Teaching jobs in Vietnam can seem a little overwhelming at times, with work permits, visas and qualification requirements to juggle, and that’s before you even begin to think about the new language and culture you’ll be immersing yourself in. And now you also have to choose between all of the different TEFL options in Vietnam. TEFL jobs in Vietnam include public schools, private schools, language centres, and private classes so it can be hard to know where to start. Here at Teacher’s Friend Vietnam, I can help you find the perfect English teaching job in Vietnam! Here’s everything you need to know about the different places you can teach, making it easy for you to make the right choice.
Language Centres.
Pay: $18-22 US per hour, $1200-$1600 per month
The most popular type of teaching job in Vietnam is in the language centres. There are two different types: the big and the small. I only work with the nice big ones, because they are more reliable and trustworthy, offering better training and facilities. The information you’ll find here is based on the big ones.
Resources: Most of the large centres provide an interactive whiteboard in every classroom, making it super easy to use video and other media, and play interactive games. They’ll also have a full library of teaching books, from theory to activity ideas. They’ll also have a teacher’s room with computers for lesson planning and shelves stuffed with all sorts of toys and craft materials.
Training: Language centres are big on professional development which makes them one of the best teaching jobs in Vietnam. There is usually a selection of workshops to attend every month, with new teachers being required to attend a minimum of 2 per month. You’ll also have regular observation and feedback sessions. This can sound intimidating at first, but they are an awesome way to improve as a teacher, and get feedback from more experienced teachers.
Benefits from employer: There are a stack of benefits for teachers at language centres making them much better than other ESL jobs in Vietnam: medical care, paid holiday, end of year completion bonus, visa and work permit sponsorship… and of course a pretty generous social budget for regular work meals/drinks and awesome Christmas parties.
Plus points: Language centres are social places. Most of the centres have over 10 teachers based in them (unless it’s a newly opened centre, which might only have a handful of teachers). At a language centre, you’re never on your own. There are always other teachers around to help you out, or grab a drink with after class. As well as support from other teachers, there will be a dedicated head teacher to give you more formal support when you need it. You’ll also only teach in one location. Your classes with be small, and cover most age ranges (usually 5-18), meaning you get lots of experience. Your wages are also reliably paid into your bank account when they should be.
Negatives: Classes are on an evening and weekend, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Others also have a pretty clear idea of the age groups they want to teach, so language centres aren’t ideal.
Public and Private Schools
If you want to work in Vietnam teaching English there are plenty of opportunities in private and public schools, as well as teaching jobs in International schools in Vietnam.
Pay: $20-25 per hour for private, $18-22 for public
Life in public and private schools is very different from the language centres. Teachers that want their evenings and weekends free, or have a very clear idea of the age they would like to teach gravitate towards the schools.
Resources: Private schools generally have heaps of technology and great resources, although they are not necessarily English language resources. Public schools are much more basic, with some having a blackboard and very little else.
Training: Private schools often provide extensive training and support. In return, they want you to stick around for a minimum of a year, preferably two. Public schools don’t really offer any training at all. Depending on the school, specific training may be provided when requested.
Benefits: One of the perks of this type of TEFL job in Vietnam is that Vietnamese public holidays are paid time off for teachers, including summer and TET. Some will provide medical insurance and an end of contract bonus. You’ll also get a work permit and residency card through the school.
Plus points: Many ESL jobs in Vietnam require a lot of travel time to get to and from classes. However, with a school you’ll be in the same place every day and usually only teach one age group. You’ll work closely with local teachers and get evenings and weekends free. You’ll also receive a nice regular salary.
Negative: There are often very few or no other English teachers in the school. Some schools offer very little classroom support whilst class sizes can be somewhat large. You might get bored teaching the same age group all the time with no variety.
Private Classes
Pay: $18-30 per hour
The most common type of Vietnam ESL jobs is teaching private classes. There are loads of these floating around in Vietnam, with a wide variety of needs and expectations.
Resources: Some parents may have a course book they’d like you to use, but that’s probably about it.
Training: None
Benefits: High pay, classes are generally quite easy and relaxed. You can choose your students, what age you’d like to work with and your schedule.
Negative: There’s no chance of getting a work permit. You’ll also have to travel between multiple locations for classes and have to build your own schedule. The work can sometimes be a little unreliable: if students have exams or something else coming up their extra English class is usually the first thing to be cancelled.
Which of these Vietnam ESL jobs you decide is the best fit for you really depends on your expectations, plans and experience but if you need any help, I can guide you into making the choice that’s best for you.
If you want to work in Vietnam teaching English- get in touch!
