Teach English in Vietnam

Is Vietnam in need of TEFL teachers? Oh, yes! TEFL in Vietnam is booming!

Those who teach English in Vietnam will tell you that their experience is unlike any other TEFL teacher’s. 

• With its low cost of living, Vietnam offers a comfortable lifestyle for TEFL teachers.
• Vietnam is a tropical paradise. From beaches to hot springs to mountains to valleys, the country boasts gorgeous natural scenery and balmy tropical weather. And did we mention the crystal-clear waters, lush nature reserves and picturesque forests?
• And TEFL jobs for days! There is a high demand for TEFL teachers in Vietnam, so finding a job shouldn’t be too difficult.

Vietnam is an outrageously beautiful country. Teaching jobs are mainly found in the bigger cities. Luckily for you there’ll be loads of time to explore the rest of the country on your time off!

Hanoi

Best for culturally immersive experiences

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is known as the quieter sibling of Ho Chi Minh City. It has more green spaces and while still boasting big city buildings and skyscrapers, has a more laid-back vibe.

Ho Chi Minh City

Best for city slickers

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. A massive city with a huge expat population, this is where most of the jobs in Vietnam can be found.

While Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are both big cities and obvious choices for TEFL teachers, they are quite different. It seems that you are either a North (Hanoi) or a South (Ho Chi Minh) person so make sure you figure out which camp you belong in before you decide which to live in.

Da Nang

Beach vibes

If you’d prefer beach life to city life then Da Nang is for you. A gorgeous beach town, Da Nang is a less touristy option but still offers plenty of opportunities for TEFL teachers.

Read more: This Is What You Should Be Doing In Vietnam

Vietnam is generally considered one of the easier countries to get a working visa for. However, there are a number of requirements you need to satisfy in order to qualify for both a visa and a job teaching English in Vietnam.

The TEFL Academy has seen thousands of graduates make the move to become English teachers in Vietnam (many of whom are still there!) so let’s dive into the requirements for teaching English in Vietnam.

Do you need a visa to teach English in Vietnam?

To work in Vietnam you need a sponsored work visa from your Vietnamese employer. There are many English teachers working in Vietnam “under the table”  on a tourist visa. Although this is common practice, it is illegal. If caught teaching English in Vietnam without a work permit, you may be deported. 

And there’s no need to go the illegal route! It’s perfectly acceptable to enter Vietnam on a tourist visa in order to look for employment. Once you have found a job, your employer can apply for your work visa for you and your tourist visa can be updated. 

If you secure a job before leaving for Vietnam, employers and schools will assist you in applying for a 3-month business visa before your arrival. Once you arrive, they will start your application for a Vietnamese work permit. 

Visa requirements for teaching English in Vietnam

To get a work visa for Vietnam, you need:

• Valid passport (minimum six months validity remaining)
• Clean criminal background check
• University degree (in any subject)
• Teaching certificate (such as TEFL)
• Signed contract from an authorised Vietnamese employer
• Sponsor letter from an authorised Vietnamese employer
• Clean health check in Vietnam

After gathering the necessary documents, you will need to submit your application for a work visa to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country – unless your employer is organising this once you arrive.

Remember, it is possible to enter on a tourist visa, which is generally three months, which can then be converted to a work visa once you have secured employment.

The cost of a visa may be covered by your employer. If not it will cost $25 to $150.

Tip: Be sure to ask your employer about benefits and compensation before signing a contract, or you may end up paying for things you did not budget for. 

Can I teach in Vietnam without experience or a degree?

To legally work as an English teacher in Vietnam, the Vietnamese government requires foreign English teachers to hold a degree. This degree can be in any field but it must be a Bachelor’s degree. 

Experience is not necessary to teach English in Vietnam. As is always the case, teaching experience is preferred for the better-paid jobs, but certainly not for all. Don’t forget: the practical part of your TEFL course counts as teaching experience!

Do I need TEFL certification to teach  in Vietnam?

To legally work as an English teacher in Vietnam, the Vietnamese government requires foreign English teachers to hold a TEFL teaching certificate.

Remember that not all TEFL courses are created equal. To give yourself the best possible chance at finding work teaching in Vietnam, make sure the TEFL course you choose is accredited, internationally recognised and is held in high regard by its graduates.

Completing a Level 5 TEFL course (168 hours) with an in-class teaching component will strengthen your application.

Can I teach as a non-native speaker?

Your chances of securing an English teaching job in Vietnam as a non-native speaker is possible if you can prove your English proficiency to be that of a native speaker.

How to bolster your English teaching resume as a non-native speaker: 

• Previous English teaching experience (at a formal school or volunteer work)
• Level 5 TEFL Certificate with in-class teaching practice
• References from past employers or academic professionals who can advocate for your English proficiency
• A test result from an English test like IELTS or Pearson at a level of C1 or higher.

Do I need to speak Vietnamese to teach English in Vietnam?

As a matter of fact, you don’t! Teaching English as a foreign language is based on the principles of immersion learning. The focus is on using English in real situations. Translation is used sparingly. In fact, it is preferable for a TEFL teacher to not speak the local language in the classroom, to avoid the students using them as their own personal dictionary! 

Outside the classroom, speaking Vietnamese certainly helps you immerse yourself in the culture. And it makes it much easier to order a coffee!

How much start-up capital do I need?

Start-up capital as an English teacher in Vietnam will vary depending on your needs. As an English teacher in Vietnam, accommodation may or may not be included in your package. If accommodation is not supplied by your employer, this will form a large part of your start-up costs. 

But with the cost of living being low, it won’t prove difficult to afford a place to stay. Many English teachers in Vietnam share accommodation with other teachers, which is another way to save costs. Some Vietnamese employers will provide accommodation or offer housing allowances.

Remember that you will need to support yourself until your first paycheque.

Let’s break down the start-up costs you should be aware of when moving to Vietnam.

• Accommodation: First month’s rent and security deposit of two months’ rent
• TEFL certification: A TEFL course can cost between $100 and $500, depending on the length and level of the course and the course provider. 
• Document fees: Any costs related to certifying and notarising your degree and TEFL certificate
• Flight ticket: Variable. 
• Visa application: The cost of getting a work visa is subject to your home country. You can expect to pay between $50 -$150. 
• Living expenses: You will need one month’s worth of start-up capital of about 

₫17 million – ₫25 million ($750 – $1,000). Add to this ₫35 million ($1,500) for your first month’s rent upfront and two months’ rent deposit. 

Generally speaking, it’s recommended that you have between ₫35 million and ₫45 million ($1,500 and $2,000) to cover your start-up costs in Vietnam.

There are a myriad of English teaching jobs and programs to choose from in Vietnam. You could teach English at public schools, language schools, international school or privately.

Public schools

English teaching jobs in public schools in Vietnam is very popular. Teachers may not work many teaching hours every week, but class sizes can be big. Plus, teachers sometimes work at more than one school.

Language Schools

There are various private language schools in Vietnam which hire English teachers to teach an assortment of English classes: General, Academic, Conversational, Business and Test preparation. Class sizes are small and range from 5 to 20 students per class. 

Popular language schools in Vietnam are ILA, Apex, and Apollo English.

International schools

English teachers teach grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to Vietnamese students. Additionally, you could also find yourself teaching Maths, Science, and Social Studies. Class sizes can range from 10 to 25 students in international schools. 

Private lessons

Private lessons are a great way to earn extra income, and it is common for English teachers in Vietnam to teach private English lessons to their students. 

Tips for finding private lesson opportunities in Vietnam:

1. Advertise on social media (Facebook groups)
2. Ask Vietnamese teachers to refer you to students
3. Enquire at language centres for private language opportunities
4. Enquire at local businesses and offer to train their employees.

Tip: Ensure that your contract and visa allow you to work outside your normal teaching job.

Ready to start teaching the ABC’s? Here are some steps you can take to get an English teaching job in Vietnam:

1. Research job opportunities on our jobs board
2. Update CV and cover letter
3. Prepare for interviews
4. Ace interview
5. Apply for a work visa and work permit

Easy peasy!

There are numerous government-sponsored English language programs in Vietnam, the most popular being the English Teaching Assistant program. In this program you work alongside a local Vietnamese teacher in a public school with class sizes ranging from 30 to 40 pupils. 

Using a recruiter will help you find English teaching jobs in Vietnam.  They provide visa assistance, and support throughout your placement in Vietnam.

The average salary for English teachers in Vietnam ranges from ₫23 million – ₫45 million ($1,000 – $2000) a month. 

• At a language school, you can expect to earn ₫28 million – ₫42 million ($1,200 – $1,800) a month. 
• At a public school, you can earn up to ₫45 million ($2,000). 
• For private lessons, teachers usually charge between ₫250,000 – ₫350,000 ($10 – $15) an hour.

Tip: English teacher salaries are more competitive at international schools and universities.

The cost of living in Vietnam is very low. Your standard of living – and how much pho you want to eat! – will decide how much you are able to save.

 Living costs to consider in Vietnam:

Accommodation

• One-bedroom apartment in city centre: ₫7 milliion – ₫9 million ($300- $385) 
• One-bedroom apartment outside city centre: ₫4.5 milliion – ₫6 million ($200- $250) 

Utilities

• Gas, water, electricity: ₫1.4 million – ₫2.8 million ($60 – $120) a month

Groceries

• Monthly shop: ₫2.3 million ($100)
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: ₫25,000 – ₫70,000 ($1 – $3)

Transport

• Monthly pass: ₫200,000 ($8.50)
• Scooter, per month:  ₫1 million ($40)
• Taxi, per km: ₫15,000 ($0.60)

Internet

• Unlimited: ₫250,000 ($10)

Entertainment

• Going out, gym, movies etc: ₫4.5 million – ₫7 million ($200 – $300)

Saving in Vietnam is as easy as (Vietnamese meat) pie! If you are smart about eating out and your entertainment habits, it’s possible to keep your living costs quite low.

English teachers in Vietnam can expect to  save an average of ₫10 million ($450) a month. Side hustles, like private tutoring or online English teaching, are great ways to bump up your savings. 

Is teaching in Vietnam worth it? Absolutely yes!

But what can you expect from living in Vietnam as an English teacher?

Vietnamese culture is likely to be different from yours (unless you are from another Asian country), especially in the classroom. Vietnamese students are very respectful of their elders and will wait to be called on to speak in the classroom.

Saving face is an important concept in Vietnamese culture. Avoid doing anything that will embarrass a person in public, including shouting, ridiculing or being aggressive. 

Teachers in Vietnam need to dress business casual. Shoulders and legs should be covered, and tattoos hidden. Your conduct in public should reflect your status as a teacher.

Finally, Vietnamese people have a great sense of humour, but they won’t tolerate criticism of their country or jokes about the war. Be mindful and respectful and you’ll soon have many friends in Vietnam.

Living and teaching English in Vietnam is probably exactly what you would imagine. The teaching is fun, the coffee is good, and the salaries are enough for you to lead a comfortable lifestyle while enjoying everything Vietnam has to offer. 

It shouldn’t be surprising that many TEFL teachers start out teaching in Vietnam – and never leave!