"Show Me the Money" - Finding a Job in Saigon

When encountering expats in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), you'll typically find they work as educators or have retired. The education sector, particularly the Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) industry, remains the most popular profession for expats. With the city undergoing rapid modernization, the demand for English learning has surged. Consequently, the job market is filled with schools and private language centers eager to recruit teachers.

If you're planning to teach English, it's advisable to secure a job after your arrival. Many schools prefer face-to-face interviews, which also allows you to evaluate the institution firsthand. Having proper credentials such as TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certifications and a bachelor’s degree is essential. Additionally, be prepared to provide a clean police clearance from your home country. If you meet these requirements (and sometimes even if you don’t), you’ll likely find a suitable position in Ho Chi Minh City quickly.

Utilize Social Media

Securing a job in Ho Chi Minh City often revolves around social media platforms, particularly Facebook. Daily, numerous schools and language centers post job openings. The challenge lies in differentiating between reputable and less trustworthy employers. It is not uncommon for English teachers to encounter scams or misleading offers, so exercising caution is crucial. Aim to work for established private language centers such as ILA, VUS, Apollo, and Apax Leaders. These organizations hire year-round and are consistently on the lookout for new teachers.

Photo by @ Ho Chi Minh City Expat Services

Another option is to work with an agency that connects teachers with public school jobs. Ensure the agency is reputable and, if possible, ask for references to ensure reliability.

The best strategy to land a trustworthy position is to have a personal connection. If someone can vouch for you and the organization, you’ll be well on your way to finding fulfilling and stable employment.

Working in Public Schools vs. Language Centers

Teaching in a public school can present unique challenges. Most public institutions may lack modern facilities, which can lead to various daily hurdles. Classes in Ho Chi Minh City often have around 40-50 students, so prepare for larger class sizes! The climate can be another significant factor, as high temperatures and humidity can make for a tough environment during lessons. If you’re enthusiastic about the challenge, teaching in local public schools can be incredibly rewarding and offer a unique experience.

Photo: ielts-teaching.com

In contrast, language centers typically boast modern, air-conditioned facilities with smaller class sizes, which may make the teaching experience more comfortable and manageable.

Both public schools and language centers provide significant job satisfaction; if you’re able to balance your time between the two, you’ll truly make the most of your teaching experience in Ho Chi Minh City.

Work Permit

As an expat in Ho Chi Minh City, obtaining a valid work permit is necessary for legal employment. To qualify, ensure all pertinent documents are notarized by both your home government and the Vietnamese embassy in your country. Navigating bureaucracy can be daunting, so it's advisable to complete this process prior to your departure. Although you can arrange it from Vietnam, it is often more cumbersome and costly. Completing the notarization beforehand can save you time and stress.

Teaching Hours - What to Expect

A full-time teaching role generally involves approximately 24 hours of in-class instruction weekly, with an additional 16 hours allocated for lesson planning. Working in language centers often means evening and weekend classes, while public schools typically offer traditional hours from Monday to Friday. Depending on your preferred schedule, if you enjoy late mornings, a language center may suit you better; conversely, a public school position would free up your evenings.

Photo by @career teachers

Teachers are well-respected in Vietnam, so dressing appropriately is essential. Smart-casual office attire is highly recommended. Avoid casual clothing like shorts and flip-flops. It’s wise to keep a change of clothes at work, as unexpected situations can arise while commuting. You never know what might happen in Ho Chi Minh City!

The national retail chain 'Viet Tien' has numerous locations throughout the city and provides affordable yet good quality business attire for men, while women may find more variety at shops like H&M.