With English learning becoming popular in Vietnam, there are lots of teaching jobs that are up for grabs. Although teaching in Vietnam can be incredibly rewarding, there are some challenges that teaching professionals are bound to face. Here are 5 top challenges you are likely to face when you pick teaching jobs in Vietnam and how to overcome them.
Cultural differences
Considering you will be teaching in a nation where its culture is completely different from yours, the prevailing cultural differences may hinder you from teaching effectively. Culture shock is undoubtedly the main challenge that teaching professionals in Vietnam face. Every culture including Vietnamese culture has its fair share of unwritten rules that influence normal interactions between teachers and students. To overcome the challenge, learn the basics of Vietnamese culture, especially on how student and teacher relationships should be.
Language barrier
The language barrier is a huge challenge for teaching professionals working and living in Vietnam. The greater majority of the locals speak the Vietnamese language as their first or second language. Communicating with the locals can be quite challenging. The best way to overcome the language barrier is by learning a few basic words in the Vietnamese language. For socialization, you can interact with fellow expats or locals that speak English.
Classes having too many students
The other challenge that teaching professionals meet while teaching in Vietnam is teaching in classes with too many students. Teaching a huge number of students means that teachers may find it difficult to teach effectively. The best way to overcome this challenge is by giving attention to each student or by trying group focused-teaching methods.
Odd working hours
Some learning institutions in Vietnam may require you to teach on Saturdays and other odd working hours. Therefore if you normally opt for a 9 to 5 teaching schedule, then the odd working hours can be a challenge. To overcome the challenge, ensure the learning center you intend to apply to clearly explain their working hours. You can also discuss your preferred teaching schedule with your employer.
Few resources
Most schools offering English lessons in Vietnam don’t have adequate teaching resources. All they have are a few English textbooks that aren’t resourceful enough to help you teach professionally. To address this challenge, use the internet to get all the English learning and teaching materials you need for your lessons.
Despite the challenges that teaching professionals in Vietnam face, teaching in this nation is rewarding. The secret to teaching in Vietnam is learning how to overcome these common challenges and seeking employment in a school that you are comfortable teaching in.
