Life In Vietnam: As a Need-Greater - Part 2: I'm an English Teacher!

As most of you may have known, the majority of need-greaters in Vietnam and other third-world countries support themselves by teaching English. And as you may have read in one of my previous posts, finding work as an English teacher in Vietnam can be hard for non-Westerners. But it's not impossible! I've received 6 job interviews/job offers in the last two weeks of February! What were they?

1. Teaching English online to Chinese/Taiwanese students (TutorABC/iTutorGroup)
2. Writing photography blog articles on Wordpress for sleeklens.com (through Upwork.com)
3. Tutoring the apartment manager at my apartment (downstairs)
4. Teaching English at a private English center (Ivy Square)
5. Teaching English at a different private English center (IELTS Station)
6. Tutoring online through at varsitytutors.com

I ended up getting accepted for jobs 1-4, and did not pass the interviews for jobs 5 and 6. Currently, the minimum hours per week that I have to work is 10 hours, but I can work more if I wanted. The jobs range in salary, but the 10 hours of work that I have currently is just enough to survive here in Vietnam. I plan to add a few more hours, in order to save up to travel and visit other places.

Want to find work in Vietnam? Print some business cards and start handing them out everywhere! 

(I got 1,000 printed for only $6.50 USD)

If you are looking for work in a third-world country like Vietnam, here are my suggestions:

• Start doing your research early - ideally before you move
• Talk to those who have lived, or currently live where you are going, in order to have the most realistic tips
• Look for work online through freelancing companies such as Upwork.com; any skill that you have (language, technical, writing, etc.) can be an asset
• Take the TESOL course if you want to become an English teacher (Brother Cotton's secular course is an AMAZING value - make sure you sign up before the classes fill up!)
• Don't give up! Let people know that you're looking for work. Keep persisting in your search

Ultimately, as a need-greater, the most important tip is to continue praying. Jehovah knows our needs, and as long as we show him we are putting his Kingdom first, he'll provide for everything else (Mat. 6:33). For a time, I started to worry more than I should about work. But then I spent more time meditating on Matthew 6:33, and it occurred to me that maybe I should focus more on the ministry and the congregation. As soon as I did that, everything fell into place. I got more return visits in the ministry, became closer to the friends in the congregation, and found work! Jehovah truly does open the 'floodgates of the heavens and pours out a blessing until there is nothing lacking' when you seek first the Kingdom! (Mal. 3:10)

In other news, I will soon be upgrading my bike (yay!) to a slightly newer and upgraded model of the Honda Wave. I'll also be moving within the month, since one of my roommates is moving out and the cost of our apartment is too much for 2 people. Also, I have a return flight to the States scheduled for May 23rd! See you guys soon :)