TEFL and TESOL Teaching in Vietnam

Asia has always been a popular location for international teaching, and with so many fantastic places so close together, deciding where to go can be difficult. However, with a combination of a laid-back teaching environment, a large number of employment opportunities, and a low cost of living, Vietnam has proven itself as one of the top South East Asian locations for TEFL and TESOL Teaching.

Vietnam has everything you seek in a teaching TEFL/TESOL abroad destination, from global metropolises to historic cities, from beachside to mountainside, with a dynamic culture and a low cost of living.

About Vietnam

The World Travel Awards (WTA) named Vietnam “Asia’s leading destination” in 2019. Ha Long Bay in the northern Quang Ninh province, Phu Quoc Island in southern Kien Giang province, and Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa’s center coastal province are also major tourist sites. Trust us when we say, you’ll have plenty to do on your days off! 

The traditions of Vietnam date back thousands of years and are instilled with a respect for the land, sea, and people. In Vietnam, violent outbursts are uncommon. Because hostility causes both sides to lose face, no one engages in confrontation. A stern look suffices for the greater part of minor infractions.

Vietnam is unquestionably one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating countries, with a huge mix of historical and cultural treasures. During your stay as a teacher, nature lovers will discover lots of sightseeing options, ranging from beautiful beaches and uninhabited islets to towering mountains and tropical forests home to thousands of endangered wildlife species. There’s even a desert setting reminiscent of the Sahara where you can engage in adventurous activities like sandboarding and quad biking.

Minimum Requirements for TEFL Teaching in Vietnam

First and foremost, aspiring TEFL teachers who want to go to Vietnam should hold a Bachelor’s degree. This is needed for the work permit for any professional to work in Vietnam, so it is mandatory. If you don’t have one and would still like to go, you can look into volunteer teaching programs or online teaching while traveling. 

The TEFL or TESOL certification is needed for most opportunities for teaching English abroad or TEFL/TESOL teaching in Vietnam. Even if it’s not needed for a certain job you have your eye on, it will bring you a higher wage. 

The country on your passport is a little bit more relaxed than other Southeast Asian countries, but the Vietnamese government requires you to have a clean criminal record and pass a medical exam. Even a DUI could halt your application! You’ll take the medical exam in-country when you arrive. 

Once you tick these boxes, you’ll need to get your degree and TEFL certification legalized. These documents must also be in English. Program providers are very good to lead you through the process, but if you are getting a job independently, read this blog all about legalization. 

Most opportunities in Vietnam are teaching young learners, so school preferability includes enthusiastic, confident TEFL teachers who can supply a demo lesson. Demo lessons are a recording of yourself to show off your skills as a teacher as most hiring happens from abroad. Try out our salary calculator and you’ll get access to a great video on this!

Also Read: TEFL and TESOL Teaching in South Korea

Our Program – Paid TEFL Internship in Vietnam

With our paid TEFL internship, you’ll work alongside other teachers for a year and gain invaluable experience. During your one-week orientation, you’ll learn about living, teaching, and traveling in Vietnam so you can get the most out of your TEFL experience. Our skilled in-country team will be there to assist you along the journey. Prepare to welcome your new TEFL family into your home!

There are so many perks when it comes to this program, but here are just a few that we’ll know you’ll love: 

• Monthly allowance of $1200 to $2000 (USD)
• Accommodation Assistance
• 12 months teaching placement
• Extensive E-Book with lessons to teach young learners
• 120 Hour accredited TEFL Course
• 30 Hour Teaching Young Learners Course
• Airport pick-up & transfers
• 7-day orientation in Ho Chin Minh City
• Vietnamese language lessons
• Visa, legalization & work permit guidance
• Meetups and weekend excursions throughout the year
• Ongoing in-country support

Also Read: English Teaching Abroad Guide

FAQs

Q: How much does a TEFL/TESOL teacher earn in Vietnam?

Like many Southeast Asian countries, TEFL and TESOL teaching in Vietnam is very good option for beginners – Vietnam has very generous salaries for TEFL teachers. On average, you can earn around $1,500 USD per month. If you are a first-time teacher, you’ll be offered around $1,000 USD, but for more experienced and qualified teachers, you can earn up to $2,000 per month! With the cost of living in Vietnam, you won’t be worried about bills and won’t be living month to month. 

Q: Do you need a TEFL to teach in Vietnam?

It is not mandatory for your visa and at some private schools, it’s not required. However, to earn the higher end of the monthly salaries and for your confidence in the classroom, it is highly recommended. You will also have more opportunities with a TEFL certification. 

Q: How do I get a TEFL job in Vietnam?

Vietnam has a lot of opportunities to teach English here. Like any industry, you’ll first need to get your CV or resume up to scratch and add your new TEFL qualification. You’ll also need a Bachelor’s degree. Once you are ready to teach English abroad, there are a couple of routes to go down. You can apply for TEFL jobs independently, or go through an internship or program. The visa application process is quite extensive, so most teachers prefer going through an internship or program as the companies that run these, like us, are used to the process and it can be a huge weight lifted! 

Q: Is there a demand for English teachers in Vietnam?

There has always been a huge demand for TEFL teachers in Vietnam. Both public and private schools run English programs for their students, so the jobs are plentiful. Vietnam has had a zero COVID policy throughout the pandemic. Many teachers went home during this time as online teaching wasn’t for them. As Vietnam is now doing well and accepting visa applications for foreign teachers, there is now more than ever a huge demand for teachers. 

Q: Are teachers well paid in Vietnam?

Teachers’ salaries range from $1,000 to $2,000 a month (depending on region and experience), but they are compensated during the summer and winter vacations and are never required to teach more than 20 periods per week. 

Q: Can I save money teaching English in Vietnam?

Most definitely! The amount you save will depend on your living situation. Some program providers will have accommodation included, which means you’ll be able to save a lot more. You’ll also need to factor in the number of trips and outings you like to do, and you can always house share too to save even more. The location of your school is also another factor, as the big cities are more extensive to live in. The cost of living in Vietnam is inexpensive. To see the details of this, take a look at the Numbeo website. 

Q: Where is the best place to teach in Vietnam?

The most popular destinations would be cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Haiphong.  Wherever you choose to go in Vietnam, you’ll have an amazing time! The right place to choose is a personal decision. You’ll have to ask yourself “what type of person am I?”. You may prefer authenticity to a modern lifestyle, you might want a more sociable scene, or you may want to go to a place where you’ll save the most. Once you know what you are looking for, relay this information back to the program provider and they’ll be able to place you in a location that is right for you. 

Q: Can non-native speakers teach English in Vietnam?

Although in Vietnam, some schools prefer native English speakers, there is an opportunity for all. As a non-native speaker, your first step is to look up the visas process in your country to see if work permits are given out, you’ll have a good chance at getting employment in Vietnam as a TEFL or TESOL teacher. A few things to think about as a non-native English speaker is to build up your CV or resume with qualifications and experience. This will help you stand out in front of the crowd. If you’ve lived abroad before as well, make sure this is written somewhere on your resume. 

Q: What is the cost of living in Vietnam?

The cost of living in Vietnam is inexpensive compared to what the western world is used to. Of course, many factors come into play when budgeting your monthly amount. From house sharing to trips to how much beer you’d like at the weekend, the cost of living varies from person to person. To see the details of this, take a look at the Numbeo website. To give you an idea, a meal (like some Pho soup) in Hanoi is just over $2! 

Q: How much do international schools pay in Vietnam?

International schools pay a bit more than public schools. You can expect to get the higher end of the average salary at $2000 USD upwards. They may also have packages that include perks like accommodation allowance. 

Q: How much is the average salary in Vietnam?

Like many Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam has very generous salaries for TEFL teachers. On average, you can earn around $1,500 USD per month. If you are a first-time teacher, schools will offer you around $1,000 USD. However, for more experienced and qualified teachers, you can earn up to $2,000 per month! With the cost of living in Vietnam, you won’t worry about bills and won’t be living month to month.