Teaching English in Vietnam at 34: Mary’s Experience

Thinking about teaching English in Vietnam later in life? Mary shares her experience moving abroad at 34, completing her TEFL course, and building a new life teaching in Vietnam.

PERSONAL PROFILE

What is your name, age and nationality?

Mary Conning, 34, English.

What is your education level and background?

I have a degree in Education Studies, but have spent most of my working life in Administration.

Have you travelled abroad previously, and if so where?

I have had the opportunity to travel a bit. I have travelled in Germany, Eastern Europe, Thailand and Australia.

What motivated you to teach abroad?

Travelling, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures and taking photos of beautiful places is one of my passions. I had always dreamt of pursuing a teaching career but life took me in a different direction in England.

Being in my mid-30s, I decided the best thing I could do was combine my passion and my dream and head to Vietnam.

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

My first goal was to gain my TESOL certificate, which I completed in Ho Chi Minh City while making lifelong friends.

Another goal was to meet Vietnamese people, understand their culture, and share traditions. I moved away from Ho Chi Minh City with this in mind. Although it was difficult leaving friends behind, I’ve successfully built friendships with Vietnamese colleagues and former students, and even shared meals with local families.

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

I applied on my own, although many people back home said they wanted to come with me.

Did you know anyone who had taught abroad before you?

Yes, I have a friend teaching in Bangkok and another in Tokyo. Both are still living abroad and loving it.

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

My age was a concern. At 34, I wondered if everyone would be much younger, but the group was diverse and that made it fun.

The language barrier was another concern, but it’s easy to get by and you quickly pick things up.

Missing home was also on my mind, but tools like Skype and WhatsApp make staying connected much easier.

TEFL PROGRAM INFORMATION

teaching English in Vietnam classroom with students

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

A friend recommended TEFL, and after researching, TEFL Heaven stood out. The course looked great, the price was reasonable, accommodation was included, and reviews were very positive.

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

Face-to-face learning is far more effective for me than online courses. I also wanted to experience Vietnam before committing to a job.

This gave me:

A chance to settle in
A group of friends
An understanding of local culture
Confidence before starting work

Which TEFL program did you do?

TEFL course in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

What did you enjoy about your TEFL course?

The friendships, experiencing Ho Chi Minh City, and gaining practical teaching knowledge.

How prepared did you feel for your teaching position?

Prepared enough to move north and start teaching within a week of finishing the course. The course gave the right mindset and foundation.

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

I have been teaching for 4 months and plan to stay until the end of the year.

How did you secure your English teaching job?

Through the TEFL course providers and the language centre where I trained.

What does a typical working week look like for you?

I am contracted for 24 hours per week, but during summer school it increases to around 30 hours with overtime pay.

What age group or range do you teach?

From nursery children (3–4 years old) to adult classes.

What do you most enjoy about teaching your students?

Their friendliness, seeing them improve, and learning about Vietnamese culture through conversation.

How did you get your work visa?

Currently in the process of obtaining a work permit, which is required outside major cities.

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

My accommodation is included. I have a large room in the language centre with a private bathroom, plus access to basic facilities like a fridge and washing machine.

COUNTRY INSIGHT

teacher living in Vietnam Ha Long Bay lifestyle

Vietnam is incredibly diverse. From busy cities like Ho Chi Minh to more scenic areas like Ha Long Bay, every place feels different.

The people are warm and welcoming. Many are eager to speak English and help you when needed.

The food is amazing and affordable, especially street food. Trying new dishes becomes part of everyday life.

The country is developing quickly. In places like Ha Long, new infrastructure and tourism developments are changing the landscape fast.

Transport varies:

Grab and Uber in cities
Buses and motorbike taxis elsewhere

Nightlife is relaxed in smaller areas and vibrant in big cities like Saigon.

What are your monthly expenses?

Rent: N/A
Food: £80
Social life: £70
Transportation: £30
Phone: £4
Other: £5

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

Yes, and still save money for travel.

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS

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

Do it.

Sometimes you just need one person to tell you to apply. That’s all it takes.

Teaching abroad is fun, rewarding, and gives you the chance to save money while experiencing life in a completely new way.

Vietnamese students are enthusiastic, friendly, and eager to learn. You’ll build real connections, from classroom moments to being invited into homes and sharing meals with families.

Once you have a TEFL certificate, you can work anywhere in the world. The opportunities are endless.

Mary’s story shows that teaching English in Vietnam isn’t just for recent graduates. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 30s, it’s never too late to start something new, build confidence, and experience life abroad.

If you're considering teaching English in Vietnam, this path offers more than just a job. It offers growth, connection, and the chance to completely change your perspective on life.

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