Teaching English in Vietnam: Things you need to know

Vietnam is undeniably one of the melting pots for ESL teachers who are looking to make a career in a foreign land. Low cost of living, great food, amazing destination to travel, warm and such welcoming culture, these are only a few reasons to move to Vietnam and refresh your teaching career.
You probably won’t believe me if I tell you that hundreds if not, thousands of expats are coming to Vietnam every year to teach English. Even though the demand is skyrocketing, there are loads of mistakes that they do and still doing. So, here, from someone who has taught English in Vietnam will tell you what you need to know before signing a contract with someone who offered you a teaching job here or before you book your one-way ticket.
Related article: Jobs for expats in Vietnam

Demand for english teacher in Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the countries with the highest demand for English teachers, which is good. It means that if locals speak English, the country can attract more tourists, businesses from different countries, more jobs for the locals, and competitive economic growth.
If you visit any expat Facebook groups or simply Googling teaching English in Vietnam, it will surely overwhelm you with the unending posts about job offers. Whether you decide to live in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), or even in smaller cities like Hoi An, Da Nang, or Nha Trang, you can get yourself a job easily. There are loads of private English centres and public schools who are desperate to get their hands on a foreign teacher. However, there are a few ugly truths you need to know and prepare yourself:
– Most of these schools are in favour of native English speakers which is perfectly reasonable if they are very strict with the pronunciation that their students should learn. But at the same time, being a white person can get the job easily too – I know it’s hard to get yourself around that fact, but it is indeed a fact.
– This means if you are either native English speaker or a white-skinned person or Caucasian, you can get that job.
– Non-native English speakers and not white will have a little challenge in finding the job the job they are hoping for but still possible. If you are more than qualified, you should look into bigger companies and international schools, they are more professional and are more interested in your experiences and qualifications.
– Racism in Vietnam in the field of ESL teaching is widely spread. People of colour are having a harder time to get an ESL job simply because of their skin colour or accent despite of their years of experience in this field.
– If you were offered way less rate simple because you are not Caucasian but you know that you are a qualified one, don’t accept or sign the contract. There are jobs and students who and that are willing to pay you rightly, know your value. If all aspiring ESL teacher coming to Vietnam will fight this massive race issue through rejecting low paid jobs, at some point, hopefully, Vietnam will see everyone’s value equally. 

Work experience requirements

It is true if I tell you that work experience is not very much a requirement if you decide to teach English in Vietnam. This is sad in all levels, despite the cry out of the expat community for the Vietnamese schools to raise their standard in hiring a teacher, the demand is just too high to take this subject on top of the discussion.
However, there are schools with high standards who are strict in hiring ESL teachers in Vietnam. They require certain experiences and they always take the legal path.

Valid visa and working permit as an english teacher in Vietnam

You won’t believe how many English teachers come here and work on a tourist visa.
This is, in fact, illegal, if you plan to work here, you need to secure a business visa and/or a work permit. Working on a tourist permit or on illegal documents will result in serious trouble such as deportation and entry ban in the country.
If the school let you work on a tourist visa, this is a red flag and a sign of unprofessionalism. They are more likely to screw you over at some point. For example, not paying you in time for your last paycheck when you quit the job or simply fire you without any acceptable reason. They can also use this against you as you cannot ask for a legal help regarding this matter.
Once you have a work permit, you can apply for a Temporary Residence Card valid for 1-3 years. Using this, you can exit and enter Vietnam without needing a visa. The process of obtaining a Temporary Residence Card is easy and quick but you will need a work permit which can take time depending on what documents you have ready,
As I mentioned, being a native English speaker with white skin can land you a job easily but there are still a couple of job requirements you have to prepare. Thankfully, a lot of schools are getting wiser and more professional as the year comes by. Here are the common requirements when applying for an English teaching job in Vietnam:
– a Bachelor’s degree – depending on the school, it must be or not related to English or teaching- TEFL/TOFEL/CELTA – Get your TEFL Certificate now online- Valid passport and visa- Other documents to prove your education and work experiences
– CV
TIP: Look for schools who will check not only your accent, physical appearance, but also who will require you to have an experience in teaching, a teaching certificate, a bachelor’s/master’s degree. These schools are more serious in the business, who is also concern with the quality of teaching they provide to their students.

Demo lessons

Some schools will ask you to do a demo lesson at least for a minimum of 30-minutes, some demos are paid whilst the others are not. Remember to ask this before agreeing to perform one. Be aware that some schools invite a lot of aspiring English teachers and require a demo for free. While the truth is they basically get different teachers to teach their student without paying anything while they make money from it (because those students pay for a class)

How much is the salary of an english teacher in Vietnam?

Salary is quite attractive in Vietnam, the pay ranges between $15-$25 per hour whereas a full-time teacher works at least 20 hours a week, some work for 40 hours a week. If you prefer to work as a private tutor too, this is less hassle but the pay varies. The rate also varies depending on your location, suburbans pay a little less but provide accommodation. Smaller cities and towns also pay less.
There are some schools that will hire you and start the pay in $18 with a chance of a raise depending on your performance. Always double check your contract before signing.

Perks and additional

There are a few schools or agencies who will offer you a free accommodation or transportation allowance. Based on the stories I heard, it’s mostly a hit and miss, you can be offered a decent accommodation or a crappy one. Housing is relatively cheap in Vietnam, therefore, I suggest you find your own instead. While transportation in Vietnam is cheap too, you won’t have problem getting around.

Find a job before coming to Vietnam or apply for a job when you get to Vietnam?

This is a very common question from aspiring English teachers in Vietnam. In my personal experience, I only start finding a teaching job when I arrived in Vietnam, this made all my interviews, demo lessons, and even getting tips from English teachers a lot more convenient. My friend started applying for a possible job before moving here, he scheduled interviews and demos beforehand and did it right away after he arrived.
Personally, I won’t accept an ESL job unless I’m in Vietnam, this is to avoid scams too but it’s a personal choice. I know many teachers who accepted job offers before arriving and it went well.

How to find an ESL job in Vietnam

This is surely one of questions that bothers you a lot. Apart from searching online, the most effective way in finding an English teaching job in Vietnam is to join Facebook groups depending on your location. You will observe that there are job offers popping up almost everyday. You can also upload your job posting, CV, contact details, and what you are looking for, ESL schools and centres will reach out to you. If you receive an offer but in doubt if this is legitimate or not, ask the expat groups, even they can be rude, a lot of them are still helpful.

Dress code while teaching english in Vietnam

Once you have found a teaching job and signed a contract, there are a lot of things that you still need to prepare. One of them is to pack the right work clothes. The dress code for teaching in Vietnam is not a lot different in other parts of the world. You are expected to dress at least semi-formal.
Depending on where you will be living and teaching, some schools have AC while others don’t. If you will be in the north, pack a good semi-formal jacket as it can be cold during winter, while the in the south, make sure you pack comfortable clothes, the humid can be very irritating.

Dress code for women teachers

Here are some ideas on what you can wear when teaching:
– a dress that is knee-length or longer with a small sleeve or longer and has a standard neckline- dress pants and a button shirt with a sleeve on- a knee-length skirt or longer and button shirt sleeve- you can wear a sleeveless blouse but use a jacket cardigan- black shoes, high heel shoes or flat shoes are all acceptable as long as they are closed
Some schools allow a casual get up once a week, it’s best to ask your school coordinator about the proper dress code when teaching.

Dress code for men teachers

Here are some ideas on the dress code for men teachers:
– dress pants and a button sleeve shirt- dress pants and a polo shirt- black shoes- it is not expected to wear a tie unless specified by your school
Some days, casual jeans and a shirt is allowed but its best to ask your school coordinator to explain to you the dress code.

Conclusion

The most important things to remember are; demand for ESL job, visa options, working experience, educational background, TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate, English centre vs Public School, salary, and job requirements. These are the things you need to know before you decide on teaching English in Vietnam or hopping on a plane heading to Vietnam or worse committing and signing to a job contract.If you have any questions, leave it on the comment section and we will do our best to answer it.
This article is summarized by Modoho – a trusted agency in Ho Chi Minh city. If you need any help from a local expertise with free searching services (only landlord have to pay) feel free to contact us. Here is some listing for you:

• Apartment for rent in District 2.
• Vinhomes Central Park for rent.
• Estella Heights for rent.
• City Garden apartment for rent.
• Gateway Thao Dien for rent.

How to get a work permit for Vietnam

There are several job categories that foreigners can apply for, and specific conditions they must meet to qualify.
The liberalisation of Vietnam’s economy has created favourable conditions for those looking to expand their business to the country. The flow-on effect has been an increase in opportunities for foreign workers in Vietnam.
The Vietnamese government has improved its legal framework to manage this economic development and social security – especially around foreign workers – more effectively. Decree no. 11/2016/ND-CP and the guidance Circular no. 40/2016/TT-LDTBXH have been issued, which updates the requirements for work permit applications.

Here’s what you need to know when applying for a work permit in Vietnam.

There are several categories under which foreigners can apply for a work permit, and they include:
– Specialists- Managers and executive directors- Interns- Short-period contract experts.
A specialist must be certified by the relevant foreign authority or organisation as an expert; have a university equivalent or higher degree; have at least three years’ working experience in the speciality in which they were trained; have work experience compatible with their proposed position in Vietnam.
According to the Law of Enterprises, a manager can be an owner of a private company, a general partner, the chairperson or member of the board of members, the company’s president, the chairperson or member of the Board of Directors, Director/General Director, or a person holding another managerial position who is entitled to enter into the company’s transactions according to the company’s charter.

A manager can also be the head or deputy head of an agency or organisation.
An executive director is a person who is the head of, and the direct executive operator of, a subsidiary unit of any organisation or enterprise.
Foreign students must have an internship agreement signed with an agency, organisation or enterprise in Vietnam.
There is another category that covers foreigners entering Vietnam for less than 30 days to work as a manager, executive director, expert or technician. However, the cumulative period of working in Vietnam in a year must not exceed 90 days.

CAN I WORK IN VIETNAM WITHOUT WORKING PERMIT

Yes, You can. If you are in one of the following cases:
– Working duration is less than 3 months.- Members of a limited company which include more than 1 member.- Owner of one member limited company in Vietnam.- Members of BOD at a joint stock company.- Doing service sales activities for a foreign company in Vietnam.- Foreign lawyer with a law practice license issued by the Ministry of justice.

What can go wrong?

The government of Vietnam will deport any foreigner who is working in Vietnam without a work permit, or on an expired one.
As for employers, an administrative penalty ranging from VND5 million to VND10 million will apply if they fail to, or insufficiently report, any employment of foreigners to the authorised agencies.

If employers employ any foreigner without a work permit, with an outdated one, or without confirmation issued by the competent authority of work permit exemption, the employers will be subject to penalty ranges as follows:
– VND30 million to VND45 million for up to 10 foreign workers- VND45 million to VND60 million for 11 to 20 foreign workers- VND60 million to VND 75 million for over 21 workers.
Employers could also be suspended from operating for up to three months if the violation is serious enough. 
This article is summarized by Modoho – a trusted agency in Ho Chi Minh city. If you need any help from a local expertise with free searching services (only landlord have to pay) feel free to contact us. Here is some listing for you:

• Apartment for rent in District 2.
• Vinhomes Central Park for rent.
• Estella Heights for rent.
• City Garden apartment for rent.
• Gateway Thao Dien for rent.

Details About Transport App Vietnam: Grab vs GoViet

When coming to another country, language is a huge barrier against you from experience the best journey you can get. It is very difficult to communicate with the locals, especially with countries that English wasn’t their second language. However, you would be glad to know that English is widespread in Vietnam and most people can speak English, or at least they can understand simple sentences such as Hello, Yes, No or numbers and animals, etc.
If you had a chance to visit Vietnam, you would find communication is very easy here. Even people with low education levels like street vendors and lottery sellers can talk a bit with foreigners.

Introduction

Talking about transportation, if you are afraid of driving yourself in middle of the crowded street with many motorbikes, you can use the transport apps such as Grab, GoViet and Be. These drivers will reach you in less than 5 minutes and drive you to your destination with an affordable price.
Related article: Transportation guide in Ho Chi Minh city
In case you don’t know, there are two kinds of taxi:
– Traditional taxi: founded many years ago such as Mai Linh and Vinasun. Used to be only hotlines for calling taxi but recently, they had created applications too to compete with technology taxi.

– Technology taxi: new in Vietnam market but attracts more and more customers day by day. They are apps on devices to order a taxi or a motorcycle for transportation. They had opened delivery services recently.

In my opinion, traditional taxis are a bit safer, but technology cabs are much more convenient. They not only provide taxis for transportation but also use motorcycles as well as delivery services. If you are careful about dangers such as not entering the empty road or providing information about the driver for a companion before riding in the car, you’ll be fine.

Well-known apps in Vietnam

1. Grab

Grab is a very popular brand in South-East Asia. They are an multinational company having their application operates in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

In Vietnam, there used to be only 2 famous brands for taxi-booking mobile app called Uber and Grab. However, after a long time compete with each other, Grab has won the SEA market and acquire Uber in the SEA areas.
Grab was founded in 2012 by Anthony Tan, Tan Hooi Ling.

With Grab, you can register with your phone, Facebook account or Email account. It’s very convenient to use.
Grab is available for both Android and IOS. Click on the operating system name and download for free.

As top 1 transport app in Vietnam, Grab supply many services for its customers. You can either call for a car or a motorbike for transport as well as use their food delivery services and delivery services. Moreover, you can add credit to you mobile phone or pay the bills on Grab too.

For their loyal customers, they offer member packages which are much cheaper if you use Grab oftenly. And for all kind of customers, they have some promotion to encourage their users from using Grab.
Overall, Grab is the best choice for you if you need a transport service.

2. GoViet

Although there is a Viet word in their name, GoViet is invested by an Indonesia brand, GoJek. They appeared in Vietnam in 8/2018 and gain a tremendous success after their marketing strategy. With the campaign of 5,000 VND for a motorbike ride, they are well-known throughout Vietnam in less than a month.

One fun fact is that when GoViet appear and quickly takes the majority of Grab customers, Grab immediately offer some promotion quite the same with GoViet to keep their customers. But when GoViet end the campaign, Grab’s promotions are disappear too.

GoViet is available for both Android and IOS. Click on the operating system name and download for free.

Unlike Grab, GoViet can only register with phone number and Facebook account.

Although GoViet have many services such as motorcycles transport, food delivery services and delivery services, it is no doubt that GoViet offer less services than Grab. However, there are many promotions you can get from GoViet and the price for motorbikes transport is a little bit cheaper.
If you are a smart user, install both application and take the advantage of promotion from both apps.
This article is summarized by Modoho – a trusted agency in Ho Chi Minh city. If you need any help from a local expert with free searching services (only landlord have to pay) feel free to contact us. Here is some listing for you:

• Apartment for rent in District 2.
• Vinhomes Central Park for rent.
• Estella Heights for rent.
• City Garden apartment for rent.
• Gateway Thao Dien for rent.

Ho Chi Minh is not only the largest city of Vietnam but also the important center of economy, culture and education. As a consequence, more and more expats decided to move to Saigon and start living here. Take the advantage from this developed city, many gorgeous apartment was built and expats communities was created.

In order to meet the customers demands, especially shopaholics, Ho Chi Minh shopping mall has been built near the large resident area with monumental architecture. It is indisputable that shopping malls with various fashion brands which ranging from normal to luxury never fail to catch the attention of any shopaholic

Saigon is well-known as the most crowded shopaholic paradise throughout Vietnam and with magnificent Ho Chi Minh shopping mall built and under construction, shoppers can get a wider choices for themselves. Here is the list of top 10 shopping mall in Ho Chi Minh city you should know and pay a visit to get a great shopping experience.

1. Takashimaya (Saigon Center)

Situated in the city center and inside Saigon Center building, Takashimaya is one of the best well-known Ho Chi Minh shopping mall for its residences. Located in Le Loi Street – District 1 main road, near the famous Nguyen Hue walking street, Takashimaya has a prominent location which lead to thousand of visitors dropped by everyday.

If you interested in luxury brands such as Montblanc, Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, …, this is a great place for you to spend your time, and money. There are also many restaurants and coffee shops in the mall for you to relax after buying clothes with your companions.

Address: No.65 Le Loi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

2. Aeon Mall

Aeon Mall belongs to a Japanese company launched in Vietnam in early 2011. This Japanese – style Ho Chi Minh shopping mall brings to its customers a wonderful experience with long range of goods and services.

There are 2 Aeon Mall in Ho Chi Minh city called Aeon Mall Tan Phu Celadon and Aeon Mall Binh Tan, one in Binh Duong called Aeon Mall Binh Duong Canary and one in Hanoi called Aeon Mall Long Bien.

Address:

– Aeon Mall Tan Phu Celadon: 30 Bo Bao Tan Thang Street, Son Ky Ward, Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh city.

– Aeon Mall Binh Tan: 1 17A Street, Binh Tri Dong B Ward, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh city.

3. Crescent Mall

Opened in 2011, Crescent is one of the hottest Ho Chi Minh shopping mall in Saigon that meets international standard. Visit Crescent Mall, you will find there is less traffic than other commercial centers in the city, suitable for those who hate traffic jams.

Located near the Crescent Lake, guests can observe a spectacular view from the Starlight Bridge near the mall. Shopper can take a break after their journey by sitting in a coffee shop and watch the sunset.

Address: 101 Ton Dat Tien Street, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh city.

4. Nowzone

Nowzone Fashion Mall was opened in 2008 and after more than 10 years, Nowzone has built its name to be one of the best Ho Chi Minh shopping mall, a great place for shopaholic as well as people looking for relaxation with many kinds of entertainment.

Shoppers can find cosmetic in the first floor, luxury clothes in the second floor and kids clothes on the third one. The fourth floor is the food court and the top floor is the cinema.

Address: 235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city.

5. Parkson

Parkson Department Store consists of many malls in distinct district of Ho Chi Minh city. In Parkson, you can find goods ranging from mid – to high – end product. There used to be 6 Parkson Department Store in Ho Chi Minh city but 3 was closed for having failure in business.

The 3 closed malls are Parkson Paragon, Parkson The Flemington and Parkson Cantavil Premier. The 3 remaining are Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza, Parkson C.T Plaza and Parkson Hung Vuong Plaza. Although having some problem with the previous mall, Parkson is still one of the best Ho Chi Minh shopping mall.

Address:

– Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza: 22 bis Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city.

– Parkson C.T Plaza: 60A Truong Son Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh city.

– Parkson Hung Vuong Plaza: 126 Hung Vuong Street, Ward 12, District 5, Ho Chi Minh city.

6. Van Hanh Mall

Open last year with 55,000 square meters area, Van Hanh Mall is a must – go destinations for shopaholic in District 10. The Mall is the biggest Mall in the area with several famous brands for you to choose from clothing to cosmetic.

If you want to find the best Ho Chi Minh shopping mall in the area of District 3,10 and 11, Van Hanh Mall wouldn’t let you down.

Address: 11 Su Van Hanh, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh city

7. Vincom Center

With more than 250 retail outlets, Vincom is regarded as one of the largest Ho Chi Minh shopping mall both in scale and modernity. They are two seperate buildings, just across each other, designed with elegant French style that gives people a great shopping feeling.

Situated in the city center with a prominent location, Vincom is a destination for many people, including locals and expats for a weekend shopping day.

Address:

– Vincom Center A: 171 Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city.

– Vincom Center B: 72 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city.

This article is summarized by Modoho – a trusted agency in Ho Chi Minh city. If you need any help from a local expertise with free searching services (only landlord have to pay) feel free to contact us. Here is some listing for you:

• Apartment for rent in District 2.
• Vinhomes Central Park for rent.
• Estella Heights for rent.
• City Garden apartment for rent.
• Gateway Thao Dien for rent.