Teaching English in Vietnam is a good option for those who want to teach in a foreign country. Whether you are new to teaching or an experienced teacher, relocating to Vietnam as an English teacher can be rewarding since there are so many jobs available for ESL teachers.
To become an English teacher in Vietnam, you will require a university degree as well as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification.
This certification is very important for any teaching job and provides you with the skills needed to teach English to individuals who have it as a second language. You can find many TEFL courses offered both online and in Vietnam that provide certification.
The Advantages of Teaching English in Vietnam?
Teaching English in Vietnam is like winning a jackpot! Let’s start with the money-making aspect first of all.
The English teachers over there can earn as much as 27,700,000 VND per month. If we do a quick currency conversion, though, that comes to approximately 1,651,307.80 naira. It’s quite high for a teacher, isn’t it?
But wait, there’s more! Vietnam offers an incredibly low cost of living. You can stretch that salary like there is no tomorrow! From rent to food, transportation, and everything else in between, it’s pretty much cheap.
Also, you get to taste good food, experience the heritage of Vietnam’s culture, and marvel at the natural beauty of the country.
A Beginner’s Guide to TEFL Certification in Vietnam
For anyone who wants to teach English in Vietnam, the first requirement is to earn a TEFL certification.
Some programs contain all the information teachers need to know how to teach a subject, design lessons, and manage their classrooms.
The most common TEFL certification programs in Vietnam are face-to-face, and there are centers in all the major cities, such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. There are also online classes for marketers who do not have the time to attend physical classes.
The process normally requires enrolling in a 120-hour course on the methods of teaching, discipline, and lesson planning. Some programs also provide teaching practice experience. Upon the end of the course, you will be awarded a TEFL certificate, which is vital when it comes to getting jobs in Vietnam.
Teaching English in Vietnam: How to Start the Process
While going for a teaching job, ensure that you have all the requirements. This includes a TEFL certification, a valid passport, proof of no criminal record, two passport-sized photographs, and a health certificate.
Some schools may also need a university degree as well as teaching experience. Here are some steps to help you navigate the application process: Here are some steps to help you navigate the application process:
1. Prepare Your Resume
Ensure that your resume reflects your teaching practice, your certifications, and any other skills that you possess. Adapt your resume to match the position you are applying for.
2. Write a Cover Letter
A well-written cover letter can go a long way in helping you clinch the job opportunity over other candidates. State why you want to teach in Vietnam, your teaching philosophy, and why you think that you are suitable for the job.
3. Gather References
Organizational recommendations from previous employers or colleagues help enhance one’s application. It is also important to provide contact information for each of your references.
4. Apply for Jobs
Complete and submit your application documents to the schools and language centers of your choice. In addition, practice interviews that could be conducted through the phone call or the video call.
Searching For English Teaching Jobs In Vietnam
After getting your TEFL certification, the next thing that you will have to do is find a job as a teacher in Vietnam. Here’s how you can do it: Here’s how you can do it:
i) Job Sites
There are several job sites that you can use if you wish to search for teaching jobs in Vietnam but are still outside the country. Some popular ones include:
a) Dave’s ESL Cafe:This site is famous for teaching jobs across the globe. There are many links for Vietnam on the page.
b) VietnamWorks: This is a local job site with many teaching jobs. It also has other professional jobs.
ESL Jobs World: This website is also useful in searching for English teaching jobs all over the world, including in Vietnam.
c) TEFL.com:This site focuses on TEFL positions and may have openings in Vietnam at any given time.
How to apply:
It is quite easy to apply for these jobs. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Prepare Your Documents
Make sure you have your resume, TEFL certificate, and a cover letter with you. Ensure that your resume states where you have taught, indicating your teaching experience as well as your qualifications.
2. Create a Profile
Some job sites, such as VietnamWorks, make it necessary for candidates to register and create an account. Enter your details, and then scan your documents to upload them.
3. Search for Jobs
Search for teaching jobs by using the search option from the various job search websites for Vietnam. You can sort them by location, salary, etc.
4. Apply Directly
When you come across a job that you would like to apply for, click on that job listing and follow the application process. Submit your CV, letter of application to the employer, and complete an online application form.
5. Follow-Up
After applying, it is advisable to send an email follow-up to show the employer your zeal. This is particularly useful for candidates, as it puts you in a better position as compared to other job applicants.
ii) Recruitment Agencies
Several recruitment agencies focus on providing teachers of English to Vietnam. These agencies can give you some guidance regarding the job market, aid in the application process, and provide support during your stay in Vietnam.
iii) Networking
ESL teachers’ online communities and forums can help find teaching materials. You can share your experience with other teachers, find out more about their experience, and get more information about trustworthy schools and language centers.
Teaching English in Vietnam: Visa Application
If you are in Nigeria and want to teach English in Vietnam, there are two ways to get a Vietnam visa:
Applying directly to the Vietnam Embassy in Nigeria without any help from any agency.
However, before you can be granted a Vietnamese visa from Nigeria, you must have a job offer from any school or language center in Vietnam. They will send you an invitation letter—the same letter you will need when applying for a visa.
After that, proceed to the Vietnamese embassy in Abuja or the consulate. To apply for a visa, you will need to complete a visa application form, supply your passport with at least six months of validity, an invitation letter, and two photographs.
You could also require a health certificate and a police clearance certificate. Produce these documents and wait for the visa decision.
Contact information for the Embassy of Vietnam in Abuja
Address: No. 9 River Niger Street, Off Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria.
The cost of getting a visa to Vietnam from Nigeria depends on some factors. For a tourist visa, the applicable processing fee is approximately $55 while for a work visa, it can go up to $100-$150.
Teaching English In Vietnam: Challenges faced by ESL Teachers
Some of the challenges faced by ESL teachers in Vietnam are as follows:
Language is one of the main issues; understanding and interpreting certain terms may be difficult at times due to language differences.
Although most Vietnamese people are interested in learning English, getting to interact with people in day-to-day life can be challenging if you do not speak Vietnamese.
Another challenge is the difference in educational culture. Vietnamese students may be used to different teaching styles, so adapting to their learning preferences can take some time.
In addition, the weather in Vietnam is tropical, which is hot and humid, which could be quite inconvenient for some people.
Lastly, Americans and Filipinos are preferred before other English-native speakers, including Nigerians. This bias can limit job opportunities for qualified Nigerian teachers, despite their proficiency in English.
Vietnam is the destination country for anyone, especially any English teacher planning on relocating to another country. Get your TEFL certificate today. The journey starts here.
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