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			Teaching English in Vietnam If you’re contemplating about teaching English in Vietnam, you need to keep yourself abreast with what you should expect. Vietnam has a rich culture and heritage and people are greatly influenced by it. Teaching English is a unique experience especially in Vietnam. What requirements are there to teach in Vietnam? In Vietnam there are the legal requirements and, at least now, the real requirements for English teachers. New laws in Vietnam require all teachers to have a four-year university degree (in any subject) a TESOL certificate and a verification from their home country that they have a clean police record. This verification is not easy to get in many cases but it is virtually impossible once you arrive in Vietnam. If at all possible, get this verification before you leave home. In reality, with thousands of teacher already in Vietnam without degrees, certificates and police verification, and language schools clamoring for teachers, most wind up with jobs without the proper documentation. Situations Vacant One simple fact explains a great deal about the English teaching job market in Vietnam: there are approximately 300 English schools in Ho Chi Minh City alone. Studying English is a phenomena, from the very young to the very old. And schools are desperate for teachers. Every day schools like V-US and ILA hire teachers for their schools all over Vietnam. There are also opportunities to teach English in Vietnam at Universities. English is a popular course of study for Vietnamese University students. The odds are in your favor as a native English speaker you'll be a greatly valued member of the faculty. Don’t be amazed if you are asked to teach other professors English skills, apart from taking your own classes. If you wish you can be a private tutor, or teach conversational English as a part-timer. Many Vietnamese adults choose to learn English and attend evening classes by choice, and native-speaking teachers are always in demand. Teachers in Vietnam are usually paid by the hour. Normal starting pay for new teachers without TESOL certificates is $8 per hour. If you have a TESOL certificate you will normally start at $12+ per hour. It is easy to see why getting a certificate is a good idea. Life in Vietnam As a teacher of English in Vietnam, you will essentially be considered a citizen. You'll be required to have a work visa to stay in this country, and will have to take care of your own accommodation. All of these factors should be taken into account when you're choosing a city in which to teach. The lodging available (and the cost of it) will differ extensively between small villages and large capital cities. While big cities may be more expensive with regards to cost of living, they will also offer more prospects for teaching positions. The final decision rests with you. Some English teachers choose to teach in Vietnam, as the Vietnamese people are known to be extremely friendly and accommodating. Vietnam is a pleasant and beautiful country for visitors. Family ties are strong, people are broad-minded and staying and working becomes enjoyable for the visitor. The people of Vietnam follow different religions but they are tolerant and respectful towards other faiths. Where ever you choose to live, traveling in Vietnam is an expensive affair. Rail travel though available, generally moves at a slow pace. You may want to invest in a bicycle if your work place and your home are too far apart to walk. General Expectations Vietnam is now one of the better places to earn money teaching English. With decent wages and a low cost of living, the ambitious teacher can save some real money! Savings of up to $500 are possible, but Korea is still probably the place to really earn and save the most. Yet, unlike Korea, Vietnam has a good reputation amongst English teachers for the friendly culture and laid-back lifestyle. The internet can prove very useful; check out for online jobs in Vietnam.