Vietnam

Nestled against the South China Sea to the east, Cambodia and Laos to the west, and China to the north, Vietnam is a country of unparalleled natural beauty, bustling, colorful cities, elegant temples and shrines, and a diverse and exciting gastronomic scene. As one of the world’s most populous countries, Vietnam has also been emerging as one of Asia’s top-performing economies in recent years. The country’s national motto, “Independence, Freedom, and Happiness,” reflects Vietnam’s centuries-long battle for autonomy and its deep history of thwarting outside occupation from Chinese, French, Japanese, and American forces. Vietnam gained independence in 1945, but the resilience, perseverance, and grit woven into the country’s multifaceted tapestry and people is timeless. History Vietnam is home to some of the earliest civilizations and societies in the world , and its population was among the first to practice agriculture, sustained by the flowing waters of the Red River. China, Vietnam’s neighbor to the north, has long influenced Vietnamese culture, shaping its writing system and aristocracy. In the past couple of centuries, Vietnam has endured civil wars, occupations from Japan and France, periods of widespread starvation and malnutrition, and long years of bloodshed and violence during U.S. intervention in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. At the same time, Vietnam is home to a thriving, multifaceted culture, rich with powerful legends, folk traditions, and a strong emphasis on the impor…

Each country has its own unique requirements and qualifications for foreign English teachers. Some require a bachelor’s degree in any field. In others, you’ll qualify with only a high school diploma and your TEFL certificate. Some countries have strict visa requirements that may disqualify you based on your citizenship or criminal background. Let’s take a look at the qualifications needed for teaching English in Vietnam. Education You will need to possess a bachelor’s degree in any subject in order to receive your work permit to teach in Vietnam. Citizenship While there are no specific citizenship requirements to teach English in Vietnam, employers highly prefer to hire native English speakers, and some may specifically prefer to hire those from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Background Check You must have an authenticated criminal record check (CRC), or background check, from your home country in order to qualify for the work permit, and it is highly recommended that you obtain this CRC at the federal level. The CRC must be issued within 6 months of your work permit application. Any sexual or violent crimes will disqualify you from teaching in Vietnam. Minor driving offenses may be accepted by your employer, but the government has the final say on whether or not to grant you a permit/visa. If you do have something on your record you can look into getting it expunged, otherwise you’ll need to look into a d…

Vietnam continues to be one of the strongest ESL markets in Asia for English teachers. In 2008, Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) launched a nationwide foreign language initiative aimed at significantly improving English proficiency across the country. Since then, the government has continued expanding English education through new long-term policies – including a 2025–2045 national plan to strengthen English as a second language in schools. Combined with Vietnam’s rapidly growing education sector and strong demand for English skills, this has created ongoing opportunities for ESL teachers to work with students of all ages. The majority of English teaching positions in Vietnam can be found in private language schools, but many teachers also secure jobs teaching English in public schools and/or as private tutors. Each of these job types comes with its own specific set of logistics and advantages, so you’ll want to understand the basic differences between them before you begin applying. Private Language Schools The majority of English teaching positions in Vietnam can be found in private language schools, but many teachers also secure jobs teaching English in public schools and/or as private tutors. Each of these job types comes with its own specific set of advantages, so you’ll want to understand the basic differences between them before you begin applying. Private language schools are privately-run and typically for-profit language training centers that can…

Now that you’ve explored the job types available to you, it’s time to begin the application process! There are several steps to take to find a job teaching English in Vietnam, and we have them all outlined here below. Heads up! The timelines for your job application process and for gathering documents for your visa may overlap. You’ll want to be working on both processes at roughly the same time. Be sure to check out our Vietnam Timeline , as well as the Applying for the Visa section for more information and to make sure you are staying on top of your visa documents while applying for teaching positions. Step 1: Prepare Your Initial Application Materials Resume & Cover Letter Your resume and cover letter are the keys to connecting with schools and beginning the application process. International employers look for specific elements in a resume that may differ from what you’re used to seeing domestically. Once you’ve updated your resume and cover letter to meet the recommended international standards, you may choose to submit your draft to your Student Affairs Advisor for review. Step 2: Determine Your Preferences A major part of the teaching abroad experience is enjoying where you’ll actually be living! Do you have a preference when it comes to your daily routines and surroundings? Do you want to live in the bustling capital city of Hanoi? Or do you crave a picturesque, small town experience in a city like Hoi An? Do you value having greater access to specific types of comm…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position from a school in Vietnam and you’ve followed our previous advice, you’re already off to a great start. But what’s next? Determining whether or not the offer is right for you. To help make this decision, follow the recommendations below by reviewing the basics. Whether you have one offer or several, the key elements you’ll want to take note of are: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, housing, airfare, insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with each of these elements. Review the Basics Salary The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in Vietnam is $1,200–$1,800 USD per month (30M–45M VND). Anything significantly lower or higher should make you ask a few questions. If the reason for the pay difference is obvious, like you’ll be working longer than average hours or it is an International School you may notice a logical difference. But don’t accept a contract that is paying you less for doing the same amount of work the average English teacher does, or one that doesn’t fit into your work-life-travel balance. Working Hours Teaching English in Vietnam can be a part-time or full-time gig, though the latter is more common. However, there’s more than just the total number of working hours per week (typically 25-30) to consider. Will you have to work in the morning for a few hours and then come back for more in the evening? Does your school require that y…

The word “visa” tends to provoke daunting images of endless red tape and paperwork, but we’re here to ease your anxiety and hopefully have you zipping through this visa process like a pro. Take it from ITA alumni Brandon Bryan , who taught English in Da Nang: “It was quite simple. I got hired while on a tourist visa, and upon getting hired had to leave the country for three days in order to obtain a business visa. It’s a Vietnamese law that you leave the country in order to obtain a new visa. I went to the Vietnamese embassy in Bangkok and picked up my business visa, then returned to Vietnam. My school took care of all of the paperwork and communication with Vietnamese authorities. I simply handed them my documents, and they did the rest.” Sounds straightforward enough, right? Let’s get started! Visa Types Work Visa/Permit What is it? Your Work Permit is a certificate issued by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs that allows you to work legally in Vietnam. With this work permit, you can apply for a working visa and temporary residence card. How do you get one? In order to get a Work Permit, you’ll need to have a contract with a school or company in Vietnam, a clean criminal record, be at least 18 years old, and meet any necessary health, academic, or professional requirements (check those out here ). Your employer will submit your application for a Work Permit to the Ministry of Labour. Once you have it, you’ll use it to apply for the Work Visa at your neare…

In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move abroad, it’s more important than ever to stay organized and ask yourself: What are the logistics I have to consider and the loose ends I have to tie up in order to thrive in my new home? Do I have to worry about taxes? What about health insurance? And what the heck do I do about a cell phone? In this section, you’ll find the tips, resources, and wisdom to tackle these questions and more! Review the Basics Health Insurance Although in a perfect world an apple a day would keep the doctor away, in reality, even teachers get sick. Cue health insurance. Regardless of the country you end up in, you should always inquire about health insurance before accepting a position. If health insurance is indeed provided by your employer, it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign. If you are formally employed by and working full time with a Vietnamese company, chances are you’ll pay into a public health insurance plan with your school in Vietnam. The cost is usually shared 50-50, and will automatically be deducted from your paycheck. Learn more about what public health insurance in Vietnam does and does not cover here , and check out the Accepting the Right Offer section to learn more! If health insurance is not included in your contract or if you want to supplement your public health insurance with a more comprehensive private insurance option, you will want to do your own research in order t…

You have finally made it to the end of the Vietnam section, no small feat! Here is all of that wonderful information from the previous section laid out step-by-step and month-by-month before your intended departure date for Vietnam. This timeline is not only for the planners and checklist lovers (although you will love this too!). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to Vietnam to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job on the Ground The hiring season in Vietnam is all year-round, with the exception of the Tết holiday (late January or early February). Take your desired start date and subtract from there. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible. 4 months before departure: Begin your research ___ List out your preferences and priorities ___ Chat with ITA alumni and read about alumni experiences ___ Ensure your passport is valid for the entire time you plan to be in Vietnam 3 months before departure: Prepare visa documents ___ Finalize your international resume and cover letter ___ Order your criminal record check ___ Obtain passport photos ___ Obtain the original and copies of your university degree and TEFL certificate ___ Authenticate and legalize criminal record check, university degree, and TEFL certificate ___ Have Work Permit documents translated to Vietnamese ___ Compile any relevant proof of your professional background like …

Both the expats and Vietnamese are some of the most inclusive and happy people I have had the pleasure of knowing in my life, and I truly think that it would be difficult for a newcomer to not make friends. Rochelle C. Hanoi, Vietnam I am a teacher because I love learning new things, and I’m a traveler for the same reason. Just because I’m at the front of the classroom doesn’t mean I stop learning, and I’ve pleasantly found that my adult students have ensured the exact opposite happens. I have had absolutely astounding conversations with my advanced students regarding cultural comparison, current affairs, history, ideology, and I’ve even started soliciting the occasional Vietnamese lesson from them. We teach each other in ways that leave everyone feeling enriched. Meredith C. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam The amount of times I have walked or driven down a random narrow alley, also known as a Hem, and discovered something that would otherwise go unnoticed is unfathomable. This happens at least twice a day. Nothing is as it appears in Ho Chi Minh City; I recently found out a building that resembles a bleak parking lot is actually home to one of Ho Chi Minh City's coolest cafes, an incredible modern-day speakeasy and a plethora of vintage shops. It’s pretty awesome to be living in a sense of wonder every day! Laura N. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam The culture in Vietnam was pretty varied. The Southern part is known to be more laid back, open, with spicier food and more Western cul…