Blog Articles About Teaching English in Southeast Asia

Vietnam, with its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, has emerged as a popular destination for teaching English abroad. From bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to tranquil rural communities, Vietnam offers a diverse array of opportunities for educators seeking to make a meaningful impact while immersing themselves in a vibrant culture. In this article, we examine the experience of teaching English in Vietnam, exploring the rewards, challenges, and essential considerations for prospective teachers.   [caption id="attachment_30867" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Explore Vietnam and Teach English Abroad | Photo by Taryn Elliott[/caption] Demand for English Teachers Vietnam's rapid economic growth and integration into the global economy have fueled a high demand for English language proficiency. As a result, there is a constant need for qualified English teachers…

In the world of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), Indonesia often emerges as a destination filled with allure and intrigue. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, from the serene beaches of Bali to the lush, volcanic interiors of Java, Indonesia presents an idyllic backdrop for anyone looking to combine the adventure of travel with the fulfilment of teaching. However, when it comes to pursuing a TEFL certification, the decision of where to take your course is as much about professional prospects as it is about personal experiences. While Indonesia offers a unique cultural immersion and an opportunity to explore one of the most diverse countries in the world, those looking to kickstart a career in TEFL might wonder if it's the best place to take their course. The allure…

⋯ By Adam Gootnick ⋯ "No matter what age you are or what your goal or passion is, go and have an experience like this. It’s one of a kind, it’s so rewarding, and every day you feel good about what you’re doing and who you’re helping." Heather is a classmate and friend of mine. We initially had planned to go to Thailand together, but I decided to postpone my trip to pursue a sales job in tech. We kept in touch, speaking several times a week, and it was clear that Heather was having an absolute blast. When asked whether she recommended I go to Thailand, her answer was always a resounding “yes!” Heather’s story of success really was a deciding factor for me. And my hope is that…

● Teaching Location: Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh) ● Type of Teaching Job: Language centre ● Student Age Group: 3-17 years and adults ● Monthly Salary: $1,200-2,500 USD depending on experience ● Monthly Rent: $150-250 USD for a room in a share house, $350-800 USD for an apartment depending on budget/ taste ● Living Arrangement: Shared housing, single room, and apartments available ● Monthly Savings: Depends on work hours and spending habits. I saved £1,000 per month working 24-26 hours per week ● Contract Bonuses: For full time: Medical insurance, paid holiday, on going support and training, visa and work permit fees, end of year completion bonus etc. ⋯ By Georgie ⋯ When I first took my CELTA certificate to teach English as a second language, I had no idea…

● Teaching Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ● Type of Teaching Job: Language academy and an international university ● Student Age Group: late teens and adults ● Monthly Salary: $2,500 ~ $3,000 USD ● Monthly Rent: ~$550 USD ● Living Arrangement: One bedroom apartment ● Monthly Savings: At least $1,000 USD between us ● Contract Bonuses: Airfare and health insurance ⋯ By Kate and Kris ⋯ Teaching in Ho Chi Minh City was supposed to be a short-term thing. After finishing a job in Haiphong in the north of Vietnam in December, we wanted a job until the summer, before getting a new job for September. Three years later, we decided we should perhaps move on. So what made us stay so long in Ho Chi Minh City? Well, Ho…

● Teaching Location: Luang Prabang, Laos ● Type of Teaching Job: Voluntary project work at a UK-Based school to educate students from poor backgrounds that are sponsored to learn English ● Student Age Group: 16-22 ● Monthly Salary: Voluntary ● Monthly Rent: Own accommodation organised ● Living Arrangement: Guesthouse ● Monthly Savings: n/a ● Contract Bonuses: n/a ⋯ By Candice Lemon-Scott ⋯ Mine is not the traditional ESL teaching experience in terms of gaining paid employment because I went over to carry out a volunteer one-week program. For this reason, I’m grateful to be able to share my experience of teaching English in Laos. I have an ESL background but I was primarily at LEOT, a UK-based school in Laos, because I’m an author. The students at the school were set…

● Teaching Location: Hanoi, Vietnam ● Type of Teaching Job: After-school language centre ● Student Age Group: 5-15 years old ● Monthly Salary: 38 million VND ($1,700 USD) ● Monthly Rent: $550 USD ● Living Arrangement: 2-bedroom apartment ● Monthly Savings: Between $400-500 USD ● Contract Bonuses: 50% towards work permit costs, 10 million VND ($440 USD) on completion of a 1-year contract ⋯ By Kirstie Woodward ⋯ Vietnam is a crazy place to live in but an amazing place to teach English. It’s easy to immerse yourself into the Vietnamese culture and it’s becoming a more westernised country every day. Arriving in Hanoi, the country’s capital, having already secured a job, it strangely felt like home. It has a homely feel to it even though it’s completely different to the…

● Teaching Location: Bangkok, Thailand ● Type of Teaching Job: Private Catholic School ● Student Age Group: Elementary ● Monthly Salary: 35,000 baht (~$1,000 USD) ● Monthly Rent: Housing provided ● Living Arrangement: Single bedroom in a house ● Monthly Savings: Approximately 7,000 baht (Over $200 USD) ● Contract Bonuses: Flight paid for upon arrival, free lunches ⋯ By Barry O’Leary ⋯ My memories of teaching in Bangkok, Thailand, will always have a special place in my heart. It was while teaching a class of 8 to 9 year olds for 7 months in a Private Catholic school in Bangkok, where I actually became a teacher, and also developed enough patience to be able to teach young learners. At times I felt like I was living like a king. I was only…