CHAPTER 5: MOVING FORWARD

Following up from the numbered list available in Chapters 3 and 4, here you have more advanced points happening after some months upon your arrival in Vietnam.

19) Are training and self-development provided?

Needless to say that I cannot answer for all schools in Vietnam. I may however report my own experience here. I got an initial training week (Mon – Fri, 9 am – 4 pm) in Ho Chi Minh City (unpaid, apart from  the hotel) with other colleagues (about 15).

During the training week you were supposed to get engaged in plenty of activities (to be learnt and performed later with kids) and complete some easy tests and assignments.

At the end of the week everyone received their Young Learners Course certificate.

After that, I was signed up for a couple of short webinars to learn teachers’ admin tasks (I was actually re-enrolled several times for some issues : )

The following step was some co-planning with senior teachers and peer class observations during the first week after training.

The subsequent level, after starting to teach, was some feedback ensuing a pop-in class observation carried out by managers (2-3 weeks after the training).

To summarize the full timeline: left Italy on September 7; landed in HCMC on  September 8; attended the welcome training in HCMC from 9 to 13 September; moved to Bien Hoa on September 14;  checked in at my language centre on September 17; followed a co-planning + peer observation programme between 17 and 20 September; first teaching day on September 21, 2024; received my first pop-in feedback from managers on October 5. My first manager observation (1 hour) was carried out on November 29, 2024. Second manager observation (1 hour) was on December 22, 2024. Second pop-in feedback on 18/12/24. In total 4 observations (2 formal + 2 informal) received in my first 3-4 months.

Finally, before the final observation at the end of your contract (to be renewed), you have to sum up a certain number of Professional development credits (PDC). In my case one each month (12 in total) was enough. Each credit is obtained by following Webinars and Workshops (offline and online); by Self-studying some documents and providing feedback or solving a quiz; by attending peer class observations or finally by doing co-planning (planning a lesson together).

I believe that it is interesting to learn any time something new.

20) How fast can you pick up the necessary skills to teach and progress?

Well, it all depends on you, above all on your previous experience or your adaptability. Generally speaking, I would say that within 1 month after the initial training you start to become somewhat confident. It goes without saying that you need to keep practicing and improving, notably on lesson plans, activities and instructions, time and class management.

Experience can be definitely built on the field, I firmly believe. Certainly some schools will be more indulgent and patient than others with higher standards (but higher wages too).

However, the good news here is that you can become a senior much faster than in other jobs! Indeed,  schools themselves (due to shortage of staff and big turnover sometimes) tend to promote internal vacancies and recruitments for upgraded Senior Teachers (more money but more responsibilities) even after only 9-12 months.

21) How much parents / students complain about teaching methods?

Needless to say, it depends much on your experience and teaching style. However, especially in private language centres, quite a lot. Reasonably they are the customers and they pay considerable sums (even 1000 USD for a 3 months course) to enrol their children in private institutions (hen house public classes are definitely challenging to learn properly and the Vietnamese public educational system is deficient). That’s why they also expect a lot. However, you might easily be summoned by your learning manager for petty troubles such as:

• Minimum dress code discrepancies.
• Cigarette smell.
• Culturally improper vocabulary not in line with Vietnamese decorum standards.
• Not enough explanations to weak students (maybe in the wrong class).
• Topic management.
• Speaking too fast (normally for weak students).
• Etc.

Be careful because in Vietnam certain behaviours and words might end up being easily received as offensive and inappropriate. Children, particularly from the upper layers, could blame you for not giving enough attention or repetitions. Measure your speed according to the class level, which is staggeringly much lower compared to the same linguistic frameworks (A1, A2, B1…) utilized in the Western World.

Furthermore, classes are sometimes badly mixed up with different levels to try to accommodate all customers and have the maximum profit (private language centres).

On top of that, parents expect their children to progress quite fast, even though their kids do not put much effort into it or are very busy with other school tasks and responsibilities.

In general two different standards are used for international teachers and local staff, with the former expected to provide much higher quality. Imperfections are hardly tolerated, like in many parts of the Asian teaching world.

22) When do you get paid in Vietnam?

Broadly speaking, during the first 10 days of the following month. If you are lucky, around the 5^th.

23) What are 2025 National Holidays and what happens with your salary?

Please find here the list of the very few public holidays in Vietnam for 2025. As you can logically see, no Christmas’ Eve, Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve mentioned: ) Only on Christmas (unpaid) and  those red days (paid 2/3 of the regular salary), the language centres and schools will be normally closed to the public.

As for the benefits as a teacher in those days (except Christmas, unpaid), please read below.

• Teachers: all classes are cancelled, and you will be paid 2/3 of your hourly rate if you are regularly scheduled on that day (this applies to NTs, VNTs, PTs, and FTs).
• Tet (Vietnamese New Year) days may NOT be included, be careful! In my school not.
• Parents are charged for the lesson, and it will still appear on your schedule.

Not a great deal again : )

24) What is the cost of living in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s cost of living is generally affordable compared to many other countries, though it can vary based on the city you choose.

1. Overview of Living Costs in Vietnam

Overall, Vietnam’s cost of living is lower than in most Western countries, with accommodation and daily expenses remaining relatively budget-friendly, especially outside of major urban centres. Rental prices are generally affordable, though they’re higher in popular areas for expats. Everyday expenses like food, transport, and entertainment are also reasonably priced, with street food offering a particularly low-cost option (2-3 USD for a meal). Healthcare is affordable, though quality varies by location.

Major cities, particularly Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, tend to have higher living costs compared to smaller towns, yet Vietnam remains an economical choice for those seeking a lower cost of living.

As for myself, in Bien Hoa, I have found a decent 70 square meters, 2 beds apt for about 300 USD / month, all bills included. But you can end up paying even 500 USD for the same size in nicer buildings with top facilities.

2. Is Vietnam an Expensive Place to Live?

Living in Vietnam is generally inexpensive. According to data from Numbeo, a global database for consumer prices, Vietnam’s cost of living index for 2024 is 28.7, ranking it as the 19^th  least expensive country out of 121 measured nations.

Among ASEAN nations, Vietnam remains a budget-friendly option, with countries like Singapore, Cambodia, and Thailand having higher living cost indices. Thailand is ranked 43^rd, Cambodia 50^th.

3. Estimated Monthly Living Expenses in Vietnam

What does it cost to live comfortably in Vietnam? While individual costs will vary based on location, lifestyle, and preferences, a comfortable monthly budget in Vietnam generally ranges from $700 to $1,200 USD. This estimate covers typical expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment.

*EXPENSES IN BIEN HOA, DONG NAI PROVINCE, 2024*

However, keep in mind that living in major cities, such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, can be pricier than in smaller towns or rural areas. Personal spending habits also influence monthly expenses.

Summing up, by earning an average Vietnamese salary for a foreign ESL teacher (1300 USD let’s say) and by having an average cost of living (around 1000 USD let’s say), you end up with a monthly total saving of around 300 USD. Conditions are however very difficult to determine, and you might save as much as 500 – 700 USD / month. Consider, though, that the average local Vietnamese salaries range between 400 and 600 USD. Thereby teachers are paid at least 2-3 times more than a typical local worker.

4. Cost of Living Across Vietnam’s Cities

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are among the most expensive areas in Vietnam. Even so, a couple can lead a comfortable lifestyle in these cities for under $1,300 monthly. Some Western residents manage on as little as $700 per month, covering basic needs, while a more luxurious lifestyle can cost up to $3,000, allowing for a spacious home with scenic views, high-end dining, and frequent outings.

In smaller cities like Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, and Vung Tau, expenses drop significantly. With $800 to $1,100 per month, you can cover housing, utilities, groceries, regular dining, and occasional indulgences like massages : )

25) How are Vietnamese people?

Vietnamese people are generally known for being warm, friendly, and resilient. Hospitality is a big part of Vietnamese culture, and locals often go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. Family is deeply valued, and people tend to be community-oriented, which reflects in their cooperative spirit and willingness to help neighbours or travellers alike.

People in Vietnam are also hardworking and adaptable, qualities shaped by a long history of overcoming adversity. You’ll find a mix of traditions, as many still observe customs rooted in Confucianism, such as respect for elders, while younger generations are often enthusiastic about modern trends, education, and global perspectives.

Social gatherings frequently revolve around food (rarely alcohol though), with locals enjoying meals together as an important way of bonding. Street food culture is vibrant, and Vietnamese people are usually happy to share their favourite local spots with visitors.

Vietnamese people also tend to have a good sense of humour, love storytelling, and value kindness. All of these traits make interactions in Vietnam quite enjoyable, whether in urban areas or rural villages.

As for the downsides, especially in the countryside, I would say that most Vietnamese are shy and cannot speak English. As a result, they are reserved and do not talk too much, especially girls. You have to keep frustratingly using your Google translator quite often : ) Moreover, they have this “losing face” culture pillar that does not allow them to talk overtly in front of many people. They still smile and greet, of course, but communication might turn out to become a nightmare in fact. Additionally they are quite prudish and conservative in many ways. Be careful with the many taboos permeating the local society (politics, porn, drugs, sex, harsh words, religion, family rules, etc.)

This could change a lot according to the level of habit they accrue in larger cities when dealing with many foreigners. They definitely feel breezier and more comfortable.

26) How is the Vietnamese food?

Vietnamese food is renowned for its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavours, and healthy balance of herbs, spices, and vegetables. Vietnamese cuisine balances five fundamental tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami) and often emphasizes lightness, freshness, and simplicity.

Here are some highlights of Vietnamese cuisine:

1. Pho – Vietnam’s famous noodle soup is made with rice noodles, aromatic broth (usually beef or chicken-based), and topped with herbs, lime, and chilli. It’s often enjoyed as breakfast or a comforting meal any time of the day.
2. Banh Mi – A delicious fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary influences, Banh Mi is a baguette sandwich filled with a mix of meats (like grilled pork, pate, or cold cuts), pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, and often a kick of chilli.
3. Fresh Spring Rolls (Gỏi cuốn) – Unlike fried spring rolls, these are fresh, light rolls made with shrimp, pork, rice noodles, herbs, and wrapped in rice paper. They’re usually served with a savoury peanut or hoisin dipping sauce.
4. Bun Cha – A specialty of Hanoi, Bun Cha consists of grilled pork patties served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy-sweet dipping sauce, often accompanied by pickled vegetables.
5. Cao Lau – A unique dish from Hoi An, this noodle dish combines thick, chewy noodles, slices of pork, fresh greens, and crunchy croutons in a flavourful broth.
6. Com Tam – Known as “broken rice,” this Saigon specialty is made with fractured rice grains topped with grilled pork, a fried egg, and pickled vegetables. It’s a popular comfort food and often served with a side of fish sauce.

Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its street food culture, and local markets are brimming with food stalls that serve up fresh, affordable, and authentic dishes. Each region offers its own distinct flavours and specialties, from the spicy dishes of the central region to the sweet, coconut-infused flavours of the south.

Please follow Chapter 6 for the final part.

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