Vietnam blog Archives

Vietnam Blog Review

by Peter Goudge | Jan 16, 2024 | Vietnam blog

Teaching English in Vietnam Blog – Review

The Teaching English in Vietnam Blog on the AVSE-TESOL website is well-worth visiting if you have any passing thoughts about teaching English as a second language (ESL) in Vietnam, if you’ve already locked in your trip to Vietnam, or if you’re simply curious about teach and travel opportunities. You’ll surely find something on AVSE-TESOL’s Vietnam Blog page that will capture your interest. There are posts for all-comers, with enough riveting reading to occupy the better part of a weekend.

Most of the posts in the AVSE-TESOL Teaching English in Vietnam Blog were written by Peter Goudge. He’s the Managing Director (and owner) of AVSE-TESOL. Peter comes from Melbourne, Australia, but he has called Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, ‘home’ for the past 16+ years.

When Peter first arrived in Vietnam, he took an ESL teaching job in Vinh Long Province in the Mekong Delta. At the end of the twelve-month contract in Vinh Long, Peter moved to a Director of Studies position at SaigonTech, a highly respected tertiary institution in Ho Chi Minh City. SaigonTech is located at the end of Quang Trung Street in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City. While commuting to and from SaigonTech Peter noticed a vacant, three-story building at 1300 Quang Trung Street – the home of AVSE-TESOL in Ho Chi Minh City since 2009.

What you’ll find

Here’s a quick summary of posts that you’ll find on the Teaching English in Vietnam Blog on the AVSE-TESOL website:

Teaching English in Vietnam without a degree – Yes / No?
An Alternative to Teaching English in Vietnam without a Degree
Teaching English in Hanoi – five things to do on arrival
Teaching English in Hanoi – don’t forget insurance
Teaching English in Hanoi to clear student (loan) debt
Teaching English in Ho Chi Minh City – getting started as an ESL teacher
Ho Chi Minh City – local people and opportunities
Ho Chi Minh City – a brilliant place for a gap year
TESOL course in Hanoi – four important inclusions
How to notarise and legalise your TESOL Certificate in Vietnam
Eight questions to ask before you sign up for a TESOL course in Vietnam
Prepping for ESL Job Interviews
Quality TEFL with real job support
Feedback from former students is invaluable
Do some taxi homework before arriving in Vietnam
Tips for teaching English as a second language

Regularly updated

The team at AVSE-TESOL in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi make a point of adding new posts and freshening up old posts on their Vietnam Blog with noticeable regularity. Conversely, most other Teaching English in Vietnam Blog pages I found while researching this article are full of excitement at the beginning but left to fade into obscurity in the bowels of the internet. In fairness, this might have something to do with the transient nature of the profession. TESOL providers and ESL teachers from the four corners of the world come and go, but AVSE-TESOL has stood the test of time – and the global pandemic that decimated the ESL teaching and learning industry. Equally important, I’m advised that AVSE-TESOL in Vietnam (and in Australia and Cambodia) has the next generation of leaders already in place, most of whom are women. Just as AVSE-TESOL has been around seemingly since Jesus was a boy, you can be confident that their Vietnam blog will figure prominently in Google search results for years to come.

I asked the good people at AVSE-TESOL about posts that are currently ‘work in progress’. ‘Watch this space’ was the initial response, but persistence did provide some insight. Among other things, look out for posts on:

‘Freebies’ with the TESOL programme at AVSE-TESOL in Vietnam and Cambodia
The five best Language Schools to teach ESL in Vietnam
Pay later options with the TESOL programme at AVSE-TESOL
Affordable travel insurance options for AVSE-TESOL trainees

Summary

There’s no doubt about it. The Teaching English in Vietnam Blog on the AVSE-TESOL website contains fascinating articles that readers will enjoy. Most posts have been crafted by AVSE-TESOL’s Managing Director, Peter Goudge. His years of experience in all matters ‘teaching ESL in Vietnam’ are on display for all to see in AVSE-TESOL’s Vietnam blog – what to do on arrival, gap year opportunities, pay off your student debt, tips for teaching ESL in Vietnam – and the list goes on. So, if you have some time spare this weekend, have a look at AVSE-TESOL’s Vietnam Blog. You’ll be pleased that you did.

About the writer: Pamela Cove is a university student at Charles Darwin University in Darwin, Australia. Pamela met Peter Goudge, the Managing Director (and owner) of AVSE-TESOL, by chance at the Sailing Club in Darwin when he visited there in July 2022. Pamela agreed to check out the Vietnam blog on the AVSE-TESOL website and share her views in a post. As a result, she’s planning to teach English in Vietnam from mid-2023, with help from AVSE-TESOL.

Lesson Learned From Teaching In Vietnam

by Peter Goudge | Oct 29, 2023 | Vietnam blog

Tom Bogues is the Director of ESL Job Center and a good friend of AVSE-TESOL in Vietnam and Cambodia. In this brilliant post written specifically for the AVSE-TESOL Vietnam Blog page, Tom shares his personal experience as a ‘newbie’ ESL teacher in Ho Chi Minh City – under the heading ‘Lessons learned from teaching in Vietnam’.

In November 2016, I swapped the cold, wet and windy shores of Ireland for the tropical wonderlands of South-East Asia. Armed with my passport, teaching certificate and overflowing with anticipation to get started teaching in Vietnam, I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City excited, nervous and more than a little naïve!

Great Expectations

I arrived with massive preconceptions about what living teaching in Vietnam was going to be like. I was certain I would hate teaching younger students. I was never going to teach in public school. I thought I wouldn’t need any help. I was more than a little skeptical about the quality of Vietnamese cuisine.

I have rarely been as wrong about anything in my life! Teaching in Vietnam was not what I expected – it was better. Although, better in ways I would never have expected! Here are four of the lessons I learned from my time teaching in Vietnam.

Lesson 1:Teaching Children is Fantastic!

Before arriving in Vietnam I had absolutely no desire to teach children. I was certain that I would not have the patience for it and that I would end up hating it. My plan was always to teach adults, but most of the attractive positions for teaching adults required at least a year of teaching experience.

I had a cunning plan. I would suffer for a year, teaching school children then jump ship to an adult training center the first chance I got.

Guess what? To this day, seven years later, I have not spent a single, solitary second teaching an adult. I love teaching children! I was stunned to discover this back in 2016, but soon I was rejecting other opportunities to teach adults because I was having such fun teaching the kids! Even more surprising was that I was enjoying the lessons with the youngest students the most!

Kindergarten became my kingdom. I was singing, dancing, and playing games from my childhood that I thought I had long forgotten. I was actually having fun at work, which was a truly novel experience!

Lesson 2: Public School is Great

When you work at training centers you might be offered the chance to go to local schools for extra lessons to earn some extra money. At my training center there were so many public school lessons they offered me 50% extra per hour, plus all transport costs would be reimbursed. I rejected the offer. This was stupid.

I had decided that there was no way, no how that I would be able to teach a rowdy classroom of 40-50 students. I thought they would hate my lessons, hate me and it would be nothing short of a disaster. Money talks though, and a short while later I decided to try it out.

Since then I have spent three years teaching public school full time, and I genuinely think it is one of the best teaching gigs you can get! Usually you can recycle the same lesson plan three or four times a week, and often your lesson is the highlight of the students day.

The lessons in public school are a fun release for the students, and there is little pressure on you as a teacher. The students can be rowdy, but that’s usually only because they are engaged with your lesson. The biggest benefit of teaching these classes isn’t the money or the fun, it’s how it helps to develop you as a teacher. If you can manage a classroom of 50, you really can handle anything else the teaching world may throw at you!

Lesson 3: Ask For Help

When you work in a training center in Vietnam, you are not alone in the classroom. Depending on the age of your students you are going to have one, two or three Vietnamese teaching assistants in the classroom with you.

’ll be honest, I felt a bit awkward with this. I was a new teacher, with no experience and suddenly I am supposed to direct three experienced teaching assistants? I am supposed to tell them what to do? Shouldn’t it be the other way round? I was so reluctant to give any instructions that I simply didn’t. I tried to do it all myself: classroom management, group work, activities, exams, grading – even communicating with parents. Big mistake.

Guess what? There is a reason you are assigned teaching assistants: it is impossible to do everything yourself. If you don’t ask for help your lessons are going to suffer, and you will lose confidence in your ability. Don’t be like me, shed the awkwardness and ask for whatever help you need – especially when you are just starting out.

Lesson 4: Street Food Is To Be Adored

I remember my first full day in Ho Chi Minh as if it was yesterday. I remember walking from my hotel to Ben Thanh market, then to Saigon River and through the bar laden Bùi Viện. There were street carts with food everywhere.

Now, don’t get me wrong, they smelled great and looked even better, but I was wary. I was sure my little Western belly wouldn’t take too kindly to street food. So, I stuck to Western food for the first few days. I was missing out!

Street food in Vietnam is amazing. I started with a little Bún Bò Huế. Before I knew it I was happily munching bánh mì every day for lunch. I started sampling everything I could get my hands on, and everything was so cheap! I was eating out everyday for a few dollars, and washing it down with a bottle of Bia Saigon for a few cents more!

Soon, I discovered that there was a woman selling the best Phởin the city opposite my apartment near Điện Biên Phủ. That was that! I was a complete convert to the delights of the Vietnamese street food scene!

Lessons Learned

Seven years later the things I learned while teaching in Vietnam still stand me in good stead today. This is one of the most underrated benefits of experiencing life as a teacher – the lessons you learn will stay with you for life! You will learn more about yourself in a year or two than you ever would in a decade in your home country.

My story is a little unique, but since I made the decision to start teaching English in 2016, I have lived in Vietnam, China and now Spain. I met my wife while we were both teaching in China, and our son is turning 1 next month. None of this would have been possible without the opportunities that TEFL provided me!

I genuinely believe that investing in yourself with a course from AVSE-TESOL is one of the smartest decisions anyone can make. Becoming a qualified ESL teacher has the potential to open up your world, and unlock your hidden talents!

How to quit your job, move to a tropical paradise and start a new career – within 42 days

by Peter Goudge | Jun 28, 2023 | Vietnam blog

Gosh, there’s a lot to unpack from the title of this blog post. “Quit your job”, okay, but how and why? “Tropical paradise”, which tropical paradise? “New career”, I’m interested, but what new career? Will I earn enough from this ‘new career’ to live a comfortable life? “Within 42 days”, even if the ‘quit’, ‘move’ and ‘start’ suggestions are not fanciful, is the timeline achievable?

Each question in the paragraph above deserves a straight answer, no ‘weasel words’. You’ll get straight answers in this post. In addition, I’ll provide you with a ‘Three-step Roadmap’ that will take you from where you are now to that yet unnamed tropical paradise and a new career – within 42 days. Whether you’re a Member of Parliament, a ‘Sparky’ or a Product Synergy Specialist (you work on the drive-through at Maccas), if you crave a quintessential expat lifestyle that most people only dream about, read on.

Roadmap – Step one: How to quit your job

This will be the easiest or the most challenging phase in the three-step roadmap. It will be easy to quit your job if you don’t like it – and the people you work with. It will tough if the people around you are besties. Good mates are hard to find, and if you’re in a ‘nightmare’ job with besties, all of you will have endured the same horrible experience. Serious bonding with your mates will have occurred in the face of adversity. Hard to walk away from? Yes! Impossible? No! With this kind of scenario, if you quit your job, you’re walking away from a horrible experience, not your besties. They’ll always be there for you.

Let’s run with the ‘I dislike my job – and the people I work with’ idea. How can you quit your job with minimal fuss? I’ve gone through this a few times in my working life, and the best approach is a simple letter typed on your desktop or laptop. It should be: 1. dated, 2. addressed to your employer, 3. include the words ‘I want to let you know that I will finish up at (name of company) on (day and date)’, and 4. signed by you. It’s that easy. You’re ‘out of there’! Bye-bye. No regrets.

If you like the people at your workplace, the quitting process should be similar, but take steps to keep in touch with your mates and organise a ‘pub night’ to say goodbye. You may choose to cover the bar tab, or at least a round of drinks as a parting gesture. So, there’s no need to get stressed about quitting. People do it all the time. Who knows? Your besties might join you in the yet unnamed tropical paradise when they see how successful you’ve been.

Let’s do a time check. Most folks would say that seven days’ notice is ample when you quit your job, regardless of whether the position is highfalutin or run-of-the-mill. Keep in mind that this roadmap provides for a total timeframe of ‘A to Z’ within 42 days. We are now at day seven.

Roadmap – Step two: Move to a tropical paradise

I know you’ve been waiting patiently for the name of the tropical paradise to be revealed! The time has come. You’ve quit your job. You’re heading to the promised land on day 8, 9 or 10 of our ‘roadmap’, depending on your commitments. My version of the ‘promised land’ isn’t Jerusalem, although it’s a lovely place to visit any time of the year. My promised land is Vietnam, specifically Ho Chi Minh City. While all roads led to Jerusalem in biblical times, in this post-Covid era, the hot tip (literally, it’s 30+ degrees Celsius pretty much 24/7) from smart people who know about these things is, get to Ho Chi Minh City – and set yourself up as an English teacher. Why Ho Chi Minh City? Why set yourself up as an English teacher? Fair questions, like those in paragraph one of this blog post that warrant straight answers, but first, let me share a quick, personal story.

In 1852, my great-great grandfather, Henry Goudge, threw caution to the wind (literally, he travelled by sailboat) and moved from St. Teath in Cornwall, England, with his first love ( Jane Spear) to Loddon in Victoria, Australia. Why? He was a skilled miner, there was a gold rush in Victoria at that time, and his future in Cornwall looked bleak. In addition, Henry wanted a better life for himself and his missus. Seemingly, it was a classic ‘push, pull’ scenario. Henry went on to have 14 children (and two wives) and, by all accounts, lived a productive life.

Now, back to the two questions: 1. Why Ho Chi Minh City? 2. Why set yourself up as an English teacher? I will deal with the two questions simultaneously.

Henry was a skilled miner. He knew his skills were in demand in Loddon. You have ‘half-decent’ English language skills, reading, writing, listening, and speaking, either because you were born in a country where English is the main language or through nothing short of hard work. Either way, your skills are in demand in Ho Chi Minh City. Henry wanted a better life for himself and those around him. Teaching English in Ho Chi Minh City will provide you with an expat lifestyle, a 20-to-25-hour work week and a savings capacity that’s not available in your home country. If there’s a Holy Grail for teaching English abroad, ‘Ho Chi Minh City’ will be prominently etched on it.

True, Vietnam (and Ho Chi Minh City in particular) won’t be viewed as a paradise by all comers. It’s certainly ‘paradise status’ to me and I can point to plenty of other people who hold the same opinion. I’d wager that you’ll also love the place.

Step check and time check time! You’ve quit your job. You’ve moved to a tropical paradise. Let’s say you’ve been in Ho Chi Minh City for three days. This means you’re now at day 14 (ish), including travel time. “Bring on the next Step”, I hear you say. Just like old Henry Goudge in 1852, you have the wind in your sails!

Roadmap – Step three: ‘Get paid to make the world a better place’

This is where the serious fun starts, and you reap the rewards from making a conscious decision to quit your job and repurpose your life.

Through good luck or hard work, you have the English skills that are needed to nail down a brilliant job as an English language teacher in Vietnam and contribute towards plugging a noticeable service gap. But, there’s a problem. What is it? Is the problem insurmountable? Should this roadmap be repurposed into confetti? You have the English skills to teach the language, but you don’t have the teaching knowledge, skills and government-regulated certification that are central to pursuing your new career path in Vietnam. The solution … Do the in-class, 27 days (+/-), Australian Government-accredited TESOL programme at AVSE-TESOL in Ho Chi Minh City. Problem solved!

AVSE-TESOL is a one-stop-shop for teaching knowledge, skills, top-shelf certification and, most importantly, as a newcomer to teaching English in Ho Chi Minh City – job placement at a quality school. Complete the Aussie Government-accredited TESOL programme at AVSE-TESOL, and they’ll have you in an ESL teaching job in Ho Chi Minh City or elsewhere in Vietnam within days of completing the course. You’ll be in a tropical paradise (as promised) and you’ll be pursuing a new career path (as promised). Moreover, you’ll be: 1. teaching 20-to-25-hours a week, which is a typical workload for a foreign English teacher in Vietnam, 2. making the world a better place by shaping the next generation, 3. earning a decent income that will allow you to save a lot more than you could in your home country, and 4. living a quintessential expat lifestyle. Seriously, it doesn’t get any better.

Let’s do one last step check and time check. You quit your job – seven to ten days. You moved to a tropical paradise (day 14ish). You acquired teaching knowledge, skills, and quality TESOL certification – and a paid teaching job with help from AVSE-TESOL in Ho Chi Minh City – add 27 days. Here’s the math: 14 days + 27 days = 41 days. You did it with one day to spare.

Conclusion

In 1852, Henry Goudge risked his life by travelling in an overcrowded boat to a place he’d never been before because he thought he could have a better life. Four generations later, there’s ample evidence that Henry contributed to making the world better. Henry’s family tree in Australia includes elected officials x 2, doctors x 2, nurses x 2, first responders x 3, a university lecturer and a bunch of other folks who have made a positive contribution to life in Australia. I see Ho Chi Minh City in this ‘post’ Covid period mirroring the goldfields that captured Henry’s attention 171 years ago. It’s the land of opportunity.

So, when will you quit your job, move to Vietnam and start a new career as an English language teacher?

About the writer: Peter Goudge is the Managing Director (and founder) of AVSE-TESOL in Cairns, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Phnom Penh. For more than 17 years, AVSE-TESOL has been creating pathways for people from around the world to teach English in Vietnam and Cambodia. Check out the AVSE-TESOL website: www.avse.edu.vn

Learn about English Proficiency Exams to Study Abroad

by Peter Goudge | Feb 16, 2023 | Vietnam blog

Planning to Study Abroad?

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a new culture, gain new perspectives, and develop new skills. One of the most important considerations for students who want to study abroad is their proficiency in the English language, as most countries where English is not the native language still use it as the language of instruction.

The purpose of this blog is to provide an overview of the most common English proficiency exams that students might have to consider if they are planning to study abroad. The blog will also provide tips for choosing the right exam, preparing for the exam, taking the exam, and understanding the results. The goal is to help prospective study abroad students make informed decisions about their English proficiency testing, and to help them feel more confident and prepared as they embark on their study abroad journey.

Here’s one last bit of perspective. Taking exam preparation classes has been the focus of my teaching work in Vietnam since 2018. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support and encouragement from the good people at AVSE-TESOL in Ho Chi Minh City, where I originally did my TESOL training.

Common English Proficiency Tests

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): TOEFL is one of the most widely recognized English proficiency exams in the world. It is designed to assess the English language abilities of non-native speakers who are planning to study in English-speaking countries. TOEFL measures reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an internationally recognized language proficiency test for non-native English speakers. It measures the language abilities in four key areas: listening, reading, writing and speaking. The test is designed to assess the English language skills of people who need to study or work in English-speaking countries.

IELTS scores are used by a variety of organizations, including universities, immigration departments, and professional bodies, as a way of measuring English language proficiency. The test is available in two formats: the Academic module and the General Training module. The Academic module is intended for people who want to study at the university level, while the General Training module is designed for those who need English for work, migration, or training purposes.

IELTS results are based on a 9-band scale, with scores ranging from 0 to 9. The test is marked by trained and certified IELTS examiners and results are available online 13 days after the test date.

PTE (Pearson Test of English): PTE Exam is an English language proficiency test for non-native English speakers. It is designed to assess the English language skills of people who need to study or work in English-speaking countries. PTE measures English language abilities in four key areas: speaking and writing, listening, and reading.

PTE is a computer-based test and uses advanced technology to accurately measure language abilities. The test is designed to be completed in one sitting, usually lasting around 3 hours. The speaking and writing sections are conducted in real-time, allowing for a more natural and interactive testing experience.

CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced): CAE is a high-level English proficiency exam that is designed to assess the language abilities of non-native speakers who are planning to study or work in English-speaking countries. CAE measures reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
CPE (Cambridge English: Proficiency): CPE is the highest-level English proficiency exam offered by Cambridge English. It is designed to assess the English language abilities of non-native speakers who are planning to study or work in English-speaking countries at an advanced level. CPE measures reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Choosing the Right Exam

When choosing an English proficiency exam, there are several factors to consider, such as the acceptance of the exam by the institution you are planning to attend, the cost of the exam, the test format, and the availability of test dates and locations. Additionally, it is essential to consider your personal needs and goals, such as your desired level of English proficiency and your future plans for studying or working in an English-speaking country.

The best exam for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. Suppose you are planning to study at a university or college in an English-speaking country. In that case, you may want to consider TOEFL or IELTS, as many institutions widely accept them. If you need to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency for professional purposes, you may want to consider CAE or CPE. If you are looking for a cost-effective and convenient option, you may want to consider PTE, which can be taken at a Pearson testing center near you. Ultimately, it is important to research each exam carefully and choose the one that best fits your needs and goals.

Preparing for the Exam

To prepare for your English proficiency exam, you should start by familiarizing yourself with the exam format, content, and structure. It is also important to practice your English skills regularly, focusing on the specific skills that will be tested on the exam. This may include speaking, writing, listening, and reading exercises, as well as vocabulary and grammar practice. Additionally, you may want to consider enrolling in an exam preparation course or working with a tutor to help you focus your studies and build your confidence.

There are many resources available to help you prepare for your English proficiency exam, including online courses, textbooks, practice tests, and study guides. Official exam preparation materials, such as TOEFL iBT Practice Tests, IELTS Official Practice Materials, and PTE Official Practice Tests, can be a great place to start. You can also find many other resources, such as exam preparation apps, videos, and blogs, online. It is important to use a variety of resources to help you prepare for your exam, as this will help you develop a well-rounded understanding of the exam format and content.

Taking the Exam

Taking an English proficiency exam typically involves registering for the exam, paying the exam fee, and choosing a test date and location. On the day of the exam, you will need to arrive at the testing center early, bring appropriate identification, and complete the exam in accordance with the instructions provided. After the exam, you will receive your scores, which will be used to assess your English proficiency for academic or professional purposes.

On exam day, you can expect to be tested on your English language skills, including speaking, writing, listening, and reading. You will typically be given a set amount of time to complete the exam, and you may be required to complete multiple-choice questions, writing tasks, speaking tasks, and listening tasks. It is important to be well-prepared for the exam, both in terms of your English skills and in terms of what you can expect on exam day. It is also important to remain calm and focused during the exam and to follow all instructions and guidelines provided by the examiners.

Scoring and Results

Each English proficiency exam has its own unique scoring system, which typically ranges from low to high scores. For example, TOEFL scores range from 0-120, IELTS scores range from 1-9, PTE scores range from 10-90, CAE scores range from A1-C1, and CPE scores range from C1-C2. It is important to understand the scoring system for your chosen exam, as well as the minimum score requirements for your desired academic or professional outcomes.

Your results from your English proficiency exam will be used to assess your level of English proficiency and determine your eligibility for academic or professional opportunities. It is important to interpret your results carefully, taking into account the scoring system, your personal goals, and the requirements of your desired academic or professional outcomes. If you do not meet the minimum score requirements, you may need to retake the exam or consider alternative opportunities for improving your English skills. Regardless of your results, it is important to use the experience of taking the exam as an opportunity to continue learning and growing as an English language learner.

Conclusion

In this post, I have touched on a number of subject matters including: 1. the importance of English proficiency when studying abroad, 2. the different English proficiency exams that are available, 3. how to choose the right exam, 4. exam preparation tips, 5. what to expect on the day of the exam, and 6. how to interpret the results.

For prospective study abroad students, the journey toward achieving English proficiency can be both challenging and rewarding. It is important to be well-informed about the different exams that are available and to choose the exam that is best suited to your personal needs and goals. With proper preparation and a strong focus on developing your English skills, you can increase your chances of success on the exam and achieve your desired academic or professional outcomes. Finally, it is important to remain motivated and focused and to use the experience of taking the exam as an opportunity to continue growing and developing as an English language learner.

About the writer: Billy Atherton completed the Australian Government accredited TESOL programme at AVSE-TESOL in Ho Chi Minh City. He has been teaching English in Vietnam since 2017. Preparing Vietnamese students for international examinations has been the main focus of Billy’s work over the past few few years.

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