Teaching in Vietnam FAQs
1.) Should I get a TEFL/TESOL qualification?
3.) Will I make enough money to live on?
5.) How much money should I bring with me to Vietnam?
6.) Will I be given a bank account and can I send money home?
7.) I want to live in a specific area of Vietnam. Can I request a preference?
8.) What are living accommodations like?
9.) Is Vietnam a safe place to live?
10.) What types of things should I bring with me?
11.) How can I keep in touch with friends and family back home?
12.) Do I need an international driver's license?
13.) Should I get vaccinations before I come to Vietnam?
14.) When is my vacation time?
15.) How do I apply?
1.) Should I get a TEFL/TESOL qualification?
A teaching certification is preferred but not always required. Many of our partner schools offer higher salaries to TEFL/TESOL qualified teachers. If you are interested in getting TEFL/TESOL qualified, we recommend taking one of our certification courses. Please click here to get more information.
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2.) What will be my salary?
The average salray is about $1000-2000 USD per month after taxes. This amount will vary from school to school but teachers with a teacher certification tend to earn higher salaries.
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3.) Will I make enough money to live on?
The cost of living in Vietnam is rather low and will be more than enough to live comfortably. In fact, most teachers say that they are able to save money.
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4.) Will I have to pay tax?
Generally speaking, teachers pay tax in Vietnam and are exempt from paying tax again when they return to their home country (providing they completed all the required paperwork). Please check with your government tax office before coming to Vietnam.
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5.) How much money should I bring with me to Vietnam?
You should have at least $1,000 USD in savings. ATM and credit cards are widely accepted throughout Vietnam, but you call the card company and let them know you will be living in Vietnam.
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6.) Will I be given a bank account and can I send money home?
Your school will assist you in opening a Vietnamese bank account when you arrive and your school will then pay your salary into that account.
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7.) I want to live in a specific area of Vietnam. Can I request a preference?
Most schools we work with offer location preference on a first come, first served basis. We work with different schools across Vietnam so the earlier you apply the better your chances of getting your preferred location.
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8.) What are living accommodations like?
Housing in most cases in not provided for; however, your employer can assist you in finding one. Living arrangements will vary widely depending on how much you would like to spend. Apartments start at around $300 USD/month.
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9.) Is Vietnam a safe place to live?
Yes. However, like in any country you should exercise some caution: be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings, do not walk along late at night, etc.
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10.) What types of things should I bring with me?
The following are a few suggestions on what to bring:
Bring a range of clothes for work, play and the seasons. Remember, Vietnam is climate is quite diverse; to learn more please click here.
Notice: Toiletries and personal hygiene products can all be easily purchased in Vietnam although finding your favorite brand of deodorant, sunscreen and bug spray may be difficult.
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11.) How can I keep in touch with friends and family back home?
Internet is widespread in Vietnam and is also relatively inexpensive; therefore, staying connected to loved ones back home is quite easy. Many teachers also get a pre-paid phone which allows you to make domestic and international calls.
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12.) Do I need an international driver's license?
There is no need to bring an international license.
Few teachers drive cars in Vietnam and most Vietnamese use trains, buses, taxis, and subways to get around. The public transportation system in and around big cities is excellent and low cost as well.
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13.) Should I get vaccinations before I come to Vietnam?
Although vaccinations are generally not required to get a visa, please check with your family doctor back home before leaving. Another consideration is that you might decide to go on vacation while you are in Asia. You can also get all necessary vaccinations in Vietnam before you travel on vacation.
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14.) When is my vacation time?
Vacation time is decided by your assigned school and is tied to the school calendar. Vacations are common around December and July.
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15.) How do I apply?
Click here to apply for ESL teaching jobs in Vietnam.
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