About Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the most promising and exciting countries in Asia. It is the fourth most populous country in Asia with a population of 84 million people. Vietnam is also one of the youngest nations with more than half of its population below the age of 30.

After years of negotiation and anticipation, Vietnam officially became the 150th member of the World Trade Organization in January 2007, opening the door to a new era of trade and investment in one of Asia's fastest growing economies.

Vietnam Geography

Vietnam is naturally divided into three regions with different geographical and climatic conditions: the north, the central, and the south.

The largest city in the north is the capital city of Hanoi, while the central region is characterized by the commercial city of Da Nang. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city and is also the business center of the country.

Vietnam is truly a wonderful place to live and explore. Vietnam offers visitors the awe-inspiring beauty of the country's natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south, and the entire coastal strip that consists of a patchwork of green rice paddies. There are divine beaches and soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests. Vietnam also offers an opportunity to see a Third World country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the modern world.

Vietnam Education

In the Vietnamese culture, education is highly valued and respected. Education is compulsory at the primary level and the number of students undertaking secondary and higher education is rapidly increasing. There is a high adult literacy rate of 94%. Undoubtedly, the education sector in Vietnam is growing rapidly due to the focus on education at all levels.

Vietnamese is the country’s official language, while English is taught in all Vietnamese schools. Many Vietnamese, especially office workers, also attend advanced English language courses to improve their employment prospects. There are an increasing number of international schools in Vietnam where English is taught as the primary language. More and more English as a Second Language (ESL) schools are opening up every day in Ho Chi Minh City.

Living in Vietnam

Vietnam has emerged as one of the safest countries in Asia Pacific for visiting and for conducting business. The Vietnamese culture is accommodating and open-minded towards other cultures.

Today Ho Chi Minh City has a cosmopolitan and energetic atmosphere. Although relatively modern, Ho Chi Minh City’s French colonial charm still remains, evident in graceful architecture, wide boulevards, and sidewalk cafés. Street vendors, office workers, businessmen, and thousands of motorcycles are found on busy city streets. High rise office buildings, hotels, colorful shops, vibrant markets, and traditional temples beautify the streets of this dynamic and growing city.

By teaching in Vietnam, American teachers will experience one of the world’s most amazing and interesting cultures. Plus, the cost of living is extremely low, and the teaching pay is surprisingly high. Therefore, American teachers can live comfortably during their stay in Vietnam.