Everything you need to know about becoming an international teacher in Vietnam

With its low cost of living, diverse and vibrant culture, and high demand for English language education, it’s no surprise Vietnam is a popular destination for international teachers.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about becoming an international teacher in Vietnam, including visa requirements, cost of living, healthcare, cultural expectations and norms, and expat communities.

Visa requirements for working in Vietnam

To work as a teacher in Vietnam, you’ll need to obtain a work permit.

To get a work permit in Vietnam, you must:

• be over 18 years of age;
• possess suitable technical qualifications, working experience and good health that satisfies the job requirements;
• not be currently serving a sentence; do not have an unspent conviction; are not undergoing criminal prosecution in your home country of Vietnam;
• be an executive officer or a manager, specialist or technical worker with qualifications and occupational skills;
• have your employment approved in writing by a competent state agency; and
• not enter Vietnam on a tourist visa, except for some special cases permitted by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs on a case-by-case basis.

In addition to providing the following documents:

• request form for Vietnam work permit;
• health certificate;
• criminal records (issued within 180 days),
• certified copy of your certificate/degree;
• working experience confirmation document from former employers;
• a copy of passport and valid visa;
• approval certificate which allows the employer to use foreign workers from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs or the People’s Committee where the employer resides. This certificate should be applied for at least 20 days before the expected date of recruitment of foreign workers by the employer;
• certified copy of the Employer’s Business Registration Certificate;
• 2 4*6cm photos; and
• employment contract.

Work permits are usually valid for no longer than two years, but may be extended once for an additional two years. For detailed information, please visit the Vietnam Government website.v

Cost of living in Vietnam

Vietnam is an affordable country to live in, especially compared to other Southeast Asian countries. The cost of living varies depending on your location, with cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City being more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. Accommodation is likely to be your largest expense, but you can find affordable options such as shared apartments or homestays.

Food, transportation, and entertainment are also quite affordable, with street food and local markets offering tasty and inexpensive options. Overall, you can expect to live comfortably on a teacher’s salary in Vietnam.

Cost of living in Hanoi (USD)

Rent for one-bedroom apartment in city centre – $375 per month
Loaf of bread – $1.05
Litre of milk – $1.45
12 eggs – $1.65
Takeaway coffee – $2.00
Meal for two at mid-range restaurant – $21.25
Public transport – $0.30 one way

Healthcare in Vietnam

The quality of healthcare in Vietnam varies widely depending on where your location. In larger cities, there are modern hospitals and clinics with trained medical professionals who speak English. However, in rural areas, healthcare facilities may be limited, and medical staff may not speak English. It’s recommended that you obtain health insurance before moving to Vietnam and research the healthcare options in your area. Many international schools in Vietnam offer health insurance as part of their employment package.

Cultural expectations and norms in Vietnam

Vietnamese culture is deeply rooted in Confucianism, which places great emphasis on respect for authority, family values, and social harmony. As an international teacher, it’s important to be aware of and respectful of these cultural norms.

Dressing conservatively, removing your shoes before entering someone’s home, and using formal titles when addressing elders or superiors are all important aspects of Vietnamese culture. Additionally, Vietnamese people are generally quite reserved and may not express themselves openly, so it’s important to be sensitive to nonverbal cues and body language.

Expat communities in Vietnam

Vietnam has a thriving expat community, especially in larger cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Many expats work as teachers, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to connect with other foreign teachers and build a support network. There are also numerous Facebook groups and online forums where you can ask questions, share information, and meet other expats.

Schrole international schools in Vietnam

Are you ready to take the plunge? Explore Schrole schools across Vietnam now:

AISVN
Australian International School Vietnam (AIS)
Canadian International School System – CISS (Vietnam)
Delta Global School
Dwight School Hanoi
Hanoi Toronto School
International School Ho Chi Minh City
International School Saigon Pearl
International Schools of North America
QSI International School of Haiphong
Saigon Kids Early Learning Centre
Saigon Star International School
St. Mary’s International School – Hanoi
St. Paul American School Hanoi
TH School
The ABC International School
The American School of Vietnam (TAS)
The Dewey Schools
The Olympia Schools
True North School (TNS)
United Nations International School of Hanoi
Vinschool
Wellspring International Bilingual Schools
Westlink International School, Hanoi