THE ULTIMATE TEACHER’S FAQ: LIFE & WORK IN VIETNAM

Welcome to Your Next Adventure!

Teaching in a new country is an exciting journey, but we know it comes with many questions. Whether you are curious about the legal paperwork, your monthly savings, or how to navigate the vibrant streets of Vietnam, we’ve gathered everything you need to know right here. Our goal is to make your transition as smooth as possible so you can focus on what you do best: inspiring students!

1. Recruitment & Requirements

• Q: What qualifications do I need to teach in Vietnam?
  • A: To work legally, you generally need a Bachelor’s degree (in any field), a recognized teaching certificate (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA), and a clean criminal record check from your home country.
• Q: Can I apply if I’m still in my home country?
  • A: Yes! Most of our recruitment happens online. We conduct interviews via Zoom/Skype and guide you through the visa process before you fly to Vietnam.
• Q: Does the company accept non-native English speakers?
  • A: Yes, we welcome proficient English speakers from all over the world. You will typically need a high English proficiency score (IELTS 7.5+ or equivalent) and a neutralized accent.

2. Salary, Taxes & Benefits

• Q: What is the average salary for an ESL teacher in Vietnam?
  • A: Monthly salaries typically range from $800 to $1,500 USD depending on your qualifications, experience, and the type of school.
• Q: How much can I realistically save each month?
  • A: With a low cost of living, many teachers save between $400 and even $800 USD per month while still living very comfortably.
• Q: Will I have to pay income tax in Vietnam?
  • A: Yes, personal income tax is mandatory. Our accounting team will handle the calculations and payments for you, ensuring everything is transparent and legal.
• Q: Do you provide health insurance?
  • A: Yes, most of our full-time contracts include private health insurance or a monthly allowance for medical coverage.

3. Legal & Logistics

• Q: Will the company sponsor my Work Permit?
  • A: Absolutely. We provide partial financial support and guidance for obtaining your Work Permit and Temporary Residence Card (TRC) to ensure you live and work legally in Vietnam.
• Q: What documents do I need to prepare?
  • A: You will need your original University Degree, a Teaching Certificate, and a Criminal Record Check. All must be legalized/apostilled.
• Q: How long does the visa process take?
  • A: Usually, it takes 4 to 8 weeks to gather and legalize all documents. Once you arrive, the Work Permit process takes about another month.
    
     

4. Working Conditions & Culture

• Q: How many teaching hours can I expect per week?
  • A: Most full-time positions involve 18–22 teaching hours per week, plus some office hours for lesson planning.
• Q: What is the typical age of the students?
  • A: We place teachers in various environments, from Kindergartens and Public/ Private and International Schools to Language Centers (all ages).
• Q: Are teaching materials provided?
  • A: Yes. We provide textbooks, PPTs, teacher's guides, and digital resources. We also encourage creativity in your lesson plans!
• Q: What is the Vietnamese classroom culture like?
  • A: Students are generally very respectful towards teachers. However, they can be shy, so using games and high-energy activities is key to a successful lesson.

5. Life in Vietnam

• Q: Is it easy to get around the city?
  • A: Very easy! Most teachers use ride-hailing apps like Grab and BEE or Xanh SM. It’s affordable and convenient for daily travel.
• Q: How do I find a place to live?
  • A: We suggest staying in a hotel for your first week. Our local coordinators will then connect you with trusted real estate agents to help you find an apartment that fits your budget.
• Q: Is Vietnam safe for expats?
  • A: Vietnam is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world for expats. Violent crime is extremely rare, making it a great place for solo travelers.

• Q: Do I get paid holidays?
  • A: Yes, you will enjoy paid time off during public holidays, including the Lunar New Year (Tet Holiday), which is the longest break of the year. This benefit is applicable to full-time teachers.
• Q: What is the internet speed like for remote work?
  • A: Vietnam has very stable and fast internet in cities. Most cafes and apartments offer high-speed Wi-Fi, which is great for staying connected with family or working on personal projects.

6. Professional Development

• Q: Does the company offer any training?
  • A: Yes! We provide orientation sessions and ongoing workshops to help you improve your classroom management and teaching techniques.
• Q: Can I get a contract extension?
  • A: We love long-term partnerships! Many of our teachers renew their contracts for a second or third year, often with a salary increase.