TEFL and Nha Trang

by Audrey
(Unknown)

Hi,

I have found this web site very very informative, it is down to earth, telling it how it really is.

I have not really found the process for a work visa, can you do this yourself or can it only be done through the school?

My husband and I are looking at doing a TESOL course then coming to Vietnam and hopefully find a school around Nha Trang area to employ us...sounds too easy!

Thanks to any reply.
Audrey

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Reply from Travel-Budget-Asia.com

Thanks for the kind words about the website, Audrey. It's a nice feeling to know when you have helped someone out. It can be overwhelming just to visit Vietnam and even more so to move your life there.

I always appreciated when people helped me out the first time I came to Saigon in 2005.

Here's everything you'll need to know about obtaining a work permit for Vietnam including some application forms.

That page should answer most your questions on everything to do with legally working in Vietnam and also advice for those who don't exactly follow the rules so stringently.

Only the school can sponsor you to get a work permit so you need to get a job first. Most work is still under the table, especially so in Nha Trang. Nha Trang is the holy Grail for teachers struggling in Saigon and wanting some beach life.

So you will not get a full time job with guaranteed hours in Nha Trang. Even if you show up with a Masters Degree, CELTA, TEFL, AND 3 years experience.

You will get the piecemeal junk at first, but you should get work at about 7-12 hours a week. At $12USD an hour it is not much but again, you are showing up without any previous experience in Vietnam.

It is enough to live on. It ain't a bad life and if you are a good teacher, you will get the first full-time posting that opens up.

The Vietnamese are hands on. If it's in front of their face, they will see it and know it's real. And the "Demo Class" is your chance to make or break you!

The demo class is a short 20min class that you conduct as part of the interview process. You might dress poorly and have the face of a hog, yet if you nail the Demo Class, you're in for sure.

My advice: Start with work in Saigon to get some experience under your belt. A TEFL or TESOL will get you a job more easily but if you bore the students to death, it won't make any difference.

If you want to get a TEFL, then read up about them before taking one in Vietnam.

The same course in Vietnam would be worth $2,000 dollars and they often come with a hitch; You must work for them for the duration of your placement.

In other words; low pay and long hours.

Once you get some experience, head up to Nha Trang for a few days and pass around your resume and "Be There" in front of them. It's amazing how you suddenly become real to them once you are taking up the space on the other side of their desks.

Your Goal is Vast but you could end up in Nha Trang teaching English on guaranteed hours (The Key) if you are patient and well-liked by the students and staff.

Good Luck and click the reply button if you have more questions or even some advice for others.