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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
- What should I pack to take with me?
- How much money should I bring with me for the first month in Vietnam?
- Is crime a big problem?
- How will I get around?
- What vaccinations do I need before coming to Vietnam?
- Can I send money home?
- What if I get sick?
- What is the food like?
- Are English movies, magazines, books, and TV programmes available in Vietnam?
- How many other foreign teachers are working at ILA Vietnam?
What should I pack to take with me?
You won’t need to pack much as almost anything you need is available within Vietnam. You will need to bring suitable work clothes and some casual clothes. For women, bras and underwear can be difficult to find and if you have large feet, shoes can be problematic, though you can have them hand-made for a reasonable price. However, if you require special medication, it is a good idea to bring it with you.
How much money should I bring with me for the first month in Vietnam?
This really depends on how you plan to live and how soon you want to move into your own housing, as most landlords require two to three months deposit up front. In a typical first month you might expect to pay about $300 - $500 USD for housing and about $300 - $400 USD for food and drink. Other supplies, such as clothes, toiletries, and entertainment are comparatively cheaper than those in Western countries.
Not really. Although there are cases of pick pocketing and other petty crimes, if you take sensible precautions you should have few problems. Western women generally experience few safety problems, even in bigger cities.
Getting around is easy. Many teachers choose to rent a motorbike for about $50 - $75 USD a month to be able to travel independently. However, if driving in the traffic is not for you, taxis and motor bike taxis are plentiful and cheap. Getting around the country is just as cheap and easy. Comfortable buses run between closer destinations or you can take a train for longer journeys, both of which allow you to witness Vietnam’s beautiful landscapes. However, if you just need to get there quickly, there are regular flights between most major destinations.
What vaccinations do I need before coming to Vietnam?
While it may be a good idea to consider tuberculosis and hepatitis A and B shots, there are no mandatory vaccinations required in order to come to Vietnam. Also, once here you can get all the various shots at a lower cost than you can in most overseas countries.
Yes, you can legally send money home through your bank account. Our Teacher Welfare Officer can help you with the paperwork needed to do this.
Don’t worry! Many local clinics have English-speaking Vietnamese doctors who are trained in Western medicine. Additionally, there are international hospitals which are foreign run and staffed. Most medications and treatments that you would receive back home are available here.
Vietnamese food is always made with fresh ingredients, is similar to other Asian food, and, because of Vietnam’s extensive coastline, fresh seafood is available throughout most of the country. Furthermore, there is such an array of international choices including French and Italian cuisine, Japanese sushi, American pizza, and Korean and Brazilian barbecue, that you could eat at a different restaurant every night and never eat at the same place twice. For vegetarians, there are plenty of options in both local and international restaurants.
Are English movies, magazines, books, and TV programmes available in Vietnam?
Yes! There are new and used book shops which have a wide selection of English reading material. There are also lots of magazine vendors who sell current international newspapers and magazines. Many cinemas offer English movies, although they are mostly Hollywood blockbusters. However, you can find smaller, independent English movies at DVD shops as well as popular TV series from home. Most homes are equipped with cable or satellite, both of which have several English channels.
How many other foreign teachers are working at ILA Vietnam?
There are over 200 foreign teachers and management staff at ILA Vietnam.