Let’s cut to the chase. Teaching English in Ho Chi Minh City is on your radar. While you had it pegged that a TESOL certificate is a core prerequisite, you read a Facebook post from an anonymous person asserting that TESOL certification is unnecessary in Vietnam. Your original thinking is correct. The Facebook post is incorrect.
Why You Need a TESOL Certificate
Why do you need a TESOL certificate to teach in Ho Chi Minh City? It’s a common question. Simple. It’s the law. No TESOL certificate, no legal teaching job. It’s like driving a car while under the influence of alcohol – without a permit. Not only will you get into trouble with the constabulary, but you’d also be putting others at risk, fee-paying English as a Second Language (ESL) students in this instance. Breaking the law in a foreign country rarely ends well, especially in Vietnam.
Dodgy Characters and Illegal Practices
You’ve probably heard stories of people teaching in Vietnam without a TESOL certificate. These people do exist, but they’re playing a high-risk game. Teaching without the proper qualifications is illegal, and while some folks might slip through the cracks, it’s 100% not worth the risk. I’ve been living and working in Vietnam for almost 20 years, and from my observations, being deported for not having valid credentials is more common than you might think. Imagine having to call home and explain to family members that you’ve been ‘booted out’ of Vietnam for working illegally. It’s a ‘cross to bear’ for the rest of your life.
Moreover, it’s illegal for a school in Vietnam to hire an unqualified teacher, and unsurprisingly, the penalties are harsh. Do you want to be associated with a mess of this kind? I don’t think so. Constantly job-hopping and searching for the next dodgy school that’s okay with employing an unqualified teacher doesn’t sound like fun to me—continually looking over your shoulder, trying to stay one step ahead of the law. Seriously! It’s the polar opposite of what a teaching English abroad adventure should be about. Stick to the straight and narrow—you’ll find it safer and more rewarding.
Legal Path: Work Permits and TRCs
Fact! You need a sponsor (an employer) to obtain a ‘Work Permit’ and a ‘Temporary Residence Card (TRC)’ to legally work as an ESL teacher in Vietnam. Without a Work Permit and a TRC, you’re just a tourist and ineligible (and unqualified) for teaching jobs. Valid TESOL (or TEFL or CELTA), with your name on it, is one of the documents a legitimate employer must submit to Work Permit authorities in Vietnam when applying for a Work Permit and TRC on your behalf. Other documents include a university degree, a background check (not more than six months old when presented), and an English proficiency test if you come from a so-called ‘non-native English-speaking country.’ Importantly, all of your documents must be ‘notarised’ and legalised’ before they make their way to the Work Permit authorities in Vietnam.
Why Ho Chi Minh City is an Amazing Place to Teach
Now, let’s touch on why Ho Chi Minh City is such a fantastic place to live and work as an ESL teacher.
- Diverse Districts: From the ‘hip and happening’ District 1, with its rooftop bars and trendy cafes, to the more laid-back District 2, with its palm tree-lined streets and expat communities, Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone. Each district has unique ‘vibes’ and plenty of ESL teaching opportunities.
- Quality Language Centres and Schools: Ho Chi Minh City is home to many language centres and international schools looking for foreign teachers with valid qualifications, including TESOL, TEFL, or CELTA. These institutions offer competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a platform for you to make a fundamental difference in the lives of local people.
- Affordable Living: One of the perks of teaching English in Ho Chi Minh City is the lifestyle. You can afford to live in a decent apartment, enjoy the expat scene, or hang out with the locals. Think of it as living the Dubai lifestyle but without breaking the bank. Fancy a weekend getaway? The beach in Phan Thiet is just a short trip away! Jump on a bus and arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, within a few hours. How about a quick shopping trip to Singapore? Importantly, you’ll have ‘cash to splash’ from your teaching work.
- Expat Community: Ho Chi Minh City has a thriving expat community, so you’ll never feel alone. There are plenty of social events, networking opportunities, and support groups to help you settle in and make the most of your time in Vietnam. Swapping teaching and travel stories over a cold beer in one of Ho Chi Minh City’s many ‘hole in the wall’ street bars is a personal favourite.
- Fitness and Wellness: Join a yoga class, hit the gym, stroll in one of the city’s many parks, or visit a Wellness Centre for a relaxing spa treatment, massage, pedicure, manicure, or similar experience. Wellness Centres are dotted all around Ho Chi Minh City.
- Nightlife and Dining: Ho Chi Minh City is one of those places in the world that seemingly never sleeps. There’s something to do or see in Ho Chi Minh City all day and all night – nightclubs, street food, more quaint coffee shops than you’ll have time to visit, movie theatres, ‘sky bars,’ places to meander, people-watching opportunities, and the list goes on.
Bottom Line
Ho Chi Minh City is brilliant, but don’t settle for second best if you’re serious about English education here. Steer clear of dodgy ‘teaching’ certificates and invest in a quality TESOL Programme like AVSE-TESOL offers in Ho Chi Minh City. Your future students will thank you; you’ll have the confidence and credentials to thrive in your teaching career. Remember, teaching without a proper TESOL certificate is risky and illegal. Don’t gamble with your future.
About the author: Peter Goudge is the Managing Director (and founder) of AVSE-TESOL in Australia, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Among other things, Peter is passionate about quality teaching and learning environments, outcomes for teachers and students—and valid teaching credentials.