Work As English Teachers In Vietnam: 8 Effective Tips For TEFL Teachers
13th November 2023
The dramatic landscapes, bustling cities, and exotic food are some of the few attractions that are drawing teachers from all over the world. the country, located in the center of Southeast Asia, is best known for its UNESCO World Heritage. if a warm year-round climate and friendly students appeal to you, you have landed at the right place. Here is everything you need to know while having the best experience working as an English teacher in Vietnam.
Ways To Work With Vietnamese Students To Have An Enriching Experience
Source: wenr.wes.org
If you have completed your TEFL course and are willing to start your TEFL journey in Vietnam, here are some factors you should consider:
1. Find A Suitable Job
The first and foremost task is the find the right job in Vietnam that suits your goals and aspirations. There are lots of ESL jobs available in Vietnam if you're looking for one. Think about whether you would rather work nine to five at a public school or in the evenings at a language center.
Your attitude and qualifications matter. Think back to the age range you like to instruct. Take your time, look into potential employers, apply to several companies, and carefully review your contract.
2. Understand The ESL Industry
Vietnam's educational system places a high value on English, which is tested nationally at every level from elementary to high school. English proficiency testing is required of university students.
However because grammar and comprehension are frequently stressed, students find it difficult to speak up. As a foreign ESL teacher, your job is to increase their self-assurance and enhance their pronunciation. Here, as opposed to Europe, pronunciation practice is crucial, which makes instruction more engaging and communication-focused.
Hey, do you follow us on Social Media? We regularly share upgraded educational content, tips, feedback and more. Check us out by clicking the profiles here - Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn / Pinterest / Instagram / YouTube
3. Smile and Create a Positive Environment
In Vietnam, foreign teachers play a different role than local educators, who may be more strict because they are worried about exams. Your objective is to boost students' confidence and encourage them to speak more. Thus, it’s important to smile more, especially to the students who might not have had much experience interacting with foreign educators. In a welcoming and upbeat setting, shyness is easier to overcome.
Recognize the customs of the area and, if major discipline issues arise, speak with your teaching assistant. You won't likely run into any major problems because the majority of Vietnamese students are courteous. Keep your calm and be flexible in troubling circumstances.
4. Be Professional
Respecting professional standards is essential when teaching English as a second language in Vietnam. Vietnamese culture places a great deal of importance on appearance. Teachers in the institution follow a dress code that is conservative and does not allow tattoos, unusual piercings, or messy hair.
It is advisable to dress smartly and conservatively, especially in public schools or universities, even though foreign teachers may encounter more leniency. Some may not take their teaching responsibilities seriously, benefiting from the politeness and avoidance of confrontation prevalent in Vietnamese culture. But remember, even though these behaviors are not always checked, they are noticed.
5. Learn A Little Vietnamese
Although you don't have to be fluent, learning the basics of Vietnamese can greatly improve both your teaching experience and your ability to integrate with other cultures. You do not also have to use Vietnamese in the class, and you shouldn't because your job is to teach English in the class.
But it is worth picking a few words or sentences as it will allow you to understand the reasons behind the few mistakes your students make in class. It is possible to better understand variations in adjective order, syllabic structure, and pronunciation, which will improve instruction.
6. Learn International Phonetic Alphabet
Despite its efficacy, the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is underutilized by some ESL The IPA is quite helpful, especially for speakers of phonetic languages like Vietnamese, given the irregularities in English spelling.
7. Incorporate Games for Engaging Learning
Students in Vietnam's strict educational system deal with rigorous schedules that include six days of instruction, extra classes, a few vacation days, and a lot of homework. It is essential to maintain student engagement despite these pressures. It becomes imperative to incorporate games into ESL instruction since they provide students with a rewarding experience while also maintaining a high level of energy.
The majority of ESL instructors in Vietnam use games a lot, going beyond classic games like Sticky Ball and Hangman. Discovering and incorporating traditional games, such as the popular shuttlecock games enjoyed by locals, can add cultural richness to ESL lessons. As students have grown accustomed to them, it is encouraged to investigate fresh and imaginative game concepts to improve the educational experience.
8. Use Extra Resource Materials
There are unique challenges associated with teaching ESL in Vietnam, including the need for teachers to devote a significant amount of their off-duty time to lesson planning. This workload can be greatly reduced by utilizing additional resources from the internet or those offered by language centers and educational institutions. Worksheets and presentations abound on sites such as ISL Collective, and a plethora of other resources are accessible.
In addition to cutting down on preparation time, extra resources are essential for introducing pupils to fresh concepts and different viewpoints. Interesting news articles or appropriate YouTube videos that are catered to the student's skill level can be incorporated to create a solid basis for stimulating and thought-provoking lessons.
Ready To Achieve Your Dreams?
Even though Vietnam has a strict educational policy, it is worthwhile to teach English here. After all, the main reason you have opted for a fast track TEFL certificate course and moved to the other side of the world is because you want an enriching experience. Despite the challenges, it is essential to be happy and have fun while carrying out your passion. Relax and take comfort in the fact that you are working towards your dream.
We believe education should be accessible for everyone. That’s why we don’t charge for our blogs. Find the right course that will help you in your career with us, contact us at - (+84) 973240969. You can mail us at act@asiancollegeofteachers.com.
Written By : Sanjana