Emma’s Journey in Vietnam

Like many people, my TEFL journey began in that strange in-between stage after college. I had moved home and was unsure of my next step. I always knew I wanted to teach in some capacity, but I wasn’t ready to commit to a full-time, long-term job. At the same time, jumping straight into a master’s degree didn’t feel right either.

What I did know was that I wanted to travel. It felt like something I needed to do — but like many recent graduates, I wasn’t sure how I’d afford it. That’s when I realised I could combine the two: travel and work at the same time. Teaching English seemed like the perfect solution.

I completed my TEFL course that summer and set off travelling just two months later. During my time in Southeast Asia, I volunteered as an English teacher in Vietnam and Malaysia. These placements allowed me to gain classroom experience while also saving money on accommodation and food. I lived with local families for two weeks during each role, which gave me a real insight into their daily life and culture. It was such a meaningful way to travel, and I made friendships I’ll always value.

After returning home, I continued building my teaching experience by volunteering with the charity Failte Isteach, where I facilitated conversation-based English classes for adults. Once again, I found myself learning about different cultures and meeting people from all over the world. In many ways, it felt like travelling without ever leaving home. 

My TEFL qualification then took me to Madrid for six months, where I worked in an English-speaking after-school programme and gave private lessons. This is where I truly fell in love with teaching. Working mostly with young children, I discovered how creative, energetic, and rewarding the job could be.

And now, I find myself in Hai Phong, Vietnam, completing my internship.

I fell in love with Vietnam when I travelled here last year — the culture, the food, the pace of life, and especially the people. I knew I wanted to come back, not just as a traveller passing through, but to properly live and work here.

The decision felt natural. As soon as I saw the internship advertised on the TEFL website, I called. From that first conversation, I felt supported. The team was consistently helpful — even over Christmas while I was working at home and saving for the adventure ahead. When I arrived in Vietnam, orientation week exceeded all expectations. Everything was organised, supportive, and reassuring. I didn’t feel stressed once.

Now, I find myself back in the very same city where I completed my first English teaching volunteer role in autumn 2024. It feels like a full-circle moment. Teaching here has been challenging at times with big class sizes and a language barrier, but the good certainly outweighs the bad! I work with students ranging from 6 to 18 years old, and every class brings its own unique energy and personality. Vietnam recently celebrated Lunar New Year, and during our week off from teaching, I realised something that made me smile: I genuinely missed my students! They are kind, curious, and endlessly enthusiastic about learning English and asking questions about my life at home. Our lessons are full of laughter, and their energy reminds me daily why I chose to do this internship. 

One of the biggest highlights has been the friendships. TEFL attracts people from all walks of life, yet we all share a similar openness and sense of adventure. The friendships formed here were almost instant. One of my favourite parts of the day is coming home after school and swapping funny classroom stories with everyone.

A typical weekday here usually begins with a morning yoga class before heading to a cosy lakeside café with friends. We plan lessons over coffee — my favourite is bạc xỉu, a sweet Vietnamese iced coffee that costs about €1 — and share ideas before teaching in the afternoon. I spend four to five hours in schools, working with a mix of primary and high school students. After school, we often play pickleball near our accommodation before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant (usually around €4 for a nice meal). At weekends, we make the most of being in Vietnam by exploring new places whenever we can.

If I had a few tips for travelling in Vietnam, they would be these: ask locals for advice — people are incredibly welcoming — and don’t over-plan. Leave space for spontaneity. You might meet other travellers and change your route, or fall in love with a place and stay longer than expected. Some of the best experiences happen when you let go of strict schedules.

A few of my favourite things to do in Vietnam: 

• Café-hopping in Hanoi – I have spent many days in this buzzing city drifting from café to café, usually with a friend or a good book. The café culture there is unmatched — each spot has its own unique charm. In the evenings, visiting a jazz club is a must.
• Cycling through Ninh Binh, where the limestone mountains look almost unreal. It’s peaceful, scenic, and one of the best ways to take it all in
• Trekking through the jungle and exploring Phong Nha. A great place for an adventure!
• Cat Ba Island is perfect for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Between boat trips, hikes, and quiet coastal views, it’s an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle.

If you’re considering this internship, my advice is simple: do it. Say yes to new opportunities, be open-minded, and trust yourself. You never know where an opportunity like this might lead you, and who doesn’t love a change of scenery! 

If this experience has taught me anything, it’s that home truly is where the heart is. I’ve learned that I can adapt to living almost anywhere — and that anywhere can feel like home when you’re surrounded by good people. And for now, Hai Phong feels a lot like home!