Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about teaching in Vietnam for one semester? Here are the questions we are asked most often about the program, requirements, money, support and what happens next.
The Program
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Fluent Education is an Australian company that has been placing newly qualified English teachers in Vietnamese schools since 2011. We have placed over 1,200 teachers and work closely with trusted school partners in Vietnam.
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We designed the program around one semester because a 9 to 12-month commitment is often the biggest barrier for new teachers. Five months is manageable, exciting and realistic. If you love Vietnam and want to stay longer, the Fluent Education team can advise and assist with the process.
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Each semester runs for around five months. The January intake usually runs from mid-January to May or June. The August intake usually runs from mid-August to January.
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Teachers are placed with trusted partner schools in Vietnam, usually in groups with other Fluent Education teachers. We do our best to consider location preferences, but we cannot guarantee a specific city.
Money and Practicalities
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The placement program fee is US$399. If you also need the 120-hour accredited online TEFL course through The TEFL Org, the combined option is US$599.
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It includes pre-arrival support, help with documentation, pre-departure briefing, online orientation, access to the teacher group, 5-day orientation in Hanoi, airport pick-up, meals and excursions during orientation, transport to your school, accommodation arrangements and ongoing local support in Vietnam.
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Teachers earn US$1,000 per month, paid by the school in Vietnamese Dong, plus a US$500 completion bonus at the end of the semester.
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Yes. Your partner school arranges accommodation, usually a single room with ensuite in shared accommodation with other teachers.
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Yes. You are responsible for arranging comprehensive travel and health insurance for your full stay in Vietnam.
Applying
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Complete the register your interest form on the Apply Now page. We will then contact you and ask you to complete an application form that takes around 20 minutes, and Fluent Education will come back to you after reviewing your details.
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You will need your basic personal details, information about your degree, your TEFL status, a professional photo and a short intro video. Some documents, such as your police certificate, can usually follow later.
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There are two intakes each year: January and August.
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Apply as early as possible. Places are limited and there is paperwork to prepare before you travel.
Requirements
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No. Most Fluent Education teachers are starting their first teaching role. You will receive support before you leave, during orientation week in Hanoi, and throughout your placement.
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Yes, you will need a suitable 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate for the visa and work permit process in Vietnam. You can still apply or enquire before you have one. If you need TEFL, Fluent Education can guide you through the next step with The TEFL Org.
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You need an undergraduate degree from a recognised university. It does not need to be in Education or English.
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The program is mainly open to native English speakers from the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand due to Vietnamese work permit requirements. If you are from another country, contact Fluent Education to check your options.
Support in Vietnam
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You will be picked up at the airport and join orientation week in Hanoi before travelling to your school placement.
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Orientation week helps you settle in before teaching starts. It includes your hotel stay, meals, excursions, Vietnamese lessons, cultural information, teaching preparation and support with practical paperwork.
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No. You will arrive with other teachers and be supported by Fluent Education’s local team in Vietnam. You will also be added to the teacher group before you travel.
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If you decide to stay in Vietnam after your semester, the Fluent Education team can provide advice and assistance with the process. There is no extra Fluent Education fee for this.
Still have a question?
Email Fluent Education or start your application and we will guide you through the next step.
Your first step towards Vietnam
The TEFL course gives you the qualification you need. Fluent Education then helps with the placement, preparation, orientation and support in Vietnam.