John Kalish
1st teaching experience
My first teaching experience in asia was in Vietnam, ho chi minh city. I think the school was called Viet My. It was 8 years ago. Climbing 3 flights of stairs to a weathered, strange room. There was a big column dead center of the room. It also had a small L-shape, not the best layout. I wasn’t sure what to expect in the classroom, but was pleasantly surprised. The students were great, friendly and smiling. My nervousness soon faded. Although the textbooks were a bit dry, the students didn’t seem to care. Perhaps the best part was when the students encouraged me to finish the lesson quickly and simply chat with them. “free talking” they call it, and they are very fond of it. They loved to hear my stories of America and the places I had traveled. They loved to hear my opinions of their city and country. Although sometimes I would sugar coat my opinions, they took criticism of their country well. For example, the traffic is notorious here, unlike anything in the west and students love to hear us bitch and moan about it. Anyway, at the end of the 8 week class, the students insisted on taking me to a coffee shop and they paid for everything. (This often happens at language schools). It was there in the coffee shop, surrounded by smiling, eager faces that I decided to make Vietnam my home.

What do you like most about teaching in the country you are teaching??
The best part of teaching in Vietnam is the flexible schedule as well as the cost of living. If you like to go out at night and sleep late, you can easily find a job that doesn’t start until the afternoon. If you are an early bird, you can do all your work before noon and have the rest of the day to yourself. After only a couple of months here I was able to cobble together a perfect schedule by taking 2 part time jobs at different schools. In addition, the cost of living can be quite cheap. One can easily survive by spending 5 dollars a day on food. If your apartment costs 200-250 a month, you only need to make 5 or 600 a month to survive. As most schools pay between 10-20 dollars an hour, if you teach 15-20 hours a week you can easily keep your head above water. If you really want to make some cash, 30-40 hour work weeks are available for the highly motivated.

What's your schedule now?
Currently I am working at RMIT International University, it is an Aussie school located in phu my hung, the new urban area of Saigon. After 8 years in Saigon it is probably the best job I have had. I teach 20 hours a week, and am currently on a one year contract. I teach 4 hours a day, in a straight block and have the rest of the day to myself. I can do mornings or afternoons, my choice. So I do Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday afternoon, and Thursday Friday morning. That way my weekend starts early and I can still go out Sunday night. This is the only job I have had here which has paid vacations and health insurance. Sweet!

Any advice for those coming to the country you are teaching?
Advice, huh? Well, you must be open minded. Things are a lot different here than at home. At first, that is wonderful, then it becomes tiring, and finally you simply accept it b/c you are not gonna change it. A lot of things in life are that way. In terms of jobs, most schools will ask you to come in and teach one class before offering you employment. Don’t be afraid. Once you find a school, you can usually find fellow teachers who are looking for roommates. Then you have instant friends and accommodation. In terms of driving, start out slow, take motorbike taxi’s until you have figured out the traffic system, there is a twisted logic to it. Once you figure it out, rent a motorbike and go exploring. It is a big city and people are friendly, and in a pinch, usually somebody can speak a little English and help you out. Finally, wear a helmet. Most people don’t, but things are changing. We can lead by example. (just like your mom told you to.)