Frequently asked questions

'9 Point Playbook': Where can I download AVSE's '9 Point Playbook' for placing people in teaching jobs in Vietnam and Cambodia?

AVSE-TESOL’s ‘game changer’ 9 Point Playbook for placing people in great ESL Teaching Jobs in Vietnam and Cambodia can be downloaded via the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BiwtJ4FUTtbL4sL3F_I8RZVJ15pL-jJL/view?usp=sharing

Content & Assessments: Can you tell me a bit about the course content and assessment tasks?

You can view the topics that are covered (and related assessments tasks) during the TESOL programme at AVSE via the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xOS08H5b3X9bogvXXPlVB5pzwWAHzvOH/view?usp=sharing

Background (Police) check: Where do I get a background (police) check?

Irish: If you’re an Irish citizen – you need a background check from the Irish National Police and Security Service: https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/online-services/data-protection-foi-police-certificates/police-certificates.html

American: If you’re an American citizen – it’s best to obtain a background check from the FBI: https://www.edo.cjis.gov/#/

United Kingdom: If you’re a citizen of the United Kingdom – the basic background check is what you need to obtain: https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record

Australian: If you’re an Australian citizen – you need a background check from the Australian Federal Police: https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/services/criminal-records/national-police-checks

South African: If you’re a South African citizen – you need a Police Clearance from the South African Police Service: www.saps.gov.za/services/applying_clearence_certificate.php

Canadian: If you’re a Canadian citizen – you need a background check from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/criminal-record-and-vulnerable-sector-checks

Dutch: If you’re a Dutch citizen – you need a background check from Ministry of Justice and Security: https://www.government.nl/topics/identification-documents/question-and-answer/how-do-i-apply-for-a-certificate-of-conduct-vog

Swedish: If you’re a Swedish citizen – you need a background check from the Swedish National Police Authority: https://polisen.se/en/services-and-permits/police-record-extracts/extracts-to-be-used-abroad/

Norwegian: If you’re a Norwegian citizen – you need a background check from the Politiet Authority: https://www.politiet.no/en/services/police-certificate-of-conduct/

Greek: If you’re a Greek citizen – you need a background check from the National Criminal Records Portal: https://www.ncris.gov.gr/portal/page/portal/epm

New Zealander: If you’re a citizen of New Zealand – you need a background check from the Department of Justice: https://www.justice.govt.nz/criminal-records/

Moroccan: If you’re a citizen of Morocco – you need a background check from the Department of Justice: https://justice.gov.ma/

French: If you’re a citizen of France – you need a background check from the Ministry of Justice: https://www.justice.gouv.fr/

 

Citizens of countries not listed above should check with the Department of Justice (or similar) in their capital city.

Airport collection: Where will I meet your representative at the airport?

Ho Chi Minh City (international): When you exit the airport building, walk through the barricades and then turn left. You will see a representative from AVSE-TESOL standing near upright pylon number 7, holding a sign with your name on it. If you have any issues at the airport or if you get lost, please call the AVSE-TESOL duty officer on cell-phone number: +84 901 324 439 (international), 0901 324 439  (local).

Hanoi (international): When you exit the airport building make your way to upright pylon number 11, located close to the pedestrian bridge. You will see a representative of AVSE-TESOL holding a sign with your name on it. If you have any issues at the airport or if you get lost, please call the AVSE-TESOL duty officer on cell-phone number: +84 906 284 339 (international), 0906 284 339  (local).

Phnom Penh (international): When you exit the airport building, look for the Park Cafe on the right-hand-side. You will see a representative of AVSE-TESOL standing in front of the Park Cafe holding a sign with your name on it. If you have any issues at the airport or if you get lost, please call the AVSE-TESOL duty officer on cell-phone number: +855 61 556 150 (international), 061 556 150 (local)

Sample Certificate: Can I see what the TESOL certificate that I'll receive once I complete the in-class or online TESOL programme looks like?

Sure, check out a sample certificate via the following link: https://shorturl.at/djOWY

Vietnam Ebook: Does AVSE-TESOL have a 'Teaching English in Vietnam' Ebook or similar that I can flick through?
Yes, we do. You can download a copy of our Teaching English in Vietnam Ebook via the following link: https://www.avse.edu.vn/ebook/
Cambodia Ebook: Does AVSE-TESOL have an Ebook for 'Teaching English in Cambodia'?
 

AVSE’s ‘What to Know Before You Go‘ Ebook is compulsory’ reading for anyone who is planing a teaching English abroad adventure in Cambodia. You can download a free copy of this Ebook via the following link: https://www.avse.edu.vn/3d-flip-book/cambodia-ebook/

Teaching Jobs Abroad (TJAP) schedule: I'd like to know the daily schedule for the TJAP in Vietnam / Cambodia.

The daily schedule for the Teaching Jobs Abroad Programme at AVSE-TESOL in Vietnam and Cambodia is exactly the same. You will find the daily schedule via the folloWing link: https://shorturl.at/rvAHT

 

 

My partner and I are both enrolled in the same course and we want to share a bedroom. Are we entitled to a discount?

It’s possible depending on your specific programme, personal circumstances, the amount of forewaring and suchlike. Feel free to raise this matter with the course coordinator.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed from the first day of the TESOL course – punctuality, attitude and input are really important in the teaching profession. In weeks 1, 2 and 3 you will complete the majority of the practical part of the course – 6 hours of classroom observation and 8 hours of critical assessed teaching practice. With your teaching practice classes, you need to produce thorough lesson plans. In week 4, among other requirements, you need to submit a portfolio of teaching and testing resources, a short research project and a  completed Workbook. There is no formal examination as such.

What does hands-on’ job help mean?

As soon as you have submitted the assessment tasks associated with the course (due in week 4), AVSE-TESOL will help you put together a quality CV and then start the process of referring you to partner schools in our extensive network. Moreover, the team at AVSE-TESOL are always happy to offer ‘mock’ interviews, advice on employment agreements and background information on prospective employers.

You can be assured that there are many more English teaching positions available in Vietnam and Cambodia than there are qualified people to fill the positions. Most graduates of the TESOL programme at AVSE start a paid teaching job within 14 days of completing the course.

Where are your training centres?

Ho Chi Minh City

Street address: AVSE-TESOL (Ho Chi Minh City)
1300 Quang Trung Street
Go Vap District (Ward 14)
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Email address (primary): sj@avse.edu.vn
Email address (secondary): info@avse.edu.vn
Telephone number (Vietnamese): +84 2854 273 436 (international)
54 273 436 (local)
Telephone number: (English): +84 901 324 439 (international)
0901 324 439 (local)

Hanoi

Street address: AVSE-TESOL (Hanoi)
5th floor, 152 Pho Duc Chinh Street
Truc Bach Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Email address (primary): evie@avse.edu.vn
Email address (secondary): info@avse.edu.vn
Telephone number (Vietnamese & English):

+84 906 284 339 (international)

 

0906 284 339 

Phnom Penh

Street address: AVSE-TESOL (Cambodia)
#48E1 Street 172, Sangkat Chey Chumnas
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Email address (primary): sj@avse.edu.vn
Email address (secondary): info@avse.edu.vn
Telephone number: (English): +855 93 668 476 (international)
093 668 476 (local)
Should I be concerned about my personal safety?

These days Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Phnom Penh are no more dangerous than New York, London, Sydney and most other large cities. Having said this, it pays to be vigilant especially when carrying a bag or using a cellphone in a public place.

I've heard horror stories about the traffic congestion. What can you tell me?

There’s no doubt about it, the traffic at all 3 of our TESOL destinations is chaotic. Believe it or not, you do get used to it.

How can I keep in touch with home?

We will help you to buy a new SIM card so you can easily make local and international phone calls. The internet is cheap and readily available so options like Skype and Zoom are viable.

What's the weather like over there?

Ho Chi Minh City: is hot, very hot or very, very hot, pretty much 24/7 and 12 months of the year. The period of May to November is known as the ‘wet season’ which is characterised by frequent and heavy downpours.

Hanoi: experiences all 4 seasons with the same timelines as other countries in the northern hemisphere. The summer months tend to be hot, with high rainfall whereas in winter, it tends to be cold and dry.

Phnom Penh: is hot and humid 12 months of the year. The ‘wet season’ in Phnom Penh mirrors what happens in HCMC with relatively short bursts of heavy rain being commonplace.

How soon after the course finishes will I receive my certificate?

Certificates typically arrive at the location where you did your training 2 weeks (+/-) after you submitted all the assessment tasks and related documentation. Why? The independent assessment process (and the issuing of certificates) takes place in Australia. This external process is central to your certificate having international recognition. You will be notified by email when your certificate is available for collection.

What happens if I choose to move on before my certificate is available for collection at my training location?

There isn’t a postage fee built into the cost of the TESOL package. Why? Conservatively, 90% of certificates are collected at the training location. We feel it would be unfair to bill all customers for a service that the vast majority will not use.

If a student wants their certificate posted somewhere, we can certainly do that for the cost of the postage after receiving a formal written request. The postal cost is set by the local Postal Service provider, with no mark up from AVSE.

How many hours of teaching practice will I have during the course?

Our TESOL course includes a minimum of 14 hours practical teaching experience with ‘real’ students. The first 6 hours are all about observing and getting a feel for what it is like working as an ESL teacher. We pair you with an experienced teacher and you participate in his or her classes. Once you have finished the 6 hours of class observation, you then move on to complete a minimum of 8 hours of critical assessed teaching practice – with ‘real’ students involved in ongoing classes.

I want to enrol in your TESOL/TEFL course. What visa do I need?

HCMC & Hanoi: You’ll find the information you need here.

Phnom Penh: The simplest and most cost effective option is to apply for what’s called an ‘Ordinary Visa’ (E class) on arrival. Check out this website for more information.

What documentation should I bring with me?

On top of your visa and passport, it’s very important that you bring the following key documentation with you:

  • the original version of any qualification you hold (degree / diploma); and
  • a background (police) check – must be no more than 6 months old when presented

Note: Students are strongly advised to have their qualifications and background check notarised and legalised in their home country.

What vaccinations should I have?

Advice on this subject matter can change rapidly and often without formal notice. With this in mind, it’s best to consult your family doctor.

What is the dress code for the course?

You must wear professional and culturally appropriate attire when observing or teaching English language classes at AVSE-TESOL. Here is a general guide:

For males, professional attire includes, but isn’t limited to: suit type pants, a belt, a business shirt with a collar, lace up black or brown shoes and socks. While most schools require male teachers to wear a tie, this isn’t the case at AVSE-TESOL.

For females, professional attire includes, but isn’t limited to: slacks, a belt, a business type shirt, sensible shoes for standing on your feet for an extended period, a dress of appropriate length – keep in mind your teaching work may on occasions require you to sit or crawl around on the floor.

While observing or teaching English language classes jeans, shorts, tee shirts, polo tops, sandals and alike – casual clothes – are definitely out.

Outside of observations and teaching practices, trainees are free to wear casual clothes to class.

What are my accommodation options?

HCMC: AVSE-TESOL offers accommodation in residential properties and local hotels within easy walking distance of the training centre. Each trainee is allocated their own bedroom and bathroom. Fixtures and fittings in each bedroom include: air conditioning, WiFi, a bed (including bedding), a wardrobe, a desk & a chair.

Cooking facilities are available in our residential properties in HCMC, but not in the local hotels.

Laundry facilities are readily available.

If you have a preference to be placed in one of our residential properties or in a hotel, you should advise the Course Coordinator well-before your arrival.

Hanoi: AVSE-TESOL offers hotel accommodation located within easy walking distance of the training centre. Each trainee is allocated their own bedroom and bathroom. Fixtures and fittings in each bedroom include: air conditioning, WIFI, a bed (including bedding), a wardrobe, a desk & a chair.

Laundry facilities are readily available.

Phnom Penh: AVSE-TESOL offers Guest House accommodation within easy walking distance of the training centre. Each trainee is allocated their own bedroom and bathroom. Fixtures and fittings in each bedroom include: air conditioning, WIFI, a bed (including bedding), a wardrobe, a desk & a chair.

Laundry facilities are readily available.

You can find more information about accommodation here.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance – with decent medical coverage – is always a smart move. You can find more information about travel insurance with medical coverage on the Insurance options page on the AVSE website – click here.

Will someone collect me from the airport?

The airport collection service (door to door) is available 24/7. Just let us know the following information at the earliest opportunity: the day, date & time of arrival, name of airline and flight number.

Keep in mind the airport collection service attracts a fee to cover the cost of the return journey for an AVSE staff member (to & from the airport), all transportation costs and up to 3 hours of waiting time in the event of delays. You will find more information on the Optional extras page of the AVSE website.

How long is the in-class TESOL/TEFL programme at AVSE-TESOL?

The TESOL course is 150 hours (+/-) in total over 4 weeks. The time commitment in weeks 1, 2 and 3 is mainly Monday to Friday 8.30am to 3.00pm. During weeks 1, 2 and 3, you will also have class observation and teaching practice commitments some evenings and most probably part of each weekend. In week 4, the focus of the TESOL programme is on providing support with completing the necessary assessment tasks.

You can find out more course information here.

How many students are there in each TESOL/TEFL course group?

Ho Chi Minh City: On average there are 16 students in each class.

Hanoi: On average there are 14 students in each class.

Phnom Penh: On average there are 12 students in each class.

Students who enrol in our TESOL programme come from all corners of the world with around 30% being non-native English speakers.

Do I need to bring a laptop with me?

You will definitely need a laptop during the TESOL course. If you don’t own a laptop, it might be possible to hire one from AVSE-TESOL for your personal use. Find out more here.

Can I arrange for my certificate to be posted to me rather than collecting it from the location where I did the TESOL course?

AVSE-TESOL can send your certificate to you by secure mail, but you will need to cover the postage fee set by the local postal service, unless you have included postage as an optional extra (US $40.00) in your original application. Note, postage fees can be up to US $100.00 depending on destination. Postage payments that are made in advance are not refundable.

How long will it take me to complete the online TESOL programme at AVSE-TESOL?

If you chip away at the course requirements on a daily basis for around two hours each day, it will take you six to eight weeks to complete all the requirements (approximately 150 hours).

How long will I have access to AVSE-TESOL's Student Learning Portal?
TESOL students have access to the portal from when they start the TESOL course at AVSE-TESOL to when they finish the course. The content on the portal is intellectual property that’s protected by Copyright. We’re required by our insurers to have strategies in place to protect our intellectual property and limiting access to current students is one of a number of ways that we seek to meet our obligations.