Can you teach English in Vietnam with no experience?

Vietnam has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in Asia for English teachers — and for good reason. The country offers an exciting blend of professional opportunity, rich cultural heritage, and a remarkably affordable lifestyle.

With legal teaching jobs available year-round, friendly locals, and vibrant cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, Vietnam appeals to adventurous teachers who want more than just a job abroad. Whether you're just getting certified or already have classroom experience, this guide will walk you through every step — from choosing the right certification to landing your first job.

🧑‍🏫 Understand the Job Market in Vietnam

Who’s Hiring

Vietnam’s ESL market is booming — and there’s a wide range of employers looking for English teachers:

• Private Language Centers
  These make up the majority of jobs. Classes are held in the evenings or on weekends, with students ranging from kids to adults. Language centers are especially common in big cities.

• Public Schools
  Demand is growing, especially through partnerships with agencies or NGOs. Schedules are more predictable (daytime, weekdays), and you may have a Vietnamese co-teacher.

• International Schools
  High-paying jobs with better benefits — but these require a teaching license and relevant experience. Classes follow IB, Cambridge, or American curricula.

• Online Teaching & Freelance Tutoring
  Many teachers supplement their income by teaching online or working independently once established in Vietnam.

Who They Hire

To legally teach English in Vietnam, you’ll need to meet certain qualifications — but they’re fairly achievable:

• Native English Speakers
  Preferred, especially from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa.

• Fluent Non-Native Speakers
  Can still get hired if they have strong English skills, a relevant degree, and a TEFL certificate.

• TEFL/TESOL Certification
  A 120-hour TEFL is the minimum standard. Both in-person courses in Vietnam and accredited online options are widely accepted by employers.

• Bachelor’s Degree
  Technically required for a work permit. Some jobs may overlook this, but working without it could affect your legal status.

📜 Meet the Legal Requirements

Before you can work legally in Vietnam, you’ll need to navigate a few important visa and documentation steps. While the process can seem complicated, thousands of teachers do it each year — and if you prepare properly, it’s very manageable.

Visa & Work Permit

Most teachers enter Vietnam on a tourist visa and transition to legal work status once they’ve secured a job. Here are the main options and what they involve:

• Tourist Visa
  Common entry point. Typically valid for 30 to 90 days and can be extended. Some schools help you convert this into a business visa or TRC after hiring.

• Business Visa
  Sponsored by your employer and sometimes issued before arrival. This can be a step toward securing a Temporary Residence Card (TRC).

• Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
  A longer-term solution (1–2 years), available after your work permit is processed. It eliminates the need for visa runs.

• Work Permit
  Required by law to work full-time. To get one, you’ll need:

  • A job contract from a licensed school
  • A bachelor’s degree (legalized)
  • A TEFL certificate (120+ hours)
  • A national-level criminal background check (apostilled)
  • A local medical check-up in Vietnam

🔍 Note: Some smaller schools operate in legal gray zones and may not help with full documentation. Avoid these — working without a permit risks fines or deportation.

Document Checklist

Prepare the following before (or immediately after) arriving in Vietnam:

• ✅ Bachelor’s degree (original + legalized/apostilled copy)
• ✅ TEFL certificate (printed copy, recognized accreditation)
• ✅ Criminal background check (apostilled, issued within 6 months)
• ✅ Passport-sized photos (for work documents and visas)
• ✅ Medical certificate (completed at a Vietnamese hospital or clinic)

🎓 Get TEFL Certified (If You’re Not Yet)

If you’re not already TEFL certified, this is the first step toward a legal and successful teaching career in Vietnam. It’s more than a formality — it gives you classroom tools, teaching confidence, and access to better jobs.

Why You Need It

• Required for a work permit
• Preferred by employers, especially top-tier language centers
• Helps you teach effectively, even if you’ve never stepped into a classroom before

Where to Get Certified

• 🏫 In-Person TEFL in Vietnam
  Many programs offer 4-week, classroom-based training in Vietnam, with job placement and visa support.

• 💻 Online TEFL
  A flexible option if you’re already experienced or working abroad. Look for accredited programs with a practicum component.

What to Look for in a TEFL Course

• Minimum 120 hours of instruction
• Accreditation from a recognized body
• Practice teaching (in-person preferred, online acceptable for experienced applicants)
• Positive reviews and local support (especially for in-country options)

🔍 Start Searching for Jobs

Once you’ve got your documents and TEFL certification ready, it’s time to start job hunting. Vietnam has a large, dynamic ESL market, and the right position is out there — you just need to know where to look.

Best Platforms and Avenues

Here’s where most teachers find work:

• 🌐 Teast Job Board

  • All the latest, verified teaching jobs in Vietnam — from language centers to public schools.
  • Filter by location, job type, or experience level, and apply directly through Teast.

• 💼 TEFL Course Placement Support
  If you trained through a TEFL provider in Vietnam, take advantage of their built-in job placement assistance — these are often the most vetted, reliable roles.

• 👥 Facebook Groups & Expat Forums
  Active communities often post new openings daily:

  • Teaching Jobs in Vietnam
  • Ho Chi Minh City Teachers Network
  • Hanoi English Teaching Jobs

• 🤝 Referrals & In-Person Networking
  If you're already in-country, visit schools in person or attend local teacher meetups. Hiring often happens through word-of-mouth.

When to Apply

• 📆 Peak Hiring Seasons

  • February to May: For the May–June school-year transition
  • August to October: For the new academic year

• 🔄 Rolling Hiring for Language Centers
  Language centers hire all year round due to their rotating schedules and student demand. You can apply any time — especially in larger cities.

📝 Applying for Jobs in Vietnam

Once you’ve found a few promising roles, it’s time to send in a strong application. Here’s how to stand out from the crowd.

Crafting a Strong CV

• Highlight teaching-related experience (even tutoring or coaching counts)
• Mention your TEFL/TESOL certification, including training hours and practicum
• Include any international, intercultural, or volunteer experience
• Add a professional headshot (this is often expected in Asia)

Cover Letters & Introductions

• Keep it warm, enthusiastic, and direct
• Mention:
  • Your current location and visa status
  • Why you’re interested in teaching in Vietnam
  • What age groups and classroom environments you prefer
• Keep it short — no more than a few paragraphs

Demo Lessons and Interviews

• 💻 Online interviews are standard, even if you’re already in Vietnam
• 🎥 Some employers ask for a pre-recorded demo lesson
• 📄 Be ready to share sample lesson plans or walk through an activity during your interview

✅ Pro Tip: Practice your demo lesson with a friend or TEFL trainer before recording. Use props, clear instructions, and a smile — just like you would with real students.

🏠 What Happens After You’re Hired?

Signing Your Contract

• Make sure everything is in writing: salary, working hours, paid leave, and bonus structure.
• 🚩 Red flags to avoid:
  • No written contract
  • Split shifts across multiple locations
  • Vague promises or verbal agreements only

Getting Settled

• Your employer should help process your work visa and permit — make sure they walk you through the steps.
• 🏡 Housing tips:
  • Expect to pay 4–15 million VND/month in most cities (higher in HCMC or Hanoi).
  • Use Facebook groups or local agents — short-term rentals are common.
• Many teachers arrive on a tourist visa and switch once their work documents are ready.

🌟 Final Tips for Success

• 💰 Arrive with savings — You’ll need a cushion for visa runs, apartment deposits, and initial expenses.
• 🌀 Stay flexible — Your first job might not be perfect, but it’s a stepping stone. Many teachers upgrade after a few months.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Network locally — Some of the best jobs are found through teacher word-of-mouth.
• 🙏 Adapt to local norms — Vietnamese schools may have different expectations around dress, hierarchy, or communication. Observe and learn.

✅ You Can Do This

Landing a teaching job in Vietnam is very doable — even if you’re brand new to TEFL.

Here’s the simple roadmap: Get TEFL certified → Apply for jobs → Interview → Arrive → Settle in and teach

Vietnam remains one of the most beginner-friendly and rewarding countries to start teaching abroad. The opportunities are real, the lifestyle is vibrant, and the experience is unforgettable.

👉 Start browsing Vietnam jobs on Teast and take the first step today.