Teaching English in Vietnam
The land of hidden charm is calling your name. Teaching English overseas could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience in any country, and Vietnam is no exception. Staggeringly beautiful attractions along with a rich cultural heritage make Vietnam an enticing choice for living and working. Furthermore, this young nation is eager to engage with the global community, and the key to opening that door is English. This creates an ever-increasing demand for learning English, leading to plentiful opportunities for English teachers and aspiring educators.
If you are considering Vietnam for travel, why not also think about teaching English in Vietnam as your future career or even a temporary job to help cover your expenses while on the road? The following information will help you know what to expect:
What are the requirements for teaching English in Vietnam?
The answer is both yes and no.
Generally, a four-year college degree in any discipline is required for prospective English teachers in Vietnam, and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is highly preferred. However, it is possible to secure a good job without these qualifications; obtaining them enhances your chances of landing more favorable positions. Knowing Vietnamese is not a requirement, but it can facilitate your integration into the classroom and impress your students.
TEFL certificate courses are available in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; these courses typically last about 120 hours and can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $1,500 as of 2025. While the upfront cost may seem significant, the long-term benefits of holding the certificate are worth the investment.
What can I expect to earn from teaching English in Vietnam?
There is no fixed salary, but you can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per month. Though this may sound modest, the cost of living in Vietnam is relatively low, allowing you to rent an attractive apartment and still have ample budget for food and savings (see updated living costs in Vietnam).
Where and whom will I be teaching?
Teaching at Vietnamese universities is possible but often not very lucrative. English is a common and mandatory subject, yet only a limited number of Vietnamese universities hire foreign teachers due to budget constraints.
Formal Education Institutions
Most expatriate English teachers opt for private schools and language centers. In private schools, classes tend to focus on basic English or specific purposes, such as business English. There is significant demand for English-speaking teachers as Vietnamese parents invest in good educational environments for their children.
International schools typically require a college degree (in any subject) and a TEFL certificate or equivalent. Experience may sometimes be necessary. These schools often recruit internationally to ensure high teaching standards, and their salaries and benefits make the positions highly desirable.
Language Schools
Language centers have proliferated in Vietnam, driven by the demand to enhance English proficiency among job seekers. Most centers focus on preparing students for international exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, and TOEIC. These centers often hire foreign teachers to provide skills that local instructors may struggle to impart, such as conversation and writing skills. Pay is competitive, and scheduling tends to be flexible. The quality of these centers varies based on tuition fees.
Some of the most reputable language centers include ACET, the British Council, Language Link, and Apollo. While these establishments may not always offer the highest salaries, they provide excellent opportunities for building your CV before moving to other centers that pay more.
If you're not planning to stay long in Vietnam, consider teaching English to kindergarteners or at language centers for younger students. These positions usually do not require specific qualifications or certificates; they primarily involve teaching children the basics of English, which is relatively straightforward. These jobs typically offer flexible hours, and there is no strict dress code.
Private Tutoring
Private tutoring is a popular option for many new English teachers in Vietnam. Numerous potential students exist, which you can easily find through your expat network or local platforms. Many of these students are children of expatriates whose parents are busy, or Asian expatriates wanting their children to gain proficiency in English. Posting advertisements in expatriate housing complexes is an effective way to attract students.
Preparing a curriculum
In most cases, you'll be expected to follow the center’s established curriculum and utilize provided resources. However, you will need to design your own activities, particularly in introductory classes for children.
Working hours per week
Full-time teachers generally work about 40 hours per week, which includes 18-20 actual teaching hours; the remainder is spent on curriculum design, class preparation, and grading. Part-time instructors typically work about 11-12 hours weekly, managing at least three classes.
How to find teaching jobs in Vietnam
Community forums, such as The New Hanoians, or job websites like VietnamWorks, are excellent starting points for job searching. If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to check out local job guides for more tailored advice.
Visa information
As an English teacher in Vietnam, obtaining a work visa is essential. Many employers will assist you with visa extensions or obtaining a work permit, but it's important to clarify their policy beforehand. Generally, it's advisable to secure a job before navigating the visa process, as many tourist visas can be converted into work visas without leaving the country.
