TESOL Course in VIETNAM, Ho Chin Min City
 Why
TESOL in Vietnam?
Historically, Vietnam dates back to the 3rd Century and has assimilated
from the ancient Indian and Chinese influences and emerged with a
culture that is truly its own. Great philosophies like Confucianism,
Taoism, Buddhism and Christianity has shaped the spiritual life of the
people, in particular the principle of respect for their elders. And it
is in this Vietnam, the TESOL
course trains up
ESL teachers to become
better equipped and skilled to teach students effectively.
Vietnam borders with China in the north, Laos and Kampuchea in the West,
and the Pacific Ocean in the east. It lies in the center of South-East
Asia. The vast majority of the population is Vietnamese with minute
percentages of Chinese. The Viet culture originated on the delta of the
Red River and the Ma River where the Viet people cultivated paddy
fields. They led a simple farming life in small villages, usually living
around a communal house. Today the people living in the countryside
follow this lifestyle. There are some divine beaches along the coast,
while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by
dense, misty forests. Vietnam also offers an opportunity to see a
country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the
outside world. To all the TESOL
trainees, Vietnam is yet another picture
of the ‘Orient’ whose cultural and spiritual lineage is globally
respected.
What is in it for you?
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam covering an area of
2,029 square km with a population nearly 6 million. The city is located
between the Mekong Delta and South Vietnam, 50km inland from the South
China Sea. Ho Chi Minh City is the heart and soul of Vietnam. It is the
economic capital and the cultural trendsetter. Yet within the teeming
metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture.
Attending a TESOL
course conducted by
TEFL International in the city
itself is a matter of pride for all those trainee
ESL teachers who wish
to revolutionize the method of TEFL
teaching.
Previously known as Saigon, HCMC is the business center of the country.
The whole city is vibrant and full of character. Everywhere you turn you
will see street vendors, office workers, businessmen and thousands of
bicycles. Hip new cafes and bars, high rise office buildings and hotels,
colorful shops, vibrant markets, and traditional temples and pagodas -
you will find it all in HCMC. Ho Chi Minh City has a vibrant nightlife
with many local and western bars and cafes concentrated in the city
center. The city is also the culinary capital where you can sample a
variety of foods ranging from Vietnamese regional specialties to
international cuisine. Here you can find the best Vietnamese, French,
and Chinese restaurants. In a word, the city is a wonderful blend of the
ancient and the contemporary that is bound to treat the native English
speaking TEFL
teachers to a unique experience as they pursue the
TESOL course for 4 weeks here.
What is the attraction?
Ho Chin Min city is a confluence of European, Chinese and modern
architecture. The Giac Lam Pagoda is believed to be the oldest pagoda in
greater HCMC, Giac Lam Pagoda dates from 1744. The architecture, layout
and ornamentation remain almost unaltered by the modernist renovations
that have transformed so many of Vietnam's religious structures. The
Jade Emperor Pagoda built in 1909 by the Cantonese Congregation is truly
a gem of a Chinese temple. The Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877
and 1883, stands regally in the heart of the government quarter. Its
red-brick, neo-Romanesque form and two 40m-high square towers tipped
with iron spires dominate the skyline. While the Reunification Palace is
one of the most fascinating sights in HCMC, because of its striking
modern architecture and the eerie feeling you get as you walk through
the deserted halls. Vietnam can also prove to be productive for those
TESOL certificate holders looking for short-term
EFL teaching
jobs in
local schools.
On the tourist map
Ho Chi Minh City has several excellent museums, botanical gardens,
waterways, temples, pagodas and churches beckon and inspire. Weekends in
between long weeks of grueling TESOL
classes can be utilized by the
TEFL trainees in exploring the city.
The Dam Sen Park is the place for slightly bizarre fun, where you'll
find giant animals made of coconut shells and CDs. Within its landscaped
gardens are lakes and pagodas, an ice-block wonderland and a roller
coaster. The Fine Arts Museum Showcases a decaying grandeur of a French
colonial building and houses an eclectic display of art. Spread over
three floors, the collection features work from the classical periods
alongside abstract and modern Vietnamese pieces. The garden cafe is a
preferred spot for elderly gentlemen to exchange stamp collections and
sip iced tea. The History Museum is a stunning Sino-French-style
building is worth a visit. The museum has a fine collection of artefacts
illustrating the evolution of the cultures of Vietnam dating back to the
Bronze Age. The War Remnants Museum is an essential visit; a stark
reminder that wars are never glorious. On display are retired artillery
pieces, models of cages used to house Viet Cong prisoners, and a
heartbreaking array of photographs of the war's victims. Vietnam is
synonymous to soul stirring history as TESOL is to path breaking methods
of TEFL teaching.
Evening and Nightlife
Apart from various bars, dance club and a disco that promise to
entertain the trainees doing a TESOL
course in the
TEFL School, each
week The Municipal Theatre offers a different programme, which may be
Eastern European-style gymnastics, classical music or traditional
Vietnamese theatre. And if there's nothing happening when you're in
town, you can at least pop into the stylish Q Bar, around the side of
the building, for a drink.
Weekend excursions
The aspiring ESL teachers on TEFL training can plan weekend trips to the
excursion spots in the vicinity. You may visit is the Cu Chi Tunnels
which served as a Vietcong base during the American War because of its
strategic location. The Vietcong built this amazing 200 km network of
tunnels that was never discovered. You can also fly to Danang which has
a pleasant year-round climate. Upon arrival, you can see the Cham Museum
(open-air collection of Cham sculpture is the finest in the world),
China Beach, and Marble Mountains or enjoy a walking tour including Quan
Cong Temple, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tran Family Chapel, Sa Huynh
Museum and more.
About our TEFL Location
TEFL international
School is located in Ho Chin Min City which sits on a
giant bend in the Saigon River. It is the commercial, scientific,
technological, industrial and tourist center of the country. It has to
offer a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities. HCMC is a vibrant
mix of cultures with a distinctly Vietnamese flavor and not as of yet
overshadowed by western influences While doing the
TESOL course from
TEFL International you can indulge yourself in great food, great people,
great sights and sounds.
Connectivity
Ho Chi Minh City is a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport. A metered
taxi charges approximately US$ 5 from Tan Son Nhat to the city center
where our TESOL
training centre is located.
Motorbike and bicycle rentals are readily available at many travel
agencies and backpacker Cafes located along Pham Ngu Lao Street.
Motorbike rentals usually are US$ 5-10 per day and bicycle rentals are
US$ 1 per day. In Vietnam, car rentals are accompanied with a driver.
A convenient and cheap mode of communication within the city not only
would help the international tourist to be comfortably mobile but will
also help a TESOL
certificate holder to utilize the spare time post the
TEFL-classroom sessions.
Weather
The best time to visit weather-wise is the dry season between December
and April, when the humidity is more manageable. The crowds start
getting heavy around November and stay through March. Being only 10.5º
north of the equator and 5m to 10m above the sea level. Ho Chi Minh City
has a tropical climate. There are two main seasons: wet and dry. The wet
season (summer) lasts from May to November (June to August are the
wettest months). During this time, there are heavy but short-lived
downpours almost daily, usually in the afternoon. The dry season
(winter) runs from December to April. Late February through May are the
hottest months, when it’s also very humid, but things cool down slightly
when the summer rainy season begins.
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It is a very compact experience. Extensive learning but
fun.
A gear experience with TEFL International and very
helpful to find placement
