Teaching English In Vietnam

Teaching English in Vietnam 101

Descending from the border of China into the heart of Southeast Asia like an ancient mythical dragon, Vietnam represents a distinct blend of Chinese Confucianism and Cambodian Buddhist cultures, tempered with a taste of French-colonial charm. Stretching across thousands of miles of coastline, Vietnam mixes rural mountainous highlands with a collection of colorful and bustling cities.

With a TEFL certification and a four-year degree, you can find jobs teaching English in Vietnam year-round, as it is an enormous and fast-growing market for teaching English abroad.  There are jobs teaching English in Vietnam in private language schools for both children and adults. 

Please note, a Bachelor’s degree is required in order to obtain a work visa. There may be limited opportunities to secure a job without a degree, depending on the school and its locations, however not having a degree will make your job search more challenging in this country. ITA does not recommend looking for a job without a Bachelor’s degree in Vietnam.

While most job interviews for teaching English in Vietnam are conducted in person, some are completed in advance over the phone and via e-mail. English instructors in Vietnam are responsible for airfare and housing expenses. Most teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many room with coworkers.  Contracts typically last 12 months with jobs available to teach business professionals as well as children.

A generous salary affords those teaching English in Vietnam to live comfortably, while saving $200 - $600 per month. English language schools in Vietnam offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of work per week, allowing for plenty of time to travel and explore. A four-year bachelor’s degree and a TEFL certification are required to receive a work visa and teach English in Vietnam. Teachers planning to teach in Vietnam are also required to obtain an FBI background check. Major cities for teaching English in Vietnam include Hanoi and Saigon.

Visit the Vietnam Alumni Ambassador Corner - Get videos, articles & inside tips for teaching and living in Vietnam from ITA Ambassadors living there!

ITA Alumni Video:

Laura Nalin on Teaching English in Vietnam