Teaching English in Vietnam: Laura’s Experience

Thinking about teaching English in Vietnam after university? Laura shares her journey from graduation to living and working in Ho Chi Minh City, including TEFL training, jobs, and daily life.

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PERSONAL PROFILE

What is your name, age and nationality?

Laura Morine, 23, USA.

What is your education level and background?

I graduated from the University of Southern California in May 2017 with a B.S. in Geological Sciences. After graduation, I moved back home to Minnesota and worked at a nature center teaching kids about plants, animals, and the outdoors for about five months before packing up and heading to Vietnam to teach English in November 2017.

Have you travelled abroad previously, and if so where?

Growing up, I traveled to Europe with my family to visit France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. I also studied abroad in Auckland, New Zealand for five months during college, where I had the opportunity to travel to Australia and Tonga.

What motivated you to teach abroad?

My family has always valued travel and new experiences. I knew I didn’t want a typical desk job after graduating, so I started looking for ways to make money while travelling.

After working at a nature center and gaining teaching experience with children, I knew teaching abroad was exactly what I wanted to do.

What did you want to personally achieve with this experience, and have you succeeded?

I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and avoid settling into a routine too early. I didn’t want to become stuck in one place and miss out on new experiences.

Teaching abroad has exceeded my expectations. It’s given me the challenge and excitement I was looking for, and I’m excited to continue doing this for the foreseeable future.

Did you apply for the program with a friend or on your own?

I applied on my own. Most people in my program did the same.

Coming alone actually helped me push myself to meet new people, which turned out to be one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

Did you know anyone who had taught abroad before you?

Yes, my brother was a TEFL teacher for a few years, so the idea was always in the back of my mind.

What were some of your concerns before you began teaching abroad?

I was concerned about making friends and feeling isolated, but that disappeared quickly.

We met as a group the night before the course started and became friends almost instantly. People who choose to teach abroad tend to be very like-minded.

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TEFL PROGRAM INFORMATION

What made you decide to do a TEFL course and choose TEFL Heaven?

I knew having a TEFL certificate would make it easier to get a job and feel confident in the classroom.

TEFL Heaven stood out because of the strong reviews and the global network of support they offer.

What made you choose a face-to-face TEFL course over other options?

I wanted to start travelling straight away rather than studying at home.

Looking back, the in-person training was invaluable. Teaching real students in Vietnam gave me a much better understanding of the classroom before starting work.

Which TEFL program did you do?

Teach English in Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City.

What did you enjoy about your TEFL course?

The practical teaching experience was the highlight.

We observed 8 hours of lessons and completed 12 hours of teaching practice across different age groups. This gradual progression built confidence quickly.

I also loved the people. We spent time together in class, exploring the city, and still meet regularly now.

How prepared did you feel for your teaching position?

Very prepared. Some schools offer training, while others expect you to start immediately, so having real classroom experience beforehand is a huge advantage.

How long have you been teaching in Vietnam and how long do you plan to stay?

I completed the course, spent time travelling, and have now secured a job. I plan to stay for about a year, possibly longer.

How did you secure your English teaching job?

Through Facebook groups and job sites like vietnamteachingjobs.com.

Most schools respond quickly, often within 24 hours, and arrange interviews immediately.

What does a typical working week look like for you?

Language centres run classes mainly on evenings and weekends.

• Weekends: 8am to evening
• Weekdays: 4–8pm
• 25 hours per week maximum

What age group or range do you teach?

Mainly younger learners aged 2.5–6, with some classes up to age 12.

What do you most enjoy about teaching your students?

Their curiosity and enthusiasm.

They genuinely enjoy learning English and are always interested in learning about their teachers too.

How did you get your work visa?

My company supports the process. I just needed to provide documents such as my degree, TEFL certificate, and background check.

How did you find somewhere to live and what is it like?

There are plenty of accommodation options in Ho Chi Minh City.

I found a shared house through saigonpads.com and now live with other expats in District 7, paying $300 per month for a private room with bathroom and balcony.

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COUNTRY INSIGHT

​Vietnam is very different from Western countries.

The first thing you notice is the motorbike traffic, which feels chaotic at first but becomes normal over time.

Food is one of the highlights:

• Pho and noodle dishes
• Banh mi
• Rice and meat dishes

Local food is extremely cheap, while Western food is slightly more expensive but still affordable.

Transport is easy:

• Grab motorbikes and taxis
• Buses for very low cost
• Many expats eventually buy motorbikes

Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City is centred around Bui Vien Walking Street, with bars, clubs, and a lively social scene.

What are your monthly expenses?

Rent: $280
Food: $150
Other bills: $25
Social life: $30–50
Transportation: $40
Phone: $5

Would you say you are able to live comfortably on your monthly salary?

Yes. Most teachers earn $1000–$2000 per month, which allows for comfortable living and saving.

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ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS

What advice would you give someone thinking about teaching English in Vietnam?

Just go for it.

If you’re ready for something new, there’s nothing really stopping you except hesitation.

TEFL courses attract people of all ages, from early 20s to 60+, so there’s no “perfect time” to start.

Vietnam is one of the best places to teach due to:

• Low cost of living
• High demand for teachers
• Strong earning potential

If you can handle the busy streets and fast pace, you’ll be rewarded with amazing people, great food, and unforgettable experiences.

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Laura’s experience shows how teaching English in Vietnam can turn uncertainty after graduation into a clear and exciting path. It’s not just about teaching, it’s about building a life filled with travel, connection, and constant growth.

Teaching English in Vietnam remains one of the best ways to start living abroad, combining career development with adventure in a way few other opportunities can offer.

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