Today, it is possible to travel to almost any country on Earth for a holiday. Many travel firms offer round-the-world tickets, and the idea of taking a "gap-year" has become widespread. The choice of holiday depends upon a person's budget and tastes, but younger people typically backpack, a style that offers both freedom and an added sense of adventure.
The idea of teaching abroad is also an increasingly popular option, as it gives the traveller a real-sense of the culture of the chosen country. Teaching placements often last several weeks or months, which requires actually living in the area, rather than simply moving between hotels or hostels. Vietnam is a country in desperate need of English teachers, as the ability for to speak English can open a huge range of opportunities for a Vietnamese local.
As well as the increased cultural experience, teaching can also provide free accommodation, free food, and even a salary.
Arranging a Teaching Placement in Vietnam
Teaching English in Vietnam can be difficult to arrange, due to the large amount of "red tape" involved. That said, once in Vietnam, restaurants, cafes and tourist sites are full of adverts by local people offering food and drink in return for a few hours of English tuition.
For a more structured teaching placement, fortunately many organisations exist that will arrange the placement on behalf of the traveller. They not only organise a placement with a school, but they give advice on obtaining work visas, inoculations, and general travel advice.
Another significant advantage with using an organisation to arrange the placement is that many offer the help of a local coordinator. This person will be on call 24-hours a day, will collect the volunteer from the airport, and will introduce travellers to the chosen school.
All of this help comes at a price. To teach in Vietnam through a well-established company such as I-to-I (A UK based organisation), a 4-week placement in Vietnam will cost around £800 (excluding flights). However, once there, Vietnam is an extremely cheap country in terms of food, accommodation and activities.
Qualifications Required to Teach English in Vietnam
Many countries are extremely liberal as to what qualifications the traveller needs to teach English in their schools, and Vietnam is no exception. Simply being a native English speaker is often enough, and speaking the native language is not required, as interpreters are usually present.
Some schools may ask for a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) qualification. This course is internationally accepted, and is offered as part of the fee by some organisations, such as I-to-I. There are several levels to the TEFL course, but the entry-level involves a 40-hour online package, with all work being marked by an online tutor. The course is designed for people with no teaching experience, and gives ideas on how to teach the basics of English, including games and activities.
Other countries may require a University degree (in any subject), and this will often lead to paid work. This is not usually the case for Vietnam.
Other Types of Voluntary Work
English is not the only type of work available to travellers in Vietnam. Working with orphans or the sick, helping to build schools, and conservation work are all available.
Whatever the choice of work, volunteering in this amazing part of South-East Asia offers an experience of a foreign culture that is guaranteed to leave the traveller with a life-time of fantastic memories.
Further Reading
Robert Harrand - Rob Harrand lives in Yorkshire, England with his fiancée. He has a BSc Physics with Astrophysics, MSc Nanoscale Science & ...
