What Does It Take To Teach English In Vietnam?

Watch the full episode here:

If you've ever searched "teach English in Vietnam" on YouTube, you might have come across Ninja Teacher, a popular channel with hundreds of thousands of views per video.

Behind the channel is Alex Stevenson, who isn't just a charming YouTuber—he's the CEO of Ninja Teacher, a company that has helped over 1,000 people start their teaching careers in Vietnam.

Alex's journey began 8 years ago. Before coming to Vietnam, he had been teaching English in South Korea. However, Vietnam caught his attention due to its welcoming attitude towards foreigners, vibrant culture, and promising opportunities for English teachers.

After moving to Vietnam, he quickly realized there was a gap in the market: many aspiring teachers needed guidance on how to navigate the process of moving to the country, getting trained, and finding jobs. That’s when Ninja Teacher was born.

Through his YouTube channel, Alex showcases what life in Vietnam is like for English teachers, providing advice, tips, and a glimpse into the booming English education industry. His videos serve as an invaluable resource for anyone curious about teaching in Vietnam, offering personal insights into both the challenges and rewards of living and working there.

Opportunities For Teaching English In Vietnam

A survey by Q&Me Vietnam shows that 86% of Vietnamese people are studying English. With a rising middle class and a strong focus on education, Vietnamese parents are eager to invest in their children’s futures, with English proficiency being a key factor for success.

Vietnam offers a wealth of opportunities for foreigners interested in teaching English. With the rise of private English centers, the demand for qualified teachers remains high.

Alex highlights, "You can earn a good salary compared to the living costs if you come out here and teach." Alex explains in a Ninja Teacher article that a foreign teacher can earn a salary ranging from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, while the cost of living ranges from $500 to $1,000 on average. Whether teaching young learners or business professionals, educators have the flexibility to work with a variety of age groups and skill levels.

Teaching English In Vietnam: Then And Now

Since Alex started his journey eight years ago, the English teaching landscape in Vietnam has evolved significantly. Back then, it was relatively easy to find a job as a foreign English teacher. Schools were eager to hire foreigners, often without requiring formal qualifications. Many teachers came to Vietnam with little to no experience or certification, leading to inconsistent teaching standards.

Today, the market is more competitive, with schools now expecting teachers to have proper certifications like TEFL or CELTA. As Alex recalls, "Schools have become more aware that they need to hire well-trained teachers. At the same time, it just means that if you have the skills to be a good English teacher, you can get a job."

The number of private English centers has grown significantly, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where hundreds of centers offer English lessons to children and adults alike. Despite the tightening requirements for teachers, the demand remains high due to Vietnam's focus on English education and its growing economy. Teachers who come prepared with the right qualifications will find ample opportunities to thrive in Vietnam’s evolving educational landscape.

Alex's advice for anyone considering teaching English abroad: "Get good quality training, come with an open mind, and treat it as an adventure because it’s going to be a fun experience."