Vietnam TEFL - Start Your Fuss-Free, Fun-Filled Vietnam Adventure

It has been an incredibly positive and rewarding experience so far. Through this program, I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and build meaningful connections, which has really helped me settle in. I have also been able to fully immerse myself in Vietnamese culture, from the food and traditions to everyday life, which has been an unforgettable experience. My job is very manageable and straightforward, allowing me to enjoy a great work–life balance and make the most of my free time. This has made it easy to travel on weekends and explore different parts of the country.

Compared to Ireland and the UK, the cost of living here is extremely affordable, making it possible to live very comfortably while still enjoying travel, social activities, and new experiences. Travel Grad was a huge support throughout the entire process, especially when it came to organising visas and securing a job. They made everything simple and stress-free. I was also able to connect with other people through Travel Grad who were moving at the same time, which meant I already knew a few familiar faces before arriving. This made the transition much smoother and helped me feel at home right away.

The Vietnam taster was a perfect option for me to slow down and refresh (career wise), whilst still earning. It’s been so interesting and easy to live independently in Vietnam. The job is laid-back and Travel Grad were on hand to support when I’ve needed it. I’ve been able to afford the all the in-country travel I wanted from the salary.

One of the best parts of using Travel Grad has been the opportunity to train with other graduates and make friends with likeminded people.

I’m so glad I was brave enough to try something new.

If you're looking for a laid-back teaching experience, Hanoi is definitely the place to go. When it comes to teaching, you teach minimal hours and have almost zero perfect planning. You get paid well, a more than livable wage for the city you're in.

The greatest part of this experience was Travel Grad. They were so helpful throughout the whole process, they guided me through every single step and helped me through any bumps in the road, in the end, it felt like the simplest experience. It was great as someone doing this for the first time as I didn't have to think of anything, Travel Grad told me everything that needed to be done and ensured everything was in place so I would have the simplest move to Hanoi. I moved with my partner and their help with getting us both placed together was invaluable. We moving abroad would have almost never happened without their help! Thank you, Travel Grad!

I'm currently half way through my placement teaching English in Hanoi, Vietnam through TravelGrad. If I could describe my experience so far in one word - incredible.

Like most Westerners, before coming here my perception of Vietnam was mostly limited to what I'd seen from American movies about the war. However, though I still have so much to learn, I can now confidently say that Vietnam is the most interesting country I have ever been to, and I am embarrassed of how little I knew about this fascinating country and its history before arriving. Vietnam has such a rich history and culture and there are no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in it, which has just been fantastic for everyone here. We have visited so many beautiful temples and interesting museums, learned about and took part in so many cultural things already. I am excited for what's still to come and thankful for what I've already experienced.

I can also definitively say that none of this would have been possible without the help of TravelGrad. From the moment I signed up, TravelGrad has been there to answer all my questions, no matter how trivial. They made sure that everything was smooth sailing, that I felt happy with my decision throughout the entire process, and were really approachable about anything at all. The experience itself wouldn't have been nearly as enjoyable without them either, as thanks to the program I have met friends for life that I have been able to share the experience with throughout the whole placement. Our intake still meets up multiple times per week and most of us are to go on another holiday together for Christmas. If for nothing else, the social side of TravelGrad is (what I believe to be) the ultimate sell of the program. It made what would have been an otherwise intimidating experience (moving to a new city alone, on the other side of the world, knowing nobody) fun, as you are in the same boat as everyone else on the placement.

Teaching English is much easier than I had thought. Currently, I teach grade 2-5 and have Monday morning off and Friday afternoon off, which is so much fun as the kids are adorable and teaching is super rewarding. We don't have to be in the schools unless we're actually teaching so we have plenty of time off to pursue our own hobbies, compounded by the fact our company gives us pre made lesson plans meaning we don't really need to spend time lesson planning. I think that TEFL is something I will continue to do for many years to come following my experience with TravelGrad.

Hanoi is also a great place to live. It is absolutely nuts - when you first arrive it can be a real attack on the senses with all the motorbikes zooming around and the strange noises, but most people I know enjoy the chaos of it all. I feel much safer here than I do in Western cities, especially at night. The expat scene is small here when compared to places like Shanghai, Hong Kong or Bangkok, but still sizeable enough that there is still a vibrant scene and lots of events catered to expats throughout the year. Hanoi retains the authentic feel and charm of Vietnam whilst also having Western amenities for when you're missing home. What really stands out as a foreign teacher is the standard of living that TEFL can afford you; I'm six months into my placement and I am still yet to cook a meal of my own as I can afford to eat out for every meal. Though the salary is lower than you might make in China or by Western standards, due to Vietnam's SIGNIFICANTLY lower cost of living you can expect to afford an upper-middle class lifestyle here and even to save some if you try. My lifestyle here is leagues ahead what it would have been if I stayed in the UK post-university. Of course, there are downsides (such as the pollution, traffic and noise), but unfortunately these issues are common throughout the developing world, and do not come close to being deal breakers in my opinion. I'm really glad I get to spend part of my life here.

I am happy to say that six months into my placement, I am extremely pleased with my decision to teach English in Hanoi through TravelGrad. I had originally heard about TravelGrad before starting university, and knew even then from what I'd heard that it was for me. I wasn't let down, and you won't be either. Take the leap - you only regret the things in life that you didn't have the courage to do.

Hanoi is a fast paced city, coming into it with a group of people gathered through TravelGrad means you’ve got an instant group of like-minded people looking to explore a new way of life. The cost of living means that you can afford to go out regularly, pay for classes and hobbies without financial concern or easily do weekends away! Teaching isn’t always easy and each person approaches the job differently, you’ll definitely grow as a person and I guarantee the students are hilarious to work with!

I am living out in Hanoi and have been here for 4 months now! I am absolutely loving my time here and have really been enjoying the way of life. The city is incredible, the people I have met are great and the Vietnamese culture is unmatched. Travel Grad has made it easy for me to settle in here by forming a group of around 15 people who have come out with the company and making sure that we get to know each other quickly and easily. Thank you Travel Grad for your support, and especially to Andrew for helping with any questions on the lead-up to coming out here!

The Job itself is pretty easy going as you can work as little as 16 hours a week if you want but there is extra work available if you would like to earn more which is nice. There is a 2 -3 hour lunch break daily so you're never working more than a few hours at a time without an extensive break.

School is closed for the summer from June until September so you also have a 3 month period which you could use for travelling in Vietnam or abroad.

Overall, I would 100% recommend going with TravelGrad If you're thinking of teaching in Vietnam!

TravelGrad have been amazing all throughout the whole process of moving to Vietnam and continue to support me now 3 months in, they are the most trustworthy company you will find! Vietnam itself is a great place to come as the teaching is very fun but relaxed which allows you to have a good social life with plenty of time to explore all around Vietnam as well as gain the valuable experience of teaching. The cost of living here is very low so you can live very comfortably and have a very good social life.