Page 15 - ELG1601 Jan Issue 432

ELjobs
January 2016 Page 15

Courtesy Guido da Rozze

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS Vietnam is a stunning country and an ideal location for travel throughout the rest of South-East Asia and China
Vietnam: the good ... the bad ...

Kevin Martin Doyle summarises why Vietnam is a honey pot for
English language teachers, but warns of a few pitfalls facing them

First, the good ... Language Link are known for £300 per month. Many teachers alike. New arrivals to the country
the support they provide. live in a house-share, reducing should prepare themselves for an
ietnam is one of the hottest Ian Normile is the director their housing costs to £100–130 adjustment period as they learn to
growth areas in English of studies at Language Link in per month. navigate the cities’ crowded war-
Vlanguage teaching. The Hanoi and has lived in Vietnam Food and drink are similarly ren of streets and alleys.
Vietnamese Ministry of Educa- for four and a half years. He inexpensive. Hanoi’s famous Also, different cultural prac-
tion and Training has announced encourages teachers to decide bia hoi (‘fresh beer’) can be had tices regarding personal space,
that by 2020 all students leaving what is most important. ‘One for as little as £0.15 a glass and honesty and business and edu-
school must have a minimum of the things [Language Link a meal of the country’s famous cational practices may be hard
level of English. Teachers in state does] really well is provide sup- and delicious street food is avail- to adjust to. Locals frequently
schools are expected to have an port. We provide benefits and able for as little as £1. On the ask questions seen as rude in the
even higher level of proficiency paid leave, and we pay on time,’ other hand, high-end meals and West about age, weight, marital
(see page 10). Normile says. Language Link cocktails are available for near status and salary.
These ambitious goals have also provides travel and tempo- Western prices. Teachers should read their
led to the continued growth of rary housing reimbursement for Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh employment contracts care-
Vietnam’s already flourishing international hires. City are cosmopolitan places fully. However, most troubling
English teaching market. Jobs Also, larger schools will that enjoy burgeoning art and for those coming from countries
are readily available in language often assist teachers with work music scenes. Travelling theatre with established legal traditions,
centres and, to a lesser extent, permits and long-term visas. productions and music artists teachers should be aware they
state and international schools ‘Paperwork, work permits, often make stops in both cit- have little to no legal recourse
across the country. legality – Language Link does ies. Finally, Vietnam is an ideal if a contract dispute arises with
As with any country, there are everything to stay above board. location for travel throughout their employer.
both benefits and challenges to We follow all the rules,’ Normile the rest of South-East Asia and Normile says the most impor-
working and living in Vietnam. says. ‘All of our teachers have China. Budget airlines make it tant thing teachers can do when
Perhaps the biggest benefit, and work permits. We take care of cheap to explore both Vietnam evaluating prospective employ-
the reason most foreign Eng- the paperwork.’ and the surrounding countries. ers is to ask around and see what
lish teachers are attracted to the Smaller schools are frequently their reputation is in the teach-
country, is the salary. In a coun- unable to provide the level of ... but also the bad ing community. ‘It doesn’t take
try where, according to the Japan support bigger schools do. Sim- much to enquire. Any good com-
External Trade Organisation, ilarly, they are often unable or he traits that make Viet- pany should put you in touch
the average worker makes £95 unwilling to help teachers obtain nam so exciting – a with people who work there or
a month, it is normal for even work permits or long-term visas. Tyoung population, explo- give you an open door to contact
inexperienced teachers to make They make up for this with sive growth and newly opened these people. Get a reference,’
between £1,000 and £1,300 a higher salaries. markets – are causing growing Normile says.
month working approximately If a teacher decides to eschew pains. Anyone who wants to live Online forums or Facebook
twenty hours per week. Teach- the larger schools, it is not diffi- and work in Vietnam should pre- groups for expatriates and Catch an
ing salaries, while advertised in cult to find a job without a work pare for the culture shock that teachers are good places to do
US dollars, are paid in the local permit and holding only a tourist comes with living in a develop- research. It is not unusual to
currency. visa. Anyone choosing to do so, ing country. see teachers publicly shame agent’s eye
Salaries are highest in Hanoi however, will find themselves Pollution and sanitation are employers who have violated
and Ho Chi Minh City. Often doing visa runs every three bad. Air pollution is a real prob- contracts or not paid salaries on
new teachers make from £13 to months to renew their docu- lem, with air quality indexes time. Sometimes this is enough
£16 per hour for a basic conver- ments. It is unusual for schools warning against exercising out- to resolve problems – however,
sational English class. Salaries to help with the costs of visa doors on some days. Millions of not always. But as jobs are plen- To advertise here and reach
increase for more specialised runs, although not unheard of. motorbikes snaking through the tiful teachers needn’t fear being
or business-oriented classes. Whether a teacher is looking cities’ roadways are partially to trapped in a bad employment agents worldwide, contact
In more rural areas salaries are for the support of a large school blame. situation or being deported from
lower, but schools may provide or the higher salaries frequently These millions of motor- Vietnam should something go sales@elgazette.com
housing for teachers. paid at smaller schools, jobs are bikes are the cause of Vietnam’s wrong at their job.
There’s great variation in plentiful throughout the country. famous traffic. Traffic rules Vietnam is a challenging
salaries, with schools that pro- The high salaries available in and regulations are ignored as a country. But the culture and vari- or telephone
vide more training and support Vietnam contrast with the low matter of course. Rules govern- ety of the country, along with
for teachers often paying less. cost of living. Private one-bed- ing red lights, one-way streets plentiful job opportunities, high +44 (0)207 481 6700
Established well recognised room furnished apartments are and even lane usage are viewed salary, and low cost, often make
centres like ILA, Apollo and available in Hanoi for as little as as optional by locals and expats it worth it. n