Top Recruitment Agencies for English Teachers in Vietnam

Vietnam has become one of Asia’s most popular destinations for English teachers. With competitive salaries and a vibrant lifestyle, the demand for qualified teachers continues to grow. Choosing the right recruitment agency makes a big difference in securing a safe contract and supportive work environment.

Here are some of the most reliable recruitment agencies in Vietnam, grouped by their strengths.

1. Global Recruitment Agencies (International Reach)

a. Teach Away

Teach Away is one of the most established international teaching platforms.

• Offers placements in Vietnam’s international schools and language centers.
• Provides TEFL certification and training courses.
• Transparent recruitment process with detailed job descriptions.

Best for teachers who are looking for international school positions or want to combine their Vietnam job search with opportunities in other countries.

b. ESL Starter

ESL Starter has been helping teachers start their ESL careers across Asia for many years.

• Offers placements in Vietnam’s private schools and language centers.
• Provides pre-departure orientation and ongoing support.
• Designed to help first-time teachers feel confident moving abroad.

Best for new teachers entering the ESL field, especially those seeking their first overseas job.

c. Teacher Record

Teacher Record is an international platform that offers jobs in Vietnam and other regions.

• Provides a wide variety of positions, including in-class and online teaching.
• Free membership for teachers, plus contract verification for security.
• Focuses on flexibility, with options for both part-time and full-time work.

Best for teachers who want flexible opportunities or who are open to teaching both in Vietnam and online.
 

2. Vietnam-Based Recruitment Agencies (Local Specialists)

a. Byan Teach

Byan Teach is one of Vietnam’s most dynamic and fast-growing recruitment agencies. Unlike some agencies that focus only on public schools, Byan Teach offers a wide variety of placements:

• Private schools, international schools, language centers, and corporate training programs.
• Offers both full-time and part-time contracts, giving teachers the flexibility to match their lifestyle.
• Provides assistance with visas, work permits, onboarding, and teacher management.

Best for teachers who want diverse teaching opportunities: from private and international schools to corporate English training along with strong local support throughout their stay in Vietnam.

b. Compass Education

Compass Education is a well-known recruitment agency headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City. It specializes in supplying teachers to Vietnam’s public schools.

• Offers structured schedules with regular school hours.
• Provides visa and work permit assistance.
• Known for reliable contracts and ongoing teacher support.

Best for teachers who prefer stable public school positions with predictable working hours.
 

3. Government-Linked Providers

a. EMG Education

EMG Education is one of the largest and most influential education providers in Vietnam. It works directly with the Ministry of Education to supply foreign teachers for public schools.

• Focuses exclusively on public school placements in large cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Provides teacher training, professional development, and stable long-term contracts.
• Known for reliability, legal compliance, and strong institutional backing.

Best for teachers seeking government-linked, long-term teaching positions in Vietnam’s public education system.
 

4. Tips for Choosing the Right Recruitment Agency

Match with your goals:

• Public school stability → Compass Education, EMG Education.
• Private and international school variety → Byan Teach.
• International reach and multiple country options → Teach Away, ESL Starter, Teacher Record.

Check reputation: Look for reviews in teacher forums and expat groups before signing.

Avoid upfront fees: Reputable agencies earn money from schools, not teachers.

Clarify contracts: Ensure your salary, hours, and visa/work permit support are clearly stated.

Consider support services: Some agencies provide extra help with housing, community integration, or teacher training.

Vietnam offers plenty of opportunities for English teachers, but choosing the right agency is the first step to success. By partnering with a trusted recruitment agency that matches your career goals, you can secure a rewarding teaching job in Vietnam while avoiding common pitfalls. With the right support, teaching in Vietnam is not just a job, it’s a life-changing experience.