Complete Guidelines For Teaching English Abroad In Vietnam

The miracle of economic growth in Vietnam has made the country to be voted as one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. The dynamic country is well-known for its diverse landscapes and attractions such as Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Sapa Countryside, and more.

The majority of Vietnamese parents nowadays are very eager to encourage their children to learn English because they eventually understand the importance of globalization. As a result, the government of Vietnam supplies plenty of job opportunities for English teachers, and we will present to you complete guidelines of how to apply for jobs in Vietnam.

1. Mandatory Qualifications to Be an English Teacher in Vietnam

First of all, you need to be an English native speaker to apply for the Vietnam English teaching job. The country prefers applicants who are citizens of countries that use the English language as the official language. You also must have a Bachelor’s Degree in any majors along with the certificate of TEFL or TESOL.

Most prestigious companies rigidly demand these qualifications. However, it does not mean that you cannot apply for English teaching jobs in Vietnam if you do not fulfill the requirements. You still can register for it, but you will find it harder to compete with other applicants who are English native speakers, and you may get paid lower than them.

Teaching experience is unnecessary if you can achieve the qualifications above, even though it can help you stand out in challenging competitions.

2. Get a Visa and a Work Permit to Teach English in Vietnam

Visa online application concept. Open passport with visa stamps

You must register for a business visa (DN) and a work permit (LD). Also, you need to submit the following documents:

Certificate of Bachelor’s Degree
Certificate of TEFL or TESOL
Federal FBI Background check
Three pieces of passport photos

Your employer will assist you in preparing the following required paperwork:

Local health check
Local police inspection (completed by the Ministry of Police in Vietnam)
Residence permit (filled in by landlord)

You must have original or notarized copies of all documents listed above. The name on all your documents must be the same as your name on your passport. Another option you can use to get a job in Vietnam is to come here with a tourist visa and bring all your original documents. You need to apply for a business visa and a work permit, but you must leave and re-enter the country to activate your new visa.

3. Choices of Teaching Place in Vietnam

Vietnam contains a very peaceful atmosphere and aesthetic scenery in the village area. Meanwhile, the urban region environment is a bit crowded and hectic, but it consists more job opportunities compared to the inland. Being an English teacher in rural communities may include more benefits such as housing allowance, a modest lifestyle, and lower living costs. On top of that, it is worthwhile to help poorer children who do not have the opportunity to enjoy the same advantages as children in the city.

However, many emigrant teachers choose to work in the city of Vietnam because there are tons of job opportunities available. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are the largest cities in the country. Hanoi is one of the most ancient capitals globally, with an estimated population of 20 million in the metropolitan area. Ho Chi Minh is an economic and financial center that plays an essential role in its development. There are also some convenient and modern small towns like Da Nang or Nha Trang as well.

You can find numerous public schools, private schools, international schools, universities, and language centers that you can choose from in huge cities. Everything differs between students, salary, schedule, teaching method, and working environment.

Selecting your teaching location depends on your expectation of what you want to experience in Vietnam.

4. Way of Life in Vietnam

Asian Traveler holding and looking the map for travel at the hanoi city, vietnam

Some people named the country of Vietnam “orderly chaos” because of the crazy traffic consisting of cars, scooters, buses, bikes, cycles, and many pedestrians. You will be shocked at first, but you will get used to it! You might want to learn how to ride a motorbike so that you can roam around like a local.

Learning a few Vietnamese phrases like numbers and food items can help you negotiate with sellers at the market and order food at local restaurants. In conclusion, Vietnamese people are very approachable, and you must adjust to the community pretty easily. Several Facebook groups might be useful to join, such as “Hanoi Massive” and “Expats in Ho Chi Minh City.“

5. Living Expenses in Vietnam

Living expenses in Vietnam are reasonably priced. Most foreigners can afford to comfortably live wherever they want, with an estimated $500 to $1,000 per month, and they also can spend lower than that in rural areas. The budget includes house rent ($250 to $400 per month), internet and phone services ($10 to $15 per month), and food ($1 to $5 per meal). You need to sharpen the negotiation skill while living in Vietnam, as it is just a normal thing to do here.

Are you seeking chances to teach English abroad in Vietnam? Take a look at our Facebook group, “Teach English Abroad,” for daily job listings.