Teaching English in Vietnam

With one of the most dynamic, fast growing economies in the world, Vietnam is truly a land of opportunity. Modern bustling cities exist side-by-side with tiny hill-tribe villages – a true traveller’s paradise. Be a part of this vibrant land – live there, teach there, immerse yourself in this ancient culture. MYTEFL can help get you there. Our job placement service will connect you directly with reputable schools. We will take care of the details so you don’t have to!

About life in Vietnam:

Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. The world’s 14th most populated country, it also has a surprisingly youthful population. Almost two-thirds of the current population was born after 1975!
Occupied by both the Chinese and Japanese at various times, colonised by France, and ravaged by civil war, modern Vietnam has embraced the best from these different cultures. Both the Chinese occupation as well as French colonisation have left a lasting impact on Vietnamese culture, with Confucianism influencing Vietnamese social norms, and the French influencing Vietnamese cuisine. Ooo la la!

And there’s plenty for the adventurous at heart – take a motorbike adventure tour, take a cruise ship to Halong Bay, crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels. Or simply relax on one of Vietnam’s gorgeous beaches.

Or, if you are a foodie, enjoy the best bowl of Pho you’ve ever tasted, devour rice pancakes stuffed with shrimp, beef and sprouts, sip crab sour soup, or any of the epicurean delights Vietnam has to offer.

The Vietnamese are extremely friendly, and love meeting new people, especially from different cultures, and learning from them.

So, if a growing economy, interesting culture, amazing food and adventure among some friendly people sounds exciting to you, ask us to get you to Vietnam!

EMPLOYMENT PACKAGES

Teaching jobs in Vietnam are available throughout the year and come with a great perks. The average teaching packages start at between $1400 – $1800 USD per month and include a housing stipend, health insurance, work permit sponsorship, and 16 – 22 vacation days per year. With super low living costs, this package is a smart choice for those looking to teach and save while having a blast.

TEFL in Vietnam FAQs

Through our placement program, we primarily offer positions in public schools across Vietnam. These roles involve teaching English to students at various levels, from elementary to high school. You'll be playing a key role in shaping students' English language skills, contributing to their academic development and future opportunities. Beyond the classroom, this experience provides a unique chance to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture, interact with local communities, and gain a deeper understanding of the country's rich heritage.

As a TEFL teacher placed in a public school in Vietnam through our program, you can expect to earn between $1350 and $1800 USD per month. This compensation package supports a comfortable lifestyle in Vietnam.

In addition to the base salary, you'll receive benefits such as health insurance, ensuring access to quality healthcare, and visa sponsorship, which simplifies the process of obtaining the necessary legal documentation to work in Vietnam. Placements also offer the potential for additional bonuses, tied to performance or successful completion of your contract, providing an opportunity to further enhance your earnings. Teaching English in Vietnam offers a financially rewarding experience and a chance to build your savings while experiencing a dynamic and culturally rich environment.

Yes, a bachelor's degree is a fundamental requirement for teaching English in Vietnam. This is a standard prerequisite for obtaining a work permit and reflects the importance placed on teachers' educational background.

For our placements, our employers and contracts stipulate that teachers should be native or near-native English speakers. While some schools in Vietnam may hire highly proficient non-native English speakers, our program focuses on placing native or near-native speakers to align with employer requirements and ensure the highest quality of English language instruction for Vietnamese students.

Prior teaching experience is not required to qualify for TEFL jobs in Vietnam. We welcome applications from enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who are passionate about teaching and eager to embark on their TEFL journey in Vietnam, even if they are new to the profession. Our TEFL certification program provides the necessary training and preparation to equip you with the skills and confidence to succeed in the classroom.

Completing our 120 Hour or 140 Hour online TEFL course is a prerequisite for the teaching placement in Vietnam. These courses provide comprehensive training in English language teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, lesson planning, and other essential skills, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to excel in their teaching roles.

The standard contract duration for teaching English in Vietnam is 12 months. This provides a consistent and immersive experience for both teachers and students, allowing you to build strong relationships in the school and community. While 12 months is the norm, there might be some variations depending on the specific school and the details of your employment agreement.

In most cases, housing is not provided, nor is a housing stipend offered to TEFL teachers in Vietnam. Teachers are typically responsible for securing their own accommodation. However, some employers may offer assistance in finding suitable housing, such as connecting you with local real estate agents or providing information on available rentals. It's crucial to clarify the specifics of the housing arrangement with your employer before accepting a position. Rent costs in Vietnam can vary significantly depending on the city, the proximity to the city center, and the type of accommodation.

To teach English legally in Vietnam, you'll need a valid work permit and visa. This is a crucial step to ensure that you're working in compliance with Vietnamese law.

Your employer will play a significant role in assisting you with the work permit application process. They'll handle the majority of the paperwork, guiding you through the required steps and ensuring that all the necessary documents are in order.

The typical teaching hours for TEFL teachers in Vietnam range from 20 to 25 hours per week. This workload allows you to dedicate sufficient time to lesson preparation, student interaction, and assessment, while also providing you with time outside of the classroom. However, it's important to note that the exact number of teaching hours can vary depending on the specific school, the type of contract, and the school's needs.

As a TEFL teacher in Vietnam, you will have the opportunity to teach a diverse range of students, spanning various age groups and English language proficiency levels. The specific age groups and levels you teach will depend on the school's needs and student demographics. The vast majority of our placements are in the public sector, meaning you will likely be teaching elementary or middle school students. Many teachers find that working with a mix of ages and abilities is a rewarding experience that keeps the job dynamic and engaging.

Many employers in Vietnam recognize the importance of ongoing professional development for their TEFL teachers. They often provide initial training and support to help you acclimate to the Vietnamese classroom environment and school culture. Throughout your contract, you will have opportunities to participate in workshops, in-service training sessions, and other professional development activities.

These initiatives aim to enhance your teaching skills, keep you updated on the latest pedagogical approaches, and provide avenues for career advancement within the school or organization.

Some challenges of teaching English in Vietnam include adapting to a new culture, navigating language barriers, and dealing with varying levels of student motivation and classroom management. However, many teachers find these challenges to be outweighed by the rewarding experience and the opportunity for personal growth. Building a strong support network and proactively learning about Vietnamese culture can help ease the transition.

Our TEFL positions in Vietnam include health insurance as a valuable component of the benefits package. This coverage helps ensure that you have access to medical care should you need it.

The cost of living in Vietnam is relatively low compared to many Western countries, and the salary offered to TEFL teachers is generally sufficient to live comfortably and even save money. However, the cost of living can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.

While you can often express your location preferences, placement in Vietnam depends on the availability of positions and the specific needs of the schools. Flexibility can increase your chances of placement in a preferred location.

The application process for TEFL jobs in Vietnam involves submitting a cover letter, CV/resume, copies of your degree and TEFL certification, a passport scan, and a recent photo.

The timeline for securing a TEFL job placement in Vietnam after you've completed your certification varies. Several factors influence this process. The initial steps, such as submitting your application and participating in interviews with potential employers, typically takes a couple weeks.

However, due to the document authentication requirements in Vietnam, the work permit and visa application process takes longer. It takes on average 2-3 months from the time you submit your application to the time you start your teaching position, depending on the specifics of the paperwork processing.

Yes, there are often opportunities to renew your contract or extend your stay in Vietnam. Many teachers choose to stay for multiple years. Contract renewal may also come with increased salary or other benefits.

Yes, friends and couples are often welcome to apply to TEFL in Vietnam together. However, flexibility with location and school preferences can improve the chances of being placed in the same area or school.

To be eligible for our placements, applicants are required to hold a passport from one of the following countries: US, UK, CA, AU, NZ, ZA, and IR. We strongly advise checking your passport's expiration date well ahead of your planned departure and taking timely steps to renew it if required.

It's advisable to bring enough money to cover initial expenses such as accommodation deposits, transportation, and living costs until you receive your first salary. The exact amount can vary, but having at least $1200-$1800 USD is a reasonable starting point.

Some employers in Vietnam may require a health check or medical report. It's best to confirm the specific requirements with your employer.

TEFL job placements in Vietnam are available in various locations across the country, including major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as smaller cities and towns.

Yes, a criminal background check is a standard requirement for teaching English in Vietnam. You'll need to provide a certified copy of your criminal record from your home country. This document verifies that you do not have any prior convictions that would disqualify you from working with children or in an educational setting.

Bringing pets to Vietnam can be complex and may involve quarantine requirements and significant costs. It's advisable to thoroughly research the regulations and consider the potential challenges before deciding to bring a pet. We do not recommend it.

While not usually a requirement for teaching English, knowing some basic Vietnamese can be helpful for daily life and cultural integration. Learning a few phrases can enhance your experience and be appreciated by locals.

The specific TEFL training included in a Vietnam placement can vary. Some employers may provide initial on-site training or orientation, while some will also provide continuous development.

The hiring of English teachers in Vietnam occurs throughout the year, but there are certain periods when the demand for teachers tends to be higher. Schools often hire in the spring and summer months in anticipation of the new academic year, which typically begins in August or September. Regardless of the specific hiring season, it's advisable to apply for positions well in advance of your intended start date to allow ample time for the application process, interviews, and visa arrangements.

INCLUDES

  • pre-departure information and advicework visa sponsorship
  • starting salaries of 32,000,000 – 41,000,000 VND ($1400 – $1800 USD)
  • accommodation allowance of 6,450,000 VND per month ($285 USD)
  • contract completion bonus of 10,750.000 VND ($470 USD)
  • 18 teaching hours per week
  • 16 – 22 vacation days per year
  • health insurance included

REQUIREMENTS

  • 120 or 140 Hour myTEFL Certificate
  • native English speaker from the US, UK, CA, AU, NZ, IR, ZA
  • bachelor degree
  • between 22 and 55 years old
  • criminal background check
  • 12 month contract

Don’t Have a TEFL?

If you are ready to start teaching and traveling, take the very first step towards your exciting new career and enroll in our 120 Hour Professional TEFL course!

READY TO FIND YOUR DREAM JOB?

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