Common Job Scams for Teachers in Vietnam (and How to Avoid Them)

Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations in Asia for foreign ESL teachers. With a growing demand for English education and competitive salaries, thousands of teachers move here every year. However, alongside legitimate opportunities, there are also job scams that target unsuspecting teachers.

If you are planning to teach in Vietnam, it’s essential to understand the most common job scams for teachers and learn how to protect yourself. In this guide, we’ll outline the red flags, real examples, and practical steps to avoid being scammed.

1. Fake Recruitment Agencies

The scam: Fraudulent “agencies” that charge high upfront fees or promise guaranteed jobs. After collecting payment, they disappear or place teachers in poor working conditions.

How to avoid:

• Research the agency’s reputation online.
• Join teacher forums and Facebook groups to check reviews.
• Legitimate agencies in Vietnam usually earn commission from schools, not teachers.
   

2. Schools Without Proper Licenses

The scam: Some private language centers operate without a license. Teachers working there risk sudden closures, unpaid salaries, and legal issues.

How to avoid:

• Ask for the school’s business license and work permit sponsorship.
• Check if other foreign teachers are currently working there.
• Avoid schools that only offer tourist visas instead of work permits.
   

3. Withholding Salaries

The scam: Certain employers delay or refuse to pay teachers, especially at the end of contracts. They may invent penalties for small mistakes to reduce your final paycheck.

How to avoid:

• Ensure the contract specifies salary, payment date, and penalties clearly.
• Keep written records of all communication.
• Avoid schools with frequent complaints in teacher forums.
   

4. Unrealistic Job Offers

The scam: Ads that promise very high salaries (e.g., $3,000/month for part-time work) with minimal requirements. Once teachers arrive, the reality is very different.

How to avoid:

• Compare offers with market averages ($1,200–$2,000/month).
• Be cautious if the job doesn’t require a degree or TEFL certification.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
   

5. Visa and Work Permit Scams

The scam: Some schools claim they will provide a visa and work permit but never process them, leaving teachers working illegally. This can lead to fines or deportation.

How to avoid:

• Confirm visa sponsorship in the contract.
• Never rely on tourist visas for long-term teaching.
• Only work for schools that assist with legal documentation.
   

6. Housing and Accommodation Scams

The scam: Landlords or schools overcharge foreign teachers for housing, or ask for large deposits and then disappear.

How to avoid:

• Use reputable housing platforms or ask fellow teachers for recommendations.
• Never pay large deposits without a written contract.
• Visit the property in person before signing.
   

7. No Written Contracts

The scam: Some schools hire teachers verbally and avoid giving contracts. This allows them to change working hours, cut pay, or terminate without notice.

How to avoid:

• Always insist on a written contract.
• Contracts should include working hours, salary, benefits, and termination policies.
• If an employer refuses, walk away.
   

*Practical Tips to Stay Safe

• Network with other teachers: Join expat and ESL teaching groups on Facebook.
• Do background checks: Search school names with “scam” or “reviews.”
• Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is.
• Have a backup plan: Don’t rely on one offer, apply to multiple schools.

Teaching in Vietnam can be an amazing and rewarding experience, but it’s important to stay alert. By recognizing the most common job scams for teachers and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself from financial loss and stress. The key is to research carefully, insist on clear contracts, and connect with other teachers. With the right preparation, you can safely find a legitimate teaching job in Vietnam and enjoy all the opportunities the country has to offer.