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Jun 11, 2010
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Nha Trang
by: Audrey

Thanks Travel-Budget-Asia.com for the great reply, it has given me idea of what to expect regarding getting work. We are booked in for an info session on TESOL in July here in Australia.

I have noticed (as in your post) that if we do the course overseas we would be expected to work for them for so many months. We have been to Vietnam 3 times and are heading off again in Feb 2011 for 4 weeks.

I have decided to do volunteer work during this time to get some experience up and also look around at what may be available.

We would be happy with 12 hours each a week as we also want to give back to the community with volunteer work.

Audrey

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Reply from Travel-Budget-Asia.com

You are awesome to offer your valuable time to a people with less than you. However, many of the staff in the orphanages will ask you for money and ask you often.

Unfortunately, that money never gets to the kids and the needy. I always tell people to give your time but never your money, no matter how well they try to convince you that the money is a better way to help the kids.

It is sad to say but some of the staff do not hold the same desire as you to help the people around them.

A friend of mine paid $50USD a week to a certain (Un-named) orphanage for the use in purchasing diapers, which the staff said were the most needed item. When she went to visit the orphanage 6 months later, all the children were still in the same rags as the last time she had visited.

All the money was gone and not a dime of her money was used for a single diaper.

And about the CELTA. Getting it on your own, in a Western country empowers you to pick and choose where you want to work. Do a CELTA in Vietnam and they will not force you to sign a work contract with them. Not the REAL CELTA boys and girls. It is only those damn TELF courses, run by Vietnamese that get you stuck for 6 months in a contract with them.

The real CELTA program won't ask you to commit to anything. But when it says "issued in Australia", it empowers you.

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Reply from Travel-Budget-Asia.com (Or Just Philip)

Glad a could help. Sometimes just affirmation takes away some of the anxiety. But if you can't get hired then nobody can.

Please check out volunteer opportunities in Cambodia. I do some work here and we could use a soul like yours around. The rewards are far greater than those in Vietnam.

But they are lucky to get you up in Vietnam.

Take care of Yourself,

Philip.

Jun 11, 2010
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Arriving in Vietnam With No Job Prospects
by: Polly

Thanks Travel-Budget-Asia for your interesting reply to Audrey.

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Reply from Travel-Budget-Asia.com

That's a lot of questions, Polly. You trying to kill me? I'll go at them one by one.

I have been applying for work in Vietnam in probably most common way - via internet sites and companies who give a guaranteed job on arrival.

It is only this evening that I have read posts suggesting people should just arrive in Vietnam and try to find their own employment.

Vietnamese don't acknowledge you as an actual human prospect for a job until you are standing in front of them with your resume. Your appearance is very important to them.

If they answer an emailed request for employment or even advertise, they are just fishing for someone to work on days no one else will for a pittance of salary.

I have very little money to take with me - about 400 euro or less - can someone advise me if I can live on this whilst looking for work??

Poly. 400 Euros? Please wait until you can scrape together at least 1500 Euros. I'm begging you.

Vietnamese companies pay by the month, not every 2 weeks. Any way you look at it, a full paycheck is a month away.

If you stay at a Guesthouse in Ho Chi Minh City for $6USD a night, (Budget Rooms in Saigon) that would be about $200USD. Then you need to pay the cost of working that whole month.

You will be taking a huge risk flying into Ho Chi Minh City with 400 Euros.

Also, will I be allowed in the country with such a pittance and no return flight?

You should not have any problems. British Citizens are allowed 1 way tickets into Cambodia and Vietnam. If they ask how much money you have just say 400 Euros and my Visa card.

Do I apply for a visa before going or obtain one on arrival at the airport?

Polly, that is covered in the first sentence of the Vietnam Travel page on this site. Please read it.

Is it better for someone like me to go with a company as planned? I do not have teaching experience but have a degree and have just completed a Trinity TESOL.

Go with a company and regret it in 2 months. Get a job once you are there and your life will rock.

I want my boyfriend to come too, he does not have a degree or Tefl Cert. If I secure a job can he stay in Vietnam too or does he need a K2 fiancée visa or even the K3 marriage visa?

The answer is yes, he can stay. Enter the country on a 1 month visa and then head to a travel agent in the Pham Ngu Lao area of Saigon. Purchase a 6 month multiple entry Visa for about $150USD.

Take good care of yourself, Polly.

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