We’d love to get to know you! Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to teach abroad in Vietnam?
Hello! My name is Kassy. I am a 26-year-old nomad from the U.S. I do not have a permanent address and I always move around within the U.S. and globally among countries. I frequently return to the U.S. to work short stints in the outdoor recreation field and waitressing to fund my travels. I have also worked with kids at summer camps, outdoor education, and as a teaching assistant. I usually backpack internationally for 2-3 months at a time and change my accommodation frequently throughout my travels. My backpacking experiences have been fun but I was interested in a longer international experience with a greater sense of purpose. Teaching abroad in Vietnam was an initial interest because it allows me to sustain a long-term stay internationally with cash flow, it allows me to dive deeper into a country’s culture and society, and it allows me to further develop my skills as a teacher.
What led you to teach abroad? Did you always imagine yourself working in Vietnam, or did life take you in an unexpected direction?
I wanted a longer international experience with a greater sense of purpose. In university, I envisioned teaching abroad at some point, but I didn’t know when I would pursue it. I certainly never anticipated teaching in Vietnam. I originally took an interest in Thailand but, I was not the sole applicant and its high popularity made it difficult to secure employment. I then contacted Premier TEFL to see if they could transfer my application to Vietnam. I had never been to Vietnam but I only heard great things from fellow travellers. So it was a bit of a shot in the dark, especially since I did limited research. But, I love adventure and was ready to take on whatever was in front of me.
Walk us through a typical day in your life. What does your daily teaching routine look like?
My schedule varies each day. This morning, I went to a high school to teach a double lesson for about 90 minutes. I then went for lunch and returned to my accommodation to rest and prepare for my next class. My English center provides taxis and one takes me to a primary school around 3 pm where I will teach for another 90 minutes. I usually return at quarter to 5. I spend about an hour lesson planning for the following day. The rest of the evening is mine. The work-life balance is great during the week. I don’t feel stressed by the work and I utilize my free time wisely. Today I will play pickleball with my colleagues and when I return, I’ll be facetiming my friends from home.
What do you love most about living in Vietnam, and how does it compare to home?
I love the business of Vietnam. It can be overwhelming for some because it starkly differs from the Western world but I appreciate learning that the Western world is not the only functional way of living. I do not fully understand the ins and outs of Vientam’s society but it is a pleasure to be a guest. The Vietnamese people are also friendly and welcome foreigners. There’s a greater sense of community compared to home. For instance, I feel connected to my favorite food vendors. They are excited to see you when you return to their stands and equally you are excited to see them. Not to mention, the affordability of the local cuisine. You can easily eat a meal for $1 to $3 and spoil yourself with an elegant meal for only $10.
What’s one thing about teaching abroad that took you by surprise? We’d love to hear an unexpected challenge or experience you faced.
Saying goodbye to your friends, family, and familiarity is scary. I was nervous about feeling lonely in Vietnam. I am surprised at the sense of community and friends gained in my short time here. The greatest challenge is classroom management. The classes are much larger than I am accustomed to and it is sometimes difficult to communicate classroom expectations. The kids are so loud and the infrastructure only amplifies the sound level. Local teachers have been my greatest resource. They have taught me local methods to control the class that increases the overall learning output.
What has been your most fulfilling moment as a teacher abroad so far?
Being a teacher in Vietnam makes you feel like a celebrity. The kids frequently ask for signatures and shower you with small gifts. My favorite is when they write thank you notes or draw you pictures. I find it fulfilling when the kids appreciate your presence. They make it known through their excitement when you walk into the classroom. They love high fives, hearts, and hugs. There is generally a high level of respect for teachers. Even when the days are challenging due to classroom misbehaviors, knowing that you impacted one student’s learning is rewarding.
If someone is unsure about teaching abroad, what advice would you give them?
Do not let fear or anxieties stand in the way of pursuing your interests. Teaching abroad is a challenging experience, but it is through challenges that we grow the most. This has opened my eyes to another sector of the world. I am not always comfortable because I am adjusting to a new system, but this is excellent for my personal growth and resilience. I am currently living through moments that will last a lifetime. This valuable experience has also blessed me with international friends that make this experience so much more fun. Trust in your abilities and say yes to adventure.
How has teaching abroad influenced your personal and professional growth?
I love the sense of me. This experience has allowed me to exit my familiar notions of life and blossom in a new society. No one knows me here and it encourages me to express myself authentically and confidently. I am deeply learning more about myself. Professionally, I am developing a higher level of stress management, creativity, and problem-solving skills. There’s a lot to gain when finding success in unfamiliar territories.
If this story inspired you and made you think, I’d love to do that!, why not explore our Vietnam internship today? Check if you’re eligible and start planning your adventure – swap rainy days for vibrant street food, breathtaking landscapes, and an unforgettable teaching experience!
