bad person in Vietnam

Yes, it is changing slowly and the next generation will take this amazing country into the 21st century. If you want to help them, become an EFL teacher.

  Covid and Teaching.

For the last 4 months Vietnam has been in a state of lockdown, much like the rest of the world. So teaching has been on line only in most of the cities. The students are bored because they can not see their friends and class sizes are huge.

Can you imagine teaching 50 students via Zoom or Google meet. What a nightmare. However things are looking better. The “scuttlebutt” is that classroom teaching will resume in February 2022.

These graphs show what is happening at the moment. If you need any further advice leave a comment below.

These are the confirmed cases in all of Vietnam.

These are the confirmed deaths in all of Vietnam.
These are the confirmed Vaccinations in all of Vietnam.Would I come to teach in Vietnam now?

Honestly, No. I think it is probably better to wait for a couple of months and then look at travelling. Vietnam is an amazing country that will amaze you and then frustrate you, all within one hour. But I have never regretted coming here as the experiences and the people you meet are lasting memories that will always bring a smile.

I hope to see you in Vietnam one day.

Stephen

Any or all links on this site maybe 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.

Covid updates ( October 6th )

According to the latest data, the overall number of infections in the country has risen to 803,202, with 798,626 being the result of the fourth wave of infections that has swept the country since late April.

In comparison to yesterday, the country’s seven-day average of daily confirmed new cases is down 600 cases to 8,065 cases.

According to the health ministry, the country set a new record for the number of patients given the all-clear on Saturday, with 28,857 recoveries, surpassing the previous record set the day before, bringing the overall number of recoveries to 664,938.

The health ministry’s report stated 6,337 people are still in critical condition, with 805 requiring invasive ventilation and 25 still on life support.

Saturday saw a total of 164 COVID-19 deaths, raising the seven-day average to 165. To date, there have been 19,601 COVID-19 fatalities in Vietnam, accounting for 2.5 percent of all infections.

Vaccinations.

On Friday, 760,643 doses of COVID-19 vaccination were provided, bringing the total number of immunizations administered throughout Vietnam to over 43.6 million. The second vaccine has been to 10.1 million people , this is out of a population of close on 100 million people in Vietnam.

HCM City supports COVID-19-affected foreigners

Ho Chi Minh city is home to 200,000 expats and they will be helped from now until the city is clear of viruses or so it has been said by the Government.

As a result, food and social security will be provided to foreigners in all districts and Thu Duc City who are experiencing challenges with their livelihoods and housing.

Medical supplies will also be issued to foreigners at quarantine camps.

You can find out more at the Governments official portal. ” The Socialist Republic On-Line Newspaper of the Government of Vietnam.” ==> HERE <==

Opening the doors.

So slowly the Country is opening up again after a close on 5 month lockdown for some areas. Even some domestic flights have been resumed however no International flights have started running yet at the time of writing.

The reports are confusing with somes provinces asking for flight opening delays and even Hanoi still limiting it’s flights.

Ho Chi Minh City.

But in Ho Chi Minh there will be a relaxing of Covid travel bans from October 1st. All inner-city checkpoints will be eliminated beginning Friday, but municipal police will remain patrols to protect safety as part of a plan to ease Covid-19 restrictions in the southern city.

Paperwork.

People who have had at least one Covid-19 vaccine injection in the last 14 days or who have contracted and recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months are eligible to go out. And you will have to carry your records or have a QR code on your phone if you do go out.

You will have to show your QR codes health declaration applications to show your immunization, infection, or recovery records when asked by authorities. You can, however, show hard copies of your records if you haven’t updated them online.

At this stage no one will be permitted to leave the city on their own, and those who attempt to do so will be stopped at checkpoints located at the city’s entrances.

What does this mean for School openings.?

Most Schools are still Teaching on-line and some may not open their doors until February 2022. But it is not all bad news for teachers and students. In some of the smaller cities and towns the schools are returning and advertisements are appearing for teachers.

A Ray of Light.

If the idea of re-opening is accepted, the Thanh An school on Thanh An Island will be the first in Ho Chi Minh City to offer in-person classes in the 2021-2022 school year.

Prior to the latest Covid-19 pandemic, the municipal education department had issued a plan to the municipal People’s Committee to reopen schools in “safe” districts.

Kindergartens, first and second grade courses would be the first to reopen, followed by ninth and twelfth grade classes, and finally the rest. To avoid mass gatherings, classes would be spread throughout the day.

Let’s see what happens.

The New Rules.

Fully vaccinated instructors are one of the conditions for schools to reopen. In-person classes are optional, however individuals who are unable to attend school can still take advantage of online and broadcast lessons.

What do I Think.

In my opinion, don’t hold your breath. I don’t think the schools will be re-opening on mass this year. I believe that most classes will still be on-line. Teaching in a classroom for most will not happen until February 2022.

And if you don’t want to get your 2 vaccinations you will not be teaching in a classroom again. There are some opportunities for teaching on-line. Check out some of the teacher recruitment groups in Facebook. for Example:

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) ESL Teaching Jobs

In short, I think schools will be slow in re-opening and it will be survival mode for those who decided to ride out the Corona virus.

Good luck and if you need to reach out, leave a comment below.

For more information about Vietnam and teaching in Vietnam. Look ==> HERE <==

Steve.

Any or all links on this site maybe 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.

When does Vietnam’s rainy season begin?

Vietnam is typically classified into three regions: the north, the center, and the south. In the southern regions, there are two distinct seasons. November to April is the colder (and drier) season, while May to October is the hot (and wetter) season.

And in the the northern areas of Vietnam they have four distinct seasons, it can be freaking cold in the winter but bloody hot in the summer.

And yet there is more. Climates, sub climates, my head is spinning. Vietnam has coastal influences and mountainous regions all with there own climatic patterns. Let’s look a bit deeper. Monsoons are a thing.

Monsoons.

Monsoons are commonly associated with rain, but this is not always  the case in Vietnam. Monsoon winds travel from the northeast along China’s coast and across the Gulf of Tonkin during the winter or dry season, taking away much of the precipitation.( That means rain ) As a result, most of Vietnam’s winters are quite dry ( unlike the rainy season in summer).

From May to October, the summer monsoon pushes moist air inland from the southwestern Indian Ocean, bringing a lot of rain. In Vietnam, yearly rainfall ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 mm (60 to 79 inches), with 90 percent of it falling during the summer. And sometimes it just buckets down on a daily basis.

GO AHEAD AND SKIP THIS SECTION IF YOU WANT TO GET WET.

When does the rainy season begin?

Visiting during the peak months, means higher prices and larger crowds. What if you can’t change your vacation dates? It can take a long time to plan a fun trip during the monsoons. And you can have a lot of fun in the rainy season as well.

Here are some of the different seasons you will find around the country. You have the north, central and southern regions. The more mountainous areas of Vietnam have there own sub climates. It can snow in Vietnam in the highlands up north !

Vietnam’s North (Hanoi and Ha Long Bay)

The northern section of Vietnam is hot and humid from mid-May to mid-September (except from Sapa, which has its own climate), with the most rainfall in July and August.

Showers are common in the afternoons and evenings throughout the rainy season. If feasible, go for outdoor activities in the morning and then relax with a cup of coffee at a bar or explore indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and local shops and markets for the rest of the day. Or find a Bia Ahoi shop and get drunk with the locals. Cheap beer, yahoo.

Vietnam’s central region (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)

The influence of the monsoons is weaker because the steep mountains in the western side of this region prevent the southwest monsoons from bringing rain to the area. The region receives less rainfall than the rest of the country throughout the rainy season, mostly from April to early September

But from September through to November, this region experiences its most rainfall. Hoi An and some adjacent towns are frequently inundated around this time. Tourists exploring the old town by boat, as well as images of local inhabitants calmly dealing with the water are often shown the newspapers and cause a great deal of amusement.

Vietnam’s south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)

Summer is hot and humid from May to October, with June and July being the rainiest months. It rains virtually every day during the southwest monsoon, which produces a lot of rain. For gods sake, bring a raincoat.

This rain, however, is not like that in the north, where it is quite often just mist and light rain. Drag out the raincoats because the rain in the south is heavy but mostly short-lived.

Ho Chi Minh City’s roads flood during the rainy season. Riding in the city is difficult and can be dangerous. Despite the fact that it rains every day, the city receives enough sunlight to offset the torrential downpours.

Prepare your rainy adventure.

The shite consequences of rain and travelling can’t be overlooked. You can, however, find ways to make the most of it.

“Prepare for the worst and hope for the best,”  You might get stuck in a bar or restaurant for the afternoon, so just go with the flow. It’s impossible to over-prepare, and you will be shocked by how much fun you can have when it’s pouring down..

Be clever. You’ll see a pattern if you pay attention. It is best to finish your outdoor activities in the morning and explore museums, galleries, pagodas, temples, retail markets, and cafés in the afternoon, as rain usually begins after lunch or in the early afternoon. Or even do some other indoor activities.

Check out the weather reports. Remember to check the weather forecast before you start arranging your trips. When  warnings are given, avoid traveling during typhoons, rainstorms, or other natural disasters like the locals asking for money. Lol.

Dress for the occasion. It is preferable to wear dark hues and quick-drying shirts (otherwise if you get wet, your clothes will be see-through).

Make a travel schedule that is reasonable. Don’t try to fit too much in one day. You will enjoy your stay so much more if you take your time. Sitting in a restaurant or bar all afternoon is not an unpleasant way to spend an afternoon.

So, Is it a bad time to visit?

Rainy season provides a fantastic opportunity to learn how the people live in settings that we would consider shite and from a cultural and photographic standpoint you will have memories that will last forever.. During the “difficult” times, you get a true sense of the country, as well as the local culture and traditions.

Not only will you be in in awe of how they get around in the rain, but you’ll also be amused by the various forms of ponchos people use in the rain.  You think a poncho is just a poncho, not in Vietnam.

You’ve got your regular poncho, a poncho with a plastic ‘window’ for your motorbike light, and also two headed ponchos.

You’ll also be amazed at just how many people can fit under a poncho while on a motorbike.I have seen up to six people on one motorcycle. And in Hanoi I saw a man carrying a huge pig with a raincoat over it. Just some of the amazing sights you will see in Vietnam

Conclusion

Do not be put off coming to Vietnam in the rainy season. You will get a better understanding of the locals and some great photo opportunities.

I hope you enjoyed a bit of insight into travelling around Vietnam in the rainy season. For me it is the best time to travel.

Steve.

If you liked this have a look at some of my other website posts. ==> HERE <==

Any or all links on this site maybe 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.

What are the traditional Vietnamese clothes.

Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country with 54 unique ethnic groups, each with their own cultural heritage and traditional clothing, dress, and costumes.

The use of brilliant colors that appear to contradict one another in each ensemble is a common thing. Then in different areas the colors may be more muted. That is the joy for the photographer who visits Vietnam.

A short history of Vietnamese clothes.

In Vietnam, the current traditional clothing known as the Ao Dai has not always been the norm. Previously, the peasant people of Vietnam wore basic dress, while the elite wore Ao Giao Linh, Chinese historical clothing.

This began to alter in the 18th century, with the introduction of a more traditional style of clothing that was more appropriate for both men and women.

Due to the need of the Nguyen Dynasty for males at court in Hue in 1744 to wear pants and a gown that buttoned down the front, the Ao Dai was developed from the Han Chinese form of attire. The garment was simply defined as a “Long garment,” and the name Ao Dai was given to it.

The modern outfit was not created until the 1920s. Traditional Ao Dai was created from many pieces of cloth sewed together in flaps to make the front and back of the lower half of the long garment, giving the appearance of the garment splitting down the sides, a feature that has been kept in the modern version.

The original Ao Dai also had bigger flaps and a looser fit, as well as a significantly shorter length and a high collar with a neck button.

The Dong Khanh Girl’s High School in Hue designed the older version of the dress in 1917 as their uniform, and a modernized version first appeared in public at the Paris Fashion Show in 1921.

The style was modified further in the 1930s, and designers in Saigon gave it its close-fitting look in the 1950s, resulting in the current Ao Dai style we know today.

The different styles of traditional dress.

Traditional Vietnamese Women’s Clothing in the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta women’s traditional garment companion, Ao Ba Ba, has been around for a long time. This shirt immediately conjures up images of rural women’s warmhearted, natural, and gentle beauty.

Ao Ba Ba is a collarless shirt with a piece of cloth on the back, two pieces on the front body, and two straps flowing from the top down in the middle.

Ao Ba Ba clings to the body and is frequently worn with long black or white trousers to highlight the Vietnamese women’s exquisite contours.

Thai Ethnic Groups’ Traditional Costumes

Thai ethnic women’s outfits are exquisite, highlighting the girls’ delicate attractiveness. A basic blouse and a long skirt with meticulous embroidered brocade designs are among the Thai ethnic traditional attire.

The sun, flowers, and dragons are the most popular motifs for embroidery. The costume is completed with belts and Pieu scarves, as well as a few silver pieces of jewelry that enhance the look.

Hmong Ethnic Group’s Traditional Clothes

The H’Mong ethnic group possesses elegant and beautiful traditional garments. These are mainly made of linen and feature a variety of colors and motifs. A black shirt, a bright skirt, leggings, and headpiece make up a complete costume.

The H’mong female attire is highly attractive and noticeable, and they frequently adorn it with silver coins and beads to enhance the aesthetics as well as express the ancient spiritual will of their ancestors.

Cham Ethnic Group’s Traditional Dress

Some believe that the traditional Cham women’s outfits are not as vivid as other women’s apparel in Vietnam. Yet, in my opinion, they have an exceptional appeal. Traditional garment is considered sacred and lovely by Cham women.

A tight-fitting tunic, a skirt in the same color as the shirt, and a lovely headscarf make up a complete outfit. The waistband, which is tied over the chest and around the waist and is boldly adorned with golden iridescent hues and exquisite workmanship.

It is the focal point of the costume. This ancient attire, worn by a woman with a fluid walk, is particularly lovely. This wonderful dress is from central Vietnam. In this picture you can see the temples of “My Son” in the background.

More ethnic attire

Each ethnic group in the more remote highlands, mountains, and plains has its own particular form of traditional wear. Practical considerations like freedom of movement when working are at the forefront of consideration with these clothes.

People in lowland areas, for example, frequently live in houses built on stilts over the water. They like utilitarian trousers, although shirts with emblems inspired by their surroundings, such as forest flowers, are common.

People who live in the mountains choose to dress in clothing that allows them to work in the fields and cross mountain passes easily. Bright colors and true creative ingenuity are two things that all such traditional costumes have in common.

The Cone shaped hat ( Non la )

In Vietnam, the conical hat (non la) is a popular hat. Its initial use was to keep the rain off of people’s faces while they worked in rice paddies or other outside jobs. It also served to shield the face from the harsh sun.

They’re created using natural materials found in the area, such as bamboo, palm leaves, and tree bark. The conical hats’ design allows them to be used for more than just this; they may also be used to carry groceries from the market or as a bowl to drink from.

You will still see this hat worn by many people, even in the larger cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. It has become an iconic symbol of Vietnam

Another thing that is worth looking at if you visit Vietnam is the method of silk production used in clothes.

Silk Production

Vietnam is a silk-producing country with a large population. This practice dates back to the year 1,000, when King Ly Thai Tong encouraged silk manufacture in Vietnam as a means of advancing the country’s economic prosperity.

Silk clothes are being produced in Vietnam today. Many people wear silk shirts and scarves, in addition to silk ao dai. Silk painting is another Vietnamese heritage that is practiced to this day.

There are many shops you can buy silk clothing from. But be careful. Khai Silk was caught putting “made in Vietnam” tags onto garments made in China. That is where local knowledge is invaluable.

Is traditional dress still worn?

Vietnamese traditional attire is typically plain and modest and is still worn in many parts of Vietnam. However, the youth of Vietnam prefer jeans, shorts and T-shirts.

Vietnamese ethnic groups’ attire has been impacted by foreign fashion and certain traditional costumes have been lost in favor of more modern and appropriate interpretations.

When visitors arrive to this gorgeous S-shaped country, the charming beauty that comes from the Vietnamese’s unique clothes still remains one of the appealing factors of visiting Vietnam.

In the schools of Vietnam you will often see the female teachers wearing the traditional dress. But most of the men wear trousers and shirts. It is still one of the great joys about teaching in Vietnam when going to your school and seeing the teachers in traditional outfits.

In summary.

If you are considering a trip to Vietnam you will find some mind blowing opportunities for photo shoots. You could also look into costume rental options for some photo shoot selfies.

When you go home, nothing beats a wonderful photo taken in traditional Vietnamese garb to remind you of the incredible time you had in Vietnam. Here are some cameras I recommend for traveling around Vietnam. ==> GREAT TRAVEL CAMERAS <==

Alternatively you can purchase the Ao Dai or other costumes, or have them tailored to fit for a fee. Hoi An is a wonderful place to buy and haggle for clothes. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera.

Steve.

If you enjoyed this check out my other pages about etiquette and living in Vietnam.

Or get your Ao Dai sewing pattern here. Click for availability.

Any or all links on this site maybe 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.

.

The Rolling Stones.

Songs form the past

From 1955 through 1975, the Vietnam America War took place in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. The music that was released throughout these 20 years had a huge impact on the world. As a result, the Vietnam War’s soundtrack was unlike any other.

Music was an important part of troops’ and civilians’ experiences in Vietnam, and certain songs have long been associated with the fight. And street fighting man was one of the classics. But from a previously unpolitical group what did this mean?

Street fighting man.

The Story Behind The Stones’ Political Classic.

In August 1968, the song “Street Fighting Man” was released in the United States, just before protesters clashed with police in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention. Some radio stations refused to play the song for fear of inciting more violence.

One of the Stones’ most powerful compositions was inspired by the growing civil strife. “Street Fighting Man,” which was recorded for the band’s 1968 album Beggars Banquet.

This finds Jagger reflecting the spirit of the time as he calls for “a palace revolution” and insists that “summer’s here and the time is right for fighting in the street,” a nod to a Martha & the Vandellas hit that he would later cover with David Bowie.

Before cutting up and rearranging the lyrics on pieces of paper, Jagger bounced ideas off Richards in the studio. Then they wrote them down as they went. Their collaboration resulted in the song’s most famous couplet: the self-deprecating.

“But what can a poor boy do, except to sing in a rock ‘n’ roll band?”

The Zimmer twins were amazing when they worked together.

Despite the fact that it didn’t chart at the time, it has since grown to become one of the Stones’ signature songs, appearing in the set lists of many of the band’s subsequent tours.

Richards, specifically, remembered “Street Fighting Man” fondly when he was interviewed about the song by Marc Meyers for The Wall Street Journal in 2013. “That’s where the vision met reality,” he said. “When we finished recording ‘Street Fighting Man’ and played back the master, I just smiled. It’s the kind of record you love to make.”

Source; Wall Street Journal.

Listen to the song here

Like or loathe the stones, they were certainly influential to the music scene of the times and of today.

Vinyl or Download.

For me, I like vinyl because it gives all the nuances and not just a reproduction. There are some places you can still buy Vinyl and this is one of them. It does cost more, but in my opinion, you get to hear the original content. Not 101010110001.

Vinyl is a lossless recording medium. The pressings are manufactured directly from the masters and contain every detail intended by the artist. Vinyl has a better sound than digital because of this. To put it another way, listening to vinyl rather than digital is like seeing the Mona Lisa in person rather than looking at a picture of it on your phone.

Expensive yes. It is close on $50.00. $49.56 go figure, you still have 1 cent pieces?

Worth it, yes. Listen to it as it was intended. The youth of today do not know what they are missing.

Here it is. Click to look and buy if you want to help my students.

If you liked this check out my other stories and pages about Vietnam. I have stories about the culture, working in Vietnam, retiring in Vietnam and much more. Feel free to leave a comment. Do you like the Stones or loathe them?

You can find my other articles, including student stories, ==> HERE <==

Stephen.

In these crazy times we need good music to help us chill out. I hope you enjoy the original sounds of the Rolling Stones. Remember not everything new is better.

Any or all links on this site maybe 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.

These stories are about what the students think will happen in the future.

I have also got them to correct by using Grammarly and Quillbot.

What is Grammarly?

“Grammarly is a Ukrainian-origin American-headquartered cross-platform cloud-based writing assistant that reviews spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and delivery mistakes. It uses AI to identify and search for an appropriate replacement for the mistake it locates” source;. Wikipedia

Grammarly can help you minimize writing errors and find the perfect words to express yourself in a variety of ways, from grammar and spelling to style and tone. Grammarly will provide you real-time comments on Gmail, Google Docs, Twitter, LinkedIn, and practically anywhere else you write.

Grammarly is a writing aid that provides specific recommendations to help you improve your writing — and it goes far beyond grammar. You can rest assured that your writing is not only accurate, but also clear and succinct.

What is Quillbot?

QuillBot is a paraphrase tool that writers use to improve their writing. QuillBot stands out from other paraphrase tools because of its unique AI functionality, which doesn’t simply replace words with synonyms. Every line is paraphrased in such a way that the reader understands it completely.

Students benefit greatly from using a paraphrase tool since it rewords paragraphs into multiple forms to assist them grasp the value of what is being said, what should be remembered, and what may be ignored in a paragraph.

It can also assist you as a teacher in writing more quickly. A writing assistance / paraphrasing tool will come in handy for assignments for your master’s or PhD, student feedback, and any other type of writing. And there is a free version.

Students Stories about the future.

And finally here we are. This helps understand the students way of thinking and what they believe the future may hold for them. The nicknames were chosen by the students as it is good when learning a new language to have a virtual name.

Jessica.

Every day, technology advances, making our lives more comfortable. Many inventions are developed that have a wide range of applications. However, we now see young people addicted to their computers in coffee shops, parks, restaurants, even classrooms.

In the age of technology, communication issues cause relationships to break down or fall apart. Close ties between family members, friends, and society are eroding as a result of a lack of understanding and sympathy for one another.

I believe that in the future, robots will be able to work and communicate in the same way that people do. Self-driving cars, for example.

July.

I think in the future the technology will develop more and more.: Guided Robots, Sweat-powered Watches, Time-Tracking T-shirts and many more things that mankind is looking for and waiting for. In the future anything can become a reality .

Technology has made our lives easier and better through better communication The role of technology has succeeded in making  communication easier and better for us. Before that, (several decades ago) we had to send and wait for messages for days and even, in some cases, months.

And we can clearly see the changes that have taken place. Now, all we need is just a few fingers on our smartphone to send mail, send messages to our loved ones or office colleagues. The user experience and interface have been drastically improved and will be even further improved upon with the upcoming modern technology.

Emmi.

I believe that current technology aids us in communicating better, because it facilitates and accelerates conversation. But we can’t interact using technology if we don’t have access to the internet. I believe that in the future, current technology will make people’s lives easier, such as having a robot do housework or a self-driving car, which I hope will happen because I am too lazy to do the housekeeping.

My Thoughts.

These were all written by my students who are in the 14 – 15 year old age bracket. I hope it gives you some insight into the way the students think and express their ideas.

Vietnam is a country of extremes, you can either hate it or love it. But there is always something interesting happening. One of the things that fascinates me are the old propaganda posters. Below, I have added some of my favorites.

Vietnam Propaganda posters.

Often thought to be solely concerned with the war and the liberation of land, Vietnamese propaganda posters promoted peace, education, and the development of the country’s industrial and agricultural potentials. In reality, they are still utilized to connect with the public and to preserve this distinctive and iconic art style across the country.

Propaganda posters from Vietnam are more than just wonderful works of art. Vietnamese art is just as important as historical writings and documents from the time period. Propaganda posters were intended to communicate information, boost morale, and encourage patriotism.

You can find over 150 Propaganda Posters ==> HERE<==

Final Thoughts.

Vietnam is a country that is a mix of the old and the new. You will be hard-pressed to find a country the same as Vietnam. It will challenge you, take your breath away one minute and annoy you the next. Every day is a new adventure with the inquisitive and friendly locals.

I have been teaching English in Vietnam now for 15 years and I hope this inspires you to learn more about Vietnam. You can look at my other “blogs”  ==> HERE <==

Please help support my students, as any funds from this post will greatly benefit their education. Thanks for reading.

Stephen.

Any or all links on this site maybe 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.

Reflections.

“The last of America’s military forces in South Vietnam boarded crowded boats and aircraft in a desperate bid to evacuate the nation on April 30, 1975. North Vietnamese tanks smashed through the gates of Saigon’s Presidential Palace on the same day.

The palace served as the seat of the South Vietnamese administration, which was backed by the US and opposed by the North Vietnamese. South Vietnam’s president assured North Vietnamese officers that he was ready to hand up authority when they entered the palace. “You can’t give up something you don’t have,” they allegedly said.”

The consequences.

The cost of the conflict was enormous. Bombing and landmines wreaked havoc on the country’s infrastructure, while poisonous agents like Agent Orange devastated areas of the country’s normally verdant terrain. Two million civilians and 1.3 million Vietnamese soldiers died as a result of the conflict.

The majority of these soldiers were killed while fighting for or with North Vietnam. Despite the defeats suffered by North Vietnam, its government and friends in the south had reason to rejoice.

According to historian Christopher Goscha, they had “prevailed against all odds,” first defeating the French in a violent decolonization battle, then defeating the Americans in one of the most savage conflicts of the Cold War.”

Life After the War.

Life after the war was very difficult for many people, especially the southerners who had helped the Americans. The North enforced strict measures on the southern capital and quickly stopped any alternative ways of thinking.

According to the Paris peace accords North and South would work together to reunite the country in a constructive and non-threatening way.

The National Council of National Reconciliation and Concord will organize the free and democratic general elections provided for in Article 9 (b) and decide the procedures and modalities of these general elections.

The institutions for which the general elections are to be held will be agreed upon through consultations between the two South Vietnamese parties. The National Council of National Reconciliation and Concord will also decide the procedures and modalities of such local elections as the two South Vietnamese parties agree upon. Source: Read more at; Treaties.UN.org

Did it happen.

No, It did not, and I am going to share some personal stories from my Vietnamese family about their view on what happened after re-unification. Obviously I will not be using names as this is still a communist country and all must obey.

Short stories.

I have been living in Vietnam for fifteen years and am married to a Vietnamese lady and she and her family have shared these memories with me over the years. If you thought your upbringing was tough, the post war years were not easy for the Vietnamese. Doubly so for the Southerners.

Living with the enemy.

My Grandmother in law was once a very rich lady. She owned two properties and made a considerable amount of money by renting out rooms to the Americans throughout the war. She could speak English fluently and was well liked for her no nonsense attitude. There was no “hanky-panky” happening anywhere in her house. So she was respected and well-loved.

She also contributed to the community by providing rice and vegetables to her neighbors’. The love and respect from the local neighborhood was well-deserved. She lived through the events of 1975 as she was living in Saigon at that time. It is the one thing she will not talk about.

I have heard stories and read books about what happened through those days and it is pure luck she survived. I will tell you my favorite books later.

Betrayal.

Like people everywhere the locals wanted to “buddy up” to the new regime and started pointing fingers to those that supposedly helped the Americans. And even though she had helped so many, she was accused of aiding and abetting with the Americans. She was stripped of her property and, although she luckily did not have to go into a re-education camp, lost all her assets.

The story between then and now is best related in the next story about my wife as a child growing up in post-war Vietnam.

When I first met my wife to be, she took me “home’ to her mothers “house”. It was a three roomed concrete square with one room being a toilet. I will not and can not talk about the politics behind this but I was shocked.

The good news is that she is now living a comfortable life in a 3 story villa and is very contented. She is surrounded by her family and loved by all. She is a very special lady.

Surviving with ghosts.

“Ma” in Vietnamese means ghost. It is pronounced in a mid level tone ( Thanh Ngang ). It sounds like car. The Vietnamese have a very strong aversion to ghosts. It has been known for people to leave their houses and rental properties under the belief that it is haunted by a spirit. With what has happened in this country who am I to disagree.

My wifes’ story fills the gap between what happened to her Mother and where they were when we first met. Here we go.

Short story number two.

I first met my wife, to be, in a restaurant, she was the cashier. A position of trust in Vietnam. It took me a long time to “woo” her over and even longer until she started to share her stories about growing up in post-war Vietnam. She has agreed that I can share these edited versions of her life.

Post war Vietnam was very hard and probably even more so for that generation of children. They did not get much chance to be only children. They had to grow up very quickly and make money for the family to survive.

Com ( pseudonym: means rice in Vietnamese) had to start work at 7 years old while still attending school in the mornings. If you wanted to learn in the afternoon you had to pay. Her family could not afford that.

Small Snippets

These are snippets from what we have talked about. If I get comments saying you like this I will expand on this content.

• Not many people had TV’s then and you had to pay 20cents to watch a neighbors’ television for 1 hour.
• People used the insides of bamboo groves for a toilet, you had to make sure nobody had been there first.
• Com used to bicycle for 1 hour to go to work when she was 11 and cook for 50 people.
• Com used to run home at night because she was scared of “ma” and men.
• There were no doors or windows on my house.
• My father would hit me if I didn’t buy him drugs.
• I had to work in the country away from my family

So if you want to find out more please leave a comment or visit my website. This is not about teaching in Vietnam, but it is one of the many experiences you will encounter in this amazing country.

My Favorite books about post-war Vietnam are;

“Perfect Spy” The incredible double life of Pham Xuan An. Written by Larry Berman and quoted as “an extraordinary read” by the Washington Post Book World. Kindle $8.99; Paperback $12.99

Buy it  ==> HERE <==

“The Headmasters Wager”. Written by Vincent Lam and quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle as ” Lam entertains and educates with fluidity and style, and that just might be a miraculous cure of the literary kind”

Paperback. $26.85

Buy it  ==> HERE <==

But please don’t expect sunshine and roses, this is “nitty gritty’ stuff that will make you think and keep you enthralled at the same time.

Final Thoughts.

All wars are ugly and it is the people who suffer, the soldiers, the civilians but never the politicians. Lets’ send them next time.

If you have enjoyed this or even made you think leave a comment and I will answer.

Stephen.

Any or all links on this site maybe 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.

Please support my website as I am trying to help those suffering in Vietnam due to the covid outbreak. We have had close on 300,000 infected in Ho Chi Minh City alone. In my “hem” ( small street) one person has died and we have one family who are all infected. The Government, I am sure, is trying to do the best they can. But the money promised to the Vietnamese is not being handed out. It tends to get to the local authorities and not much further. So with your support I can help a little. Thank you for looking. And blessings if you can help.

This is not my normal type of post as I try to keep my content related to teaching EFL or ESL in Vietnam, but these posts give you a bit more understanding of the culture. If you want to find out more about Vietnamese culture please visit my Website.

Peace and Love to all.

What is Culture shock.

Culture shock is the feeling you get when you feel overwhelmed in a new Country. A person may experience culture shock when moving to a different Country or cultural environment.

It is also the personal upheaval a person may feel when experiencing a different way of life. This may be due to immigrating or visiting a new country or moving between different social environments or even a different type of life. What are the signs of Culture Shock.

The Signs of Culture Shock.

People in strange environments are one of the most common causes of culture shock. At least one of four distinct phases of culture shock can be identified as the honeymoon period, the negotiation period, the adjustment period, and the adaption period.

It might be best shown in this graph.

.

So What is Reverse Culture Shock?

Well, Reverse culture shock is the opposite. After you have spent some time in another country you may wish to return home .At the start you are excited and everything feels great. Let’s delve deeper.

The sense of distress after spending a large period of time abroad is known as reverse culture shock. The reasons for feeling this way are much the same as those that cause culture shock. Your new circumstance may lack the familiarity, comfort, and routines to what you have grown used to..

Aside from the absence of familiarity, there are a few other elements that often play a role in reverse culture shock:

You can find out more about Culture shock from Wikipedia.

Signs of Reverse Culture Shock.

Your friendships have shifted.

Your buddies have moved on and had completely different experiences than you while you were away. This doesn’t necessarily imply that your connections will end, but the dynamics may be different than they were before you moved.

And you may feel as if there isn’t anything left to talk about. Specifically because,  you, too, have changed and had different experiences.

You’ve evolved.No matter how far or close your time away from home took you, spending a considerable amount of time overseas transforms you.

You were forced to adjust to a new lifestyle and culture and venture outside of your comfort zone when you first moved to another country. You met new people, and traveled to new places.  Perhaps you have spent a large amount of time alone before returning home.  And you will have formed new relationships, on your travels, with people who have different ideas from your old friends.

Your perspective of your home has shifted.

Traveling increases our awareness of the world around us and, as a result, may cause us to reconsider our long held beliefs and behaviors. Many expatriates find it difficult to adjust to some features of their home country when they return, such as the fast paced pace of life, consumerism, or narrow-mindedness that they were previously unaware of.

Readjusting to this life can be difficult, and it can even lead to feelings of actual misery and alienation. You may feel nobody wants to listen to your experiences.

Different feelings.

One or more of the following symptoms are likely to arise as a result of feeling misunderstood by friends and relatives, missing the life you left behind, and having difficulty readjusting. You may have one, two or three or even all of these feelings.:

Boredom                                               

Anger 

Uncertainty

Feeling isolated and alone.

 A feeling of rootlessness 

Sadness or even Depression

Restlessness

Time Frame and Severity.

The severity of any of these symptoms is determined by a number of factors

It can be determined by whether it is planned or unplanned re-entry. For example this Covid outbreak has forced a lot of ex-pats to return “home”.

Your age can be a determining factor. Reentry is sometimes simpler for older adults who have experienced more life changes.

However, it could be difficult for the older Ex-pat if their foreign lifestyle was based on a cheaper cost of living. Thus forcing them to return to the workforce in their own country.

If you have returned home before , it may be easier to adjust as you have kept in contact with relatives and friends, on your visits, over the years.

The longer you have stayed in a Foreign country the longer and the more difficult it is to re-assimilate.

If you had strong ties with the culture and the country you were staying in, it will be more difficult to leave behind the friends and friendships you have formed..

Reverse Culture Shock Graph.

Overcoming Reverse Culture Shock

The fact that it has a name already indicates that you are not alone in experiencing reverse culture shock. It’s natural to experience feelings of shock and depression after returning home, and it’s crucial to be gentle with yourself.

Allow yourself time to settle back in and perhaps let go of the life you had. Keep your memories alive by looking at photos and videos and reminiscing with the people you met or the person you traveled with. Keep in contact with your foreign friends with social media.

Decorate your house or apartment to make it feel like a new home for yourself, and enjoy the simple things you can have now that you couldn’t have previously.

Another thing I recommend is don’t do it alone. Admitting it is the first step. Read about it and find help if you need it.

Also. I highly recommend this book to help you settle down again in your home Country. 

The Art of Coming Home by ” Craig Storti”.

Expecting that the home will be the way it was when you left? Are you instead shocked to discover that both you and home have changed? The Art of Coming Home offers the solid advice you need to reduce the stress of making the transition home.

Kindle Version | $13.99 From Amazon.

Paperback version | New; $20.10 From Amazon

Paperback version | Used; from $5.55 At Amazon

Buy ==> Here <==

Conclusion.

Moving abroad presented obstacles and returning home will present new ones. The strength and flexibility you showed by moving out of your comfort zone in the first place will almost certainly assist you in returning home.

Remember, you can choose a different City or town if you want new life experiences. Returning home does not mean you have to return to the exact same place you left.

And if nothing else works and you’re truly out of place, start planning your next move and figuring out what kind of life you’d like to live abroad.

I truly hope this helps you on your journey home. Or your next adventure.

Stephen

If you liked this please check out my other posts.  ==> HERE <==

Any or all links on this site maybe 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.

Covid-19 and Lockdown In Ho Chi Minh City.

Covid-19 has severely disrupted the way of life for everyone in Ho Chi Minh City. We have been in lockdown, in one form or another, for the last 4 months. However this may change shortly.

Ho Chi Minh City, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in Vietnam, is considering resuming economic activity on September 15, shifting from a “zero COVID-19” strategy to a policy of living with the virus.

Ho Chi Minh City has had 241,110 coronavirus infections and 9,974 deaths, accounting for half of the country’s cases and 80% of the deaths.

The vast majority of them have occurred in the last few months, putting an end to hopes that Vietnam could repeat its success from 2020, when intensive contact tracing and quarantining led to one of the best COVID-19 containment records in the world.

Updates.

On Friday, the Ministry of Health announced a daily increase of 14,922 coronavirus infections, bringing the total number of cases to 501,649, with 12,476 deaths.

According to a document sent out by the Government of Vietnam, the 9-million-strong city plans to reopen in stages and fully vaccinate its residents by the end of the year. Currently the only vaccine on offer is the Chinese vaccine and a lot of residents are concerned about it’s effectiveness.

To curb a spiraling number of deaths, Ho Chi Minh City sent military last month to impose its lockdown and prevent citizens from leaving their houses. Only 3% of Vietnam’s 98 million people have received all of their vaccinations.

The draft proposal stated that Vietnam’s largest city, a corporate hub surrounded by industrialized provinces, intends to “advance economic recovery, and move towards living with COVID-19.”

Schools in Ho Chi Minh City.

All public schools are currently closed. However some are teaching on line. How effective this will be remains to be seen, with some on line classes reaching 50 students at a time.

The specialty English schools which are normally open on the weekends and in the weekday evenings are also closed. There are a lot of these centers who have closed their doors and not paid the Teachers. Time will tell if the EFL ( English as a Foreign Language ) industry in Vietnam will recover quickly or slowly.

Ex-Pats and Teachers.

The remaining ex-pats and Teachers are in most part working on line if they can find students or an on line school. For some the pressure has been too much and I am personally aware of 2 suicides. Please remember to keep in close contact with friends or family during this time. You can also contact me if you need to talk.

Mandated Vaccine shots in America.

“Los Angeles officials could soon mandate vaccination against the coronavirus for students in the nation’s second-largest school district.”  Source, The Washington Post.

Will this happen in Vietnam?  I truly do not know, but would not be surprised as the parents now are very scared of this virus and the implications of sending their children to school.

A little bit of Bright News.

The British Government via it’s Kuala Lumpa office is asking for expressions of interest to develop English on line training packages. You can find out more information….      ==> HERE <==

“The British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the development of an online English language training package for ASEAN organisation staff.” source UK Government website.

If you are new to teaching on line it is a good idea to get specialty training first.. Heather who I have known for over 15 years is providing discounted courses. For those who wish to join, to get the discount you will need to provide this reference number. SH8997.

Australian International TESOL – Ho Chi Minh City.

The following information will briefly provide you with some details about the Online Course with their SPECIAL OFFER.

A. Module 1: TESOL Online Certificate – Due before: 6 months from date of payment

Complete all below points with assistance of your online materials, soft copies of the manual plus exam preparation books, and through online Q&A sessions with AIT trainers.

1. Assignments
2. Theory exam
3. Design activities
4. Develop lesson plans
5. Record a teaching video (live demo – 15 minutes). You may seek out your trainer’s advice about this if needed.

After completion of Module 1, you will receive a digital AIT Online TESOL Course Certificate of Completion.

B. Trainer information
Mr. Adrian Rodgers – Senior TESOL Trainer

C. Upgrade to International TESOL Teacher License and the Associate TESOL Diploma (optional)
You are able to join our in-class course for extra hours of TESOL practicum and upgrade your certification to the International TESOL teacher license, plus completing Module 2 to receive the Associate TESOL Diploma (optional and free). Please contact our AIT team for more information.

D. Tuition fee
Special Offer for AIT Online TESOL course: $399 ($499)
Limited number of enrolments due to popular demand.

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

Kind regards,

Warren Hammond – AIT Manager and TESOL Trainer

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL TESOL

DREAM THE DREAM – NURTURE THE DREAM – LIVE THE DREAM

——————————————————————————————————————–

Conclusion.

How are you coping during these times? Leave a message and if you need help or just someone to talk to you can contact me directly through my social media links.

Stephen

Any or all links on this site maybe 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.