Teaching English in Vientiane – 101 Finding Employment
In the next series of articles I will discuss teaching English in Laos. Please feel free to contact me with any questions!
This past year it seems more and more English teachers have arrived in Laos. Travelers are charmed by the quiet nature of Lao, and like myself, want to make it home. However, the calm quite nature of this country is quickly changing. Most teenagers in the city have mobile phones and motorbikes. Mercedes and Land Rover both have dealerships here. People know that to get the well paying jobs, English is essential. A drive around Vientiane and the sheer amount of language schools you’ll find is overwhelming.
Here are some basics to get you started on your journey into teaching English (EFL / ESL) in Vientiane.
Don’t underestimate the value of a good looking CV.
Check your spelling. As a former English school manager, daily I received CV’s from interested applicants. One thing I always noticed was spelling. It may sound like common sense, but if you are applying to be an English teacher, take the time to proofread and revise your CV. Ask a friend to proofread or proofread out loud. Why? Most often we don’t catch our mistakes when we only read it to ourselves.
Include a photo on your CV. If you email your CV, you may also include your photo as an attachment, but generally CV’s are printed and reviewed by various staff members. Having a photo on your CD makes it easier for everyone. It probably shouldn’t be the case, but truthfully your appearance matters here.
Include references. Most schools will check references, so be sure to use your best ones. Please include various means on contacting your references such as a phone number and email.
Include copies of your teaching credentials. It’s better to present a well thought out package of information. It shows that you are serious and have thought out your application. If you are sending your CV via email, include them in the email. Most school prefer their teachers have either CELTA or TESOL credentials.
Dress for the Job
Like most schools, you will get more respect if you come in the office wearing appropriate attire. We all love flip-flops and sandals, but the day you drop off your CV or have an interview, please leave them at home. Guys, there is nothing wrong with a necktie. If you end up teaching at any of the larger businesses or government offices, it is often required. Girls, unless you are a new arrival to Vientiane, arriving to your interview in a Lao skirt is always a wise choice. If you don’t have one, remember keep your dress modest, things are quickly changing but the majority of Lao people are rather conservative in dress.
Don’t give up! There are many schools and many students!
Granted, there are a lot of English teachers living here and a limited number of jobs, but be patient. You may apply to 5 schools but it’s the one that hires you that matters. Read the Vientiane Times newspaper daily. The ads change daily; English schools often put ads in when they are looking for teachers. However, your best prospects happen if you network other people, word of mouth or SMS is often the most common way of finding out about jobs.
Dollars and Kip
If you are new to teaching, you’ll probably find most places offer you 9 to 10 USD per hour and often make you pay for your own work permit and visa. (About 300USD per year) If you have experience and a degree, more than likely you’ll start at around 12USD (as of 2011) and the sky is the limit after. Some schools offer a monthly salary. This is often the case for the larger international schools. All schools pay in US dollars.
Where to apply
As I said in the opening there are many English Schools in Vientiane. On Lao Yellow Pages you can find a full listing. Currently, there are 131 schools listed. Website: http://laoyp.com/education/schools/
Popular Schools
Note: These are some of the schools that seem to be the most popular. There are many excellent schools in Vientiane so this is by no means complete. Many schools do not yet have websites. In that case, I have tried to provide a phone number or email address.
Anousone Centre for English Studies – Phone: +856-21 4122 04 Email: [email protected]
ARDA Language Centre Phone: +856-21 2171 62
Eastern Star Bilingual School Phone: +856-21 2616 14
Kiettisack International School www.kiettisack.com
Lao American College – www.lac.edu.la
Lao-Singapore Business College Phone: +856-21 2625 23
Lao-Top College
LOGOS Academy
Panyathip International School Phone: +856-21 4128 25
Patanya International School Phone: +856-21 2194 97
Rattana Business College
Vientiane College – www.vientianecollege.com
Vientiane International School (Must be IB trained) www.vislao.com
21st Century School of English www.21centuryeducation.com
