Teaching English in Vietnam: Public Vs Private Schools

Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting destinations for English teachers. With a young population, growing economy, and strong demand for English education, schools across the country are actively hiring foreign teachers. But not all teaching jobs are the same — especially when it comes to the choice between public schools and private language centers.

Where you work affects more than just your salary. It influences your schedule, work culture, level of cultural immersion, and even how much free time you’ll have to explore the country. Whether you’re looking for stability and routine or flexibility and modern classrooms, knowing the differences between public and private school roles is key to choosing the right fit.

🏫 What is a Public School in Vietnam?

Public schools in Vietnam are state-run institutions that follow the national education curriculum. These schools operate during regular school hours — usually Monday to Friday, from early morning until mid-afternoon — making them ideal for teachers who prefer a structured, weekday schedule and want their evenings and weekends free.

Class sizes can be quite large, often ranging from 30 to 50 students, and the focus is generally on formal education rather than communicative English. That said, you’ll often be paired with a Vietnamese co-teacher who handles classroom management and helps with translation when needed. This setup allows you to focus more on delivering engaging English lessons than on discipline or logistics.

These roles offer a high level of cultural immersion. You’ll likely be the only foreign teacher at your school, giving you a chance to experience real Vietnamese school life and build local relationships. It’s a great fit for those who want consistency, cultural depth, and plenty of free time outside the classroom.

🏢 What is a Private Language Center?

Private language centers in Vietnam are for-profit institutions that operate outside the traditional school system. These centers offer English classes primarily in the evenings and on weekends, catering to children, teens, and sometimes adults who attend regular school or work during the day.

Classes are typically smaller — around 10 to 20 students — and focus heavily on speaking, listening, and real-world communication. The atmosphere is usually more relaxed and interactive than in public schools, and you’re often encouraged to use games, roleplay, and multimedia to keep students engaged. Many centers also provide a set curriculum or lesson plans to help guide your teaching.

You’ll often work alongside other foreign teachers in modern facilities equipped with air conditioning, projectors, and even smartboards. Most of these schools are based in urban or suburban areas, and the schedules can be intense — late nights and weekends are the norm. This environment is ideal for those who prefer an interactive, dynamic teaching style and don’t mind working non-traditional hours.

⏰ Working Hours and Weekly Schedules

Your weekly rhythm as a teacher in Vietnam depends largely on whether you’re in a public school or a private language center.

Public schools generally follow a fixed Monday-to-Friday schedule, with classes taking place during the day — often between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM. You’ll usually have weekends and public holidays off, along with longer breaks during the summer and Tet (Lunar New Year). This structure is ideal if you value a consistent routine, daytime hours, and the ability to travel on weekends or holidays.

Private language centers, on the other hand, operate in the late afternoons, evenings, and on weekends — since that’s when students are available. Schedules can vary each week and may include back-to-back evening classes or split shifts. There are fewer holidays, and taking extended time off can be more difficult unless prearranged. This setup can work well for night owls or those who want mornings free for side projects or exploration.

Your work-life balance will depend on how well your preferred lifestyle matches the structure of each school type. Some teachers even combine both, teaching in public schools during the day and picking up evening hours at a center for extra income.

💰 Salary and Benefits Breakdown

Both public schools and private language centers in Vietnam offer competitive salaries by local standards, but there are key differences in how compensation is structured.

Public school positions tend to offer higher base pay, especially in major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Monthly salaries usually range from 35 to 48 million VND (roughly $1,450 to $2,000 USD). These jobs typically come with a set number of teaching hours per week and may offer additional benefits such as housing allowances, paid national holidays, and year-end bonuses. However, benefits vary significantly by province and employer.

Private language centers generally pay 27 to 42 million VND per month ($1,100 to $1,750 USD). While that’s slightly lower, these roles often offer more flexibility in scheduling, and some schools provide performance-based bonuses or financial incentives for teaching extra hours. Centers may also offer support with visa sponsorship, work permits, and health insurance — especially at the more established chains.

Regardless of where you teach, many expat educators supplement their income with private tutoring or freelance teaching, especially in urban areas where demand is high. This can significantly boost your overall monthly income and provide a greater sense of financial freedom while living abroad.

📚 Curriculum and Teaching Styles

In Vietnam, your teaching style and classroom experience will depend heavily on the type of school you work for.

Public schools tend to follow a nationally standardized curriculum, with a focus on grammar, reading, and test preparation. Classes are often more formal, and teachers may work alongside a Vietnamese co-teacher who handles discipline or translation. While this setup provides some structure, it can also limit how much creative freedom you have in the classroom — especially when teaching large groups of mixed-ability students.

On the other hand, private language centers emphasize communication skills, especially speaking and listening. Lessons are typically more interactive, game-based, and student-centered, which gives foreign teachers more room to bring in their own materials, activities, and teaching personality. You might be encouraged to sing songs with kids, lead debates with teens, or use role-playing with adult learners.

Ultimately, if you prefer structure and clear guidelines, public schools may feel more comfortable. But if you thrive on flexibility and creativity, private centers often offer more room to experiment and engage.

👨‍🏫 Classroom Environment and Expectations

The classroom setting in Vietnam can look very different depending on whether you're in a public school or a private language center.

Public schools typically have large class sizes, often between 30 to 50+ students, especially in primary and secondary levels. English proficiency varies widely within each group, so managing mixed-ability classrooms is part of the job. Facilities can be quite basic, with limited air conditioning, older whiteboards, and occasional shortages of teaching materials. Discipline may be more relaxed than what some Western teachers are used to, and you'll often need to find your own ways to keep the class focused and engaged.

In contrast, private language centers usually offer smaller classes — around 10 to 20 students — and the students tend to be more motivated, especially if their parents are paying for extra lessons. The centers are often better equipped with projectors, smartboards, air conditioning, and digital resources. Expectations are higher, especially when it comes to teaching quality, student engagement, and parent satisfaction. Teachers are often expected to follow up with student progress and maintain more detailed records.

If you’re seeking structure and local immersion, public schools provide that in spades. But if you want more manageable class sizes and access to modern teaching tools, private centers offer a more polished and resource-rich environment.

🧘‍♂️ Lifestyle, Pressure, and Flexibility

Your day-to-day lifestyle as an English teacher in Vietnam is heavily shaped by the type of school you work for.

Public schools generally offer a structured routine: Monday to Friday, daytime hours, and national holidays off. This setup is perfect for teachers who value predictability, regular evenings off, and weekends free to travel, relax, or take on private students. That said, public schools can be bureaucratic, with layers of approval needed for changes or creative approaches. Some schools may also have vague or shifting expectations if communication isn’t clear from the start.

Private language centers, on the other hand, are often more flexible and fast-paced. You might work afternoon and evening shifts during the week, with your busiest hours on weekends. This model is ideal for teachers who prefer later starts and don’t mind working when others are off. It also suits those looking to stack hours or freelance with multiple employers. However, it can mean fewer full days off and a more irregular schedule overall.

For teachers who want to explore Vietnam during the day, public schools offer more free time during off-peak hours. For those aiming to maximize earnings or who thrive in more modern, student-focused environments, private centers might be the better lifestyle fit.

🌍 Cultural Immersion vs Expat Comfort

One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing between public schools and private centers in Vietnam is how much cultural immersion you're looking for — or how much comfort and familiarity you prefer.

Public schools provide a deeper window into Vietnamese daily life. You'll likely work alongside local teachers, participate in school events, and navigate the rhythms of a more traditional classroom environment. Communication might be a mix of English, Vietnamese, and gestures — which can be a fun challenge for language learners. It’s a great option if you want to build connections with Vietnamese staff, experience cultural holidays firsthand, and push yourself outside your comfort zone.

Private language centers, by contrast, tend to have more foreign staff, English-speaking managers, and a work environment that may feel more familiar if you’re coming from a Western country. These schools often cater to middle- or upper-class families, and your students may already be used to foreign teachers. While this can make the transition smoother, it may also limit how much of Vietnamese culture you encounter day to day.

Ultimately, if you want authentic immersion, choose public schools. If you're looking for a softer landing with more expat community support, private centers are often the way to go.

🔄 Switching Between Public and Private Roles

In Vietnam’s flexible TEFL market, many teachers end up working in both public schools and private centers at different stages of their journey — and that’s often a good thing.

Some teachers start in private centers because they offer more structured onboarding, flexible hours, and a smoother entry point. Others dive straight into public schools for the cultural immersion, fixed schedule, and higher salary. Over time, it’s not uncommon to shift depending on your changing goals, schedule needs, or where you feel most effective.

Switching is possible, but it’s important to understand how contracts and visas affect your mobility. Most schools provide a 12-month contract, and many handle the work permit and Temporary Residence Card (TRC) process. If you want to change jobs mid-contract, it can involve paperwork and possible visa renewal — especially if you're switching between employers who handle documents differently.

For those who start on a business or tourist visa, transitioning to a sponsored role (especially in public schools) can take time and coordination, so plan ahead.

In short, switching is doable — and often encouraged — as long as you’re clear about your contract terms and have a strategy for managing your visa status.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Path in Vietnam

Choosing between teaching at a public school or a private language center in Vietnam comes down to your priorities, lifestyle, and teaching goals.

If you’re looking for structured work hours, higher pay, and deeper integration into the local culture, public schools might be the better match. On the other hand, if you value flexibility, smaller class sizes, and modern facilities, private centers can offer a more relaxed, social experience — especially in urban settings.

Think about what matters most to you:

• Do you want weekends free or are you okay teaching evenings?
• Are you seeking cultural immersion or a more familiar work environment?
• Is your goal to maximize income, build experience, or enjoy a slower pace of life?

There’s no single “right” choice. In fact, many teachers in Vietnam find success — and happiness — by trying both. What matters is choosing the path that fits your current season of life and being open to where it might lead next.

👉 Learn more about teaching English in Vietnam