Hello Readers,

With a population of 80,000,000 people, it might be surprising that Vietnam (or the “Socialist Republic of Vietnam” as it is officially named) has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world. However, while the earning power of individuals is better than what it used to be (just $1 per day), it is still quite low. That being said, there is a high demand for ESL teachers…

… as English’s popularity as a second language

has increased somewhat dramatically in recent years.

So what can you earn as an ESL teacher? Keeping in mind that the cost of living is low, some teachers have suggested that it is possible to save approximately $500 a month working at $12-$14 per hour. Many websites advertise positions that pay about $1200-$1400 per month. Accommodation will depend on the area you live in, but some companies suggest that it will cost approximately $300 per month. As with many teaching posts abroad, many schools in Vietnam will offer benefits such as airfare, medical insurance, Vietnamese lessons, and even TEFL certification. Some schools will require TEFL certificates and experience, while others are far less picky.

Here is a brief list of English schools in two major cities in Vietnam:

Hanoi
EF English First: www.englishfirst.com
Hanoi International School: www.hisvietnam.com
ILA Vietnam: www.ilavietnam.com
Language Link Vietnam: www.languagelink.edu.vn
Oxford English UK Vietnam: www.oxford.edu.vn

Ho Chi Minh City
Australian University Studies Program - AUSP: www.ausp.edu.vn
British International School: www.bisvietnam.com
EF English First: www.englishfirst.com
ILA Vietnam: www.ilavietnam.com
The International School of Ho Chi Minh City: www.ishcmc.com

If you are interested in training for your CELTA in Vietnam, go to the following Language Link website: http://www.languagelink.edu.vn/

For more information about living in Vietnam, go to: http://www.vietventures.com/Side/editorletters.asp

Do you have any experience living and working in Vietnam? If so, feel free to share your stories below!

Until next time…

Carol Rueckert
Writer, ESL Lesson Plan
E-mail: crueckert@eslemployment.com
Blog: www.esl-lesson-plan.com

“I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand.” - Chinese Proverb

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