Up and coming, affordable, and absolutely wonderful
Vietnam's ESL market has grown enormously over the past decade. English is the most in-demand subject in the country's education system, and the demand for native-speaker teachers far outstrips supply. Your money goes an extraordinary distance, and the country is one of the most beautiful in Asia.
Foreign teachers need a work permit and a Business (DN) or Investment (DT) visa. Your school must sponsor your work permit — this requires an apostilled degree and criminal background check. The process has become more formalised in recent years. Always ensure your work permit is in order before you start teaching.
Language centres typically pay $1,000–1,500 USD/month. Apollo English and ILA (well-run national chains) pay $1,200–1,800. International schools pay $2,000–3,500. The cost of living is very low — rent in Hanoi or Da Nang is $400–700/month for a good apartment. You can live very comfortably on a language centre salary.
Hanoi is quieter, cooler in winter, and has a more traditional Vietnamese feel — I personally prefer it. HCMC (Saigon) is larger, hotter, more international, and has a bigger expat job market. Da Nang is increasingly popular — beach city, lower costs, and a growing number of schools.
Degree certificate (apostilled), criminal background check (apostilled), TEFL/CELTA certificate, health check (can be done in Vietnam), passport photos. The apostille process is essential — Vietnamese authorities are increasingly strict about document authentication.
Vietnam is my tip for adventurous first-timers. The people are extraordinarily welcoming, the food is among the best in the world (Hanoi pho at 7am is a religious experience), and your salary genuinely feels like a fortune against the cost of living. The country is changing rapidly — the major cities are becoming more expensive each year, so this window of low-cost, high-quality living won't last forever. Go now.