A Pinay Backpacker in Hanoi, Vietnam
My breathing started to become
steady and relaxed when the plane began it’s descent in Noi Bai Airport in
Hanoi. I am not a nervous flyer. In fact, I’m quite enjoying it now. But this
travel was much more terrifying with the Philippines’ immigration roller coaster
ride.
Making the decision to pack up and move to Vietnam in search of English Teaching job is a gamble. This is one of the many nerve-racking things I’ve done. Armed with a copy of my degree and 13 years of teaching experience, I was hoping for the best and preparing for its worst.
I have heard before my Vietnam travel a lot about the life threatening traffic, the unhygienic food and some questionable manners of the locals. At present, I can say that those are somewhat true. Vietnam really takes a little bit of adjusting and I am trying. And in my trying hard to practice positivity, I am thinking, these are all part of the country’s charm.
Teaching English in Vietnam is a thriving business for the locals are really in great need in learning English. There are lots of Language Centers, Public and Private Schools offering English lessons from Kindergarten to adult classes. The abundant opportunity plus the year-round hiring makes the country a tourist destination of native and non-native English Speakers.
A lot of job vacancies will specify that they are looking for native English speakers with a University degree and at least 100 hours TESOL, TEFL certifications. There are also schools where the only fast requirement is that you are a native English speaker. It is a sad fact that, honestly, a Filipino teacher with an excellent English will struggle to find work and if we can find one, the salary is much lower compared to a native speaker who doesn’t have a degree, a diploma or any related teaching experience.
Enough for work, now lets go to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
Hanoi is less Westernized compared to Ho Chi Min City as they say. It has a midnight curfew which is religiously imposed. Bars, clubs and restaurants really do start shutting up around 11pm but there is always an after party to be found and this can actually add a little something to the whole nightlife experience. Hanoi has a lot of character and feels more manageable as a city.
Expats abound in Hanoi. You can easily meet like-minded people to share interest with from arts, music or just simply in drinking bia (beer).
Making the decision to pack up and move to Vietnam in search of English Teaching job is a gamble. This is one of the many nerve-racking things I’ve done. Armed with a copy of my degree and 13 years of teaching experience, I was hoping for the best and preparing for its worst.
I have heard before my Vietnam travel a lot about the life threatening traffic, the unhygienic food and some questionable manners of the locals. At present, I can say that those are somewhat true. Vietnam really takes a little bit of adjusting and I am trying. And in my trying hard to practice positivity, I am thinking, these are all part of the country’s charm.
Teaching English in Vietnam is a thriving business for the locals are really in great need in learning English. There are lots of Language Centers, Public and Private Schools offering English lessons from Kindergarten to adult classes. The abundant opportunity plus the year-round hiring makes the country a tourist destination of native and non-native English Speakers.
A lot of job vacancies will specify that they are looking for native English speakers with a University degree and at least 100 hours TESOL, TEFL certifications. There are also schools where the only fast requirement is that you are a native English speaker. It is a sad fact that, honestly, a Filipino teacher with an excellent English will struggle to find work and if we can find one, the salary is much lower compared to a native speaker who doesn’t have a degree, a diploma or any related teaching experience.
Enough for work, now lets go to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
Hanoi is less Westernized compared to Ho Chi Min City as they say. It has a midnight curfew which is religiously imposed. Bars, clubs and restaurants really do start shutting up around 11pm but there is always an after party to be found and this can actually add a little something to the whole nightlife experience. Hanoi has a lot of character and feels more manageable as a city.
Expats abound in Hanoi. You can easily meet like-minded people to share interest with from arts, music or just simply in drinking bia (beer).
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