Vietnam has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and due to this, English has become a very important language. The number of students going overseas to study increases year after year and the determination and dedication of students to studying is something very pleasing for a teacher. Vietnam has a long and rich history with a very special culture which dates back many thousands of years. It has a unique feel and is very different to the countries it borders such as Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. Around 90% of the population of Vietnam is Buddhist and this has an effect on the attitudes and actions of the people who are warm hearted, kind and welcoming to foreigners. With much of the country having a coastline, there are many beaches and idyllic places to relax and explore. From Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta, there really is something for everyone in this amazing country. Many teachers who plan to come for 1 year end up making Vietnam their permanent home. The climate varies depending on the region. Ha Noi has 4 seasons and can get quite cold, whereas HCMC stays hot all year round and just has the hot season and the rainy season.
Visas and Work permit
In order to enter Vietnam, a foreigner needs a visa issued by the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. A Vietnamese visa can be granted while in a third-party country or from within Vietnam. However, to work in Vietnam and remain for an extended period, foreigners need to apply for a longer-term multiple-entry work visa. A work permit is requred to work legally in Vietnam. VUS provides full support in obtaining a work permit for expatriate teachers.
Both HCMC and Hanoi now have good international-class medical facilities. The hospitals and clinics are either foreign run and staffed or are Vietnamese facilities that have English-speaking Vietnamese doctors or English-speaking doctors from other countries (including Europe and North America) who are able to treat foreigners. The range of services and costs will vary, but in general the prices will be lower at the Vietnamese-operated clinics and hospitals.
Vaccinations in Vietnam
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for Vietnam. However, it is recommended that vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis A&B be considered either before or after arriving. Once here, you can usually get these vaccinations at a lower cost than you would normally be able to get them for at home. It's also worth checking that you are up to date with boosters for tetanus, polio etc.
Hồ Chí Minh city, or Sài Gòn is where VUS was founded 20 years ago and where the majority of our centers are. It is a busy 24 hour metropolis with a fast pace of life and a population of around 10 million people. It is fast becoming more westernized with the arrival of many chains of western restaurants opening up almost daily. To fully immerse yourself in the lifestyle of HCMC, knowing how to ride a motorbike is an advantage. It is a city that never sleeps and attracts tourists from all over the world. Food in HCMC is available 24/7, and ranges from Vietnamese dishes from across the country to western food and food from all over the world. HCMC is famous for its food, which plays a large part of the culture.
VUS in HCMC, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Vung Tau, Da Nang
Head office: 9th Floor, 189 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam.
Telephone: (028) 71029999
Expatriate teachers: hrt@vus-etsc.edu.vn
Vietnamese teachers: hrtvn@vus-etsc.edu.vn
Teaching assistants: hrta@vus-etsc.edu.vn
VUS in Hanoi
187 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Quang Trung Ward, Dong Da District, Ha Noi, Vietnam.
Email: hrthn@vus-etsc.edu.vn