Teaching English in Hanoi

by Jasmin Pervera
(Philippines)

Hi, I plan to move in Vietnam this coming June.

I am recently Government School Teacher in the Philippines and want to teach in Hanoi. I am 37 years old. I had been teaching for almost 5 years in Primary.

Do I have a good opportunity to teach in Hanoi? Do I still have to take TESL or TESOL in order for me to get landed easily in the job?

I am looking forward to any suggestions that you will give. Thank you so much.

Best Regards,

Jasmin

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Reply from Travel-Budget-Asia.com

Your English is good, Jasmin. There are standard flaws that seem common to many Filipinos but the Vietnamese value Filipinos because their English is usually easy to understand.

The problem you face is schools forcing you into the same category as an English Speaking Vietnamese Teacher. The Vietnamese staff becomes very upset if another Asian person gets a higher salary than them. Schools don't want that kind of in-fighting so usually offer you the same benefits as locals.

Which is a very low salary and you teach the lowest level students, often with little to no English skills. You will get work and I have seen some Filipinos get good money but they do have to fight for it and their lives are more difficult.

Do you have a degree? If you have no university degree AND no CELTA or TESOL, forget about it. Seriously. They want experience from native speakers but will want experience and a degree and a TEFL from you.

If you don't mind earning as the locals do then I suggest you go. You will find work because of your background and experience. Just prepare for a tough battle and a lot of footwork.

Philip