Teach English in Vietnam

A Guide to Teaching in Vietnam

Vietnam is an up and coming destination which has culture, history, tradition and welcoming people. It is also much cheaper to live in compared to teaching in Thailand and other countries in Asia which makes it easier to save money.

Vietnam is on the rise after decades of war and poverty, with Vietnam boasting a safe place to live with one of the fastest growing economies in the World, according to the World Economic Forum. Vietnam continually attracts a flow of foreign teachers although Laos has been hailed by commentators as one the planet's emerging destinations for those looking to searching for a more exotic teaching abroad destination. If you are not yet qualified view our TEFL certification courses in Vietnam.

Don't let Vietnam's brutal past put you off teaching here, this country is very safe. This country has a booming TEFL market, there are jobs available for beginners who are newy qualified and for more experienced teachers. Its easier to find work in the main cities where there are more schools and language centres.

There is a big market for foreigner workers from affluent Vietnamese people who are seeking private lessons. Local people are increasingly keen to learn English to enhance their employment opportunities in different industries like the booming oil and tourism industry. Applying for private TEFL jobs can be quite lucrative and a better bet for making money than in public schools. 

Each new day teaching in Vietnam is an exciting adventure where you will be thrilled, challenged, delighted and exhausted all at once. There are so many places you can find work, from large cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to small coastal towns like Hue and Nha Trang. View our guide to teaching in Vietnam and apply today.

Best Places to Work as a Teacher in Vietnam

Depending on your job you can have a much different experience, for example the cities can be really fun but if you are looking for a more relaxing stay head to the coast or smaller towns away from Saigon and Hanoi. Noise and pollution can be a problem and also rents are much higher in these two cities but this is also where most jobs can be found.

Below we have put together a run down of the most popular locations, please research all destinations before applying:

Hanoi

Hanoi is one of the most popular places to teach English, located in the North of the country this is a fascinating city to be based. This is the capital city of Vietnam and during your stay here you will need to visit the Old Quarter. Here you will find a maze of streets each specializing in particular trades such as silk, jewellery, etc.

Stroll around the nearby Hoan Kiem Lake and see if you can spot 100-year-old turtles that still inhabit the waters, or strike a bargain at the night market in the heart of the district. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; located in the centre of Ba Dinh Square, where the beloved Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and ultimately, where his body is kept for people to pay their respects.

If you have the time, be sure to explore the excellent Tran Quoc Pagoda or the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). In the evening, you will have the option of sampling some of the local food, with the Old Quarter being a popular spot to taste the local cuisine and enjoy a drink. There are also several not-for-profit restaurants, that gives street children the opportunity for vocational training and greatly changes many lives.

Also one of the benefits of teaching in Hanoi is the close proximity to Ha Long Bay and Sapa - two spectacular relaxing destinations which offer a peaceful break from the frantic city life. During a short break to Ha Long Bay you will leave behind the hustle and bustle of city life and experience a relaxing cruise on a local 'junk' boat - a must for any TEFL teacher based in Northern Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City

Most TEFL jobs in Vietnam are located in the Southern city of Ho Chi Minh, you might also know it by the previous name - Saigon.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a charming place to teach English and without a doubt beautifully preserved and vibrant in the evening. You will get to stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town, and marvel at the splendid colours and designs of so many lanterns. Whet your appetite with a fun local cookery class in the town that's fast becoming famous for superb food and local delicacies.

Rent a bike and cycle to one of Hoi An’s easily accessible and peaceful beaches. In your spare time you could visit the Japanese covered bridge, the Quan Cong Temple or the museum of History and Culture. It's paradise for shoppers in Hoi An - Tailors are on hand to produce almost any item of clothing your heart desires at very reasonable prices and it's a haven for arts & crafts including beautiful lanterns.

Studded with lots of great bars and restaurants and you will quickly realise that Hoi An is a gem in the Vietnamese crown and you won’t want to leave!!

Hue

Just North of Hoi An is the imperial city of Hue. This is a more off the beaten track destination to get a teaching job. You'll have ample time to explore the historic monuments of Hue, including the former Royal Citadel – a forbidden city that was built for the Nguyen emperors.

In your free time you might want to take a boat trip on the Perfume River offers a different perspective of the city or, if you are feeling more energetic, why not take a guided motorbike tour of the countryside whilst taking in some of the best sights that Hue and its surroundings has to offer. 

What to Expect 

When you first arrive in Vietnam all your senses will be stimulated by the sights, smells, sounds and textures of this country. Expect students to be very friendly wanting to take you out and show you around, English teachers are held in high regard here.

You will mostly be used Monday to Friday around 5 hours per day, working at a school can be a physically exhausting day when you first start, but you soon get into the routine of early starts. If you are freelance or leading private lessons this will be different.

Salary for Teaching in Vietnam

Teaching is one of the best ways to find a paid job in Vietnam for foreigners and you can expect wages of around $15 per hour. This really depends on your employer and also if you give private lessons.

Requirements

Application Help

If you would like to teach in Vietnam and have any questions or need any help arranging a job please get in touch. If you are lacking experience you might like to consider internships in Vietnam.

Vietnam TEFL Reviews

If you have ever taught in Vietnam and would like to share your experience, review a company/agency or give any recommendations to future teachers please contact us.