Where we work / Vietnam
There is an ever-growing need for more English education in Vietnam.
Vietnam
At the invitation of the government and universities in Vietnam, ELIC teachers continue to enjoy positions of influence in their classes, campuses, and neighborhoods. We find that our students in Vietnam are eager to learn English and excited to be our friends and introduce us to their culture and country.
As Vietnam’s economy grows, the need for English language instruction has been recognized. ELIC has the great privilege and opportunity to make a significant contribution to its modernization program. Take part in making a true and lasting impact on the lives of students in this amazing country.
frequently asked
questions
How many hours per week will I work?
Teachers spend around sixteen hours per week in the classroom, with additional time each week for classroom prep (often one hour of prep per one hour in the classroom, but this can vary widely from teacher to teacher).
What is the working relationship like with other faculty and teachers?
Our team generally assigns a school liaison to act as a contact point for faculty/international relations. They offer assistance for most communication needs such as schedules, exams, school events, etc. Teachers also have opportunities to connect with and, at times, collaborate with faculty.
What is the student demographic?
Our students are either faculty/staff of the university or university students. The faculty/staff students are generally older, peer professionals working at the university with a pre-intermediate level of English. The university students are from a large variety of majors and are eager to study. The English skill of these students ranges from beginning to above-intermediate levels.
What will my first week look like? How will you help me get my life overseas started?
Teachers spend their first week attending a combination of country and city orientations that involve checking out key sites and going out on language and cultural outings in town with students and teammates. They also get settled into their new homes/apartments.
What does ongoing professional/personal development look like?
Teachers are given a development plan that offers them opportunities for growth spiritually and professionally, as well as in language, culture, leadership, and team dynamics. This plan is guided by team leaders and teachers who collaborate with one another for accountability and support.
What is it like to raise a family overseas?
We’ve had many families serving in Vietnam. However, there are challenges due to traffic, pollution, and the high volume of people, as well as simply transitioning to a new culture. On the positive side, there are often good outdoor options where families can spend time together, and the locations where we work are family friendly.
What are some things I might do to contribute to my team if my spouse is teaching, but I’m not?
Non-teaching spouses have a wide range of opportunities to engage in local relationships and in campus activities such as English clubs and other events. Team parents naturally desire to dedicate a lot of time and energy to their kids, and our flexible schedule allows for that.
What kind of housing will I have? How far away are housing options from the school and other teammates?
Housing varies by location, but since the universities do not provide housing, teachers mostly choose to live in traditional homes within the Vietnamese community, near other teammates. Homes are typically narrow and tall with multiple floors and lots of stairs. There are also studio- or loft-style apartments available for rent.
What are some surprising things I might learn after the first 60 days?
After a couple of months, a new teacher should be able to navigate numerous “survival” cultural outings and have a strong sense of the benefit of living in proximity to the local culture and community.
What is the team structure like? How often are formal meetings, and what do they entail?
Our teams in Vietnam typically meet one to two times each week for formal meetings that include professional development, team building, and encouragement. Additionally, teams meet informally to share meals together, plan events, or just have fun together.