The university students were also a lot of fun to teach. The thing in Vietnam is, there is such minimal diversity (90 something percent of people in Vietnam are Vietnamese) that students consider it an honor to study from a white foreign teacher. So when I walked into class, everyone quickly stood from their seats and clapped, giving me a standing ovation as I walked up to the podium. That quickly made any butterflies in my stomach go away.
This week I am also planning on getting all of my stuff ready for applying to teaching jobs (resume, cover letter, etc). I'm going to apply for jobs all over Vietnam, southern Thailand, and Indonesia. Originally, I was planning on finding a job in Hanoi after taking the TEFL course in Ho Chi Minh City, but I've heard that Hanoi is very conservative and feels much more like its under communist control. I have one job lined up in Hue, Vietnam (pronounced "way") which is a city situated right next to a pretty nice beach, and only fifteen miles away from Denang, one of Vietnam's nicest beaches. The pay is a little below average ($800/ month) but they offer free housing and a great location. The usual starting salary for English teachers in Vietnam is around $1300-1500/ month. I'm looking into Thailand as well because of how nice the beaches are in the south. Again, pay is usually lower than in Vietnam, and cost of living is a bit more, so its not likely that I'll be going there. Indonesia is a possibility because its very cheap to live there and its in paradise! (Look at the picture below.)
Aunt Karen- I asked my instructor the other day about the "dong." Dong directly translated means copper. It was introduced into the country in the late 1970's, and at that time, the coins were apparently made from copper.
Uncle Steve- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake_wine
Mom Mom- Happy 100th birthday!!!
wow that beach looks amazing . . . almost as nice as the Jersey shore!
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Max~
ReplyDeleteSooo jealous of all of your amazing adventures (especially the standing ovation you received when you walked into the classroom!!)~ It's great how well you're documenting all of your experiences and the cultural nuances you've observed so far. It'll be awesome for you to reread and remember in the future, too!
~Eileen
Max,
ReplyDeleteIt's good to read that you are doing well. I just finished Cradle to Cradle. Very interesting. Thanks again.
Gordon
Dear Max,
ReplyDeleteYou gotta love the standing "O", since you rarely if ever get one unless you're an outstanding athlete, or some important politician or dignitary.
So, savor it!
Sounds like you're having a wondrful time and adjusting quite nicely to the foriegn culture.
The photo you sent of Indonesia reminds me of a postcard from an idyllic tropical setting.
If you can get a job in a place like that or anywhere near it, I'd jump at the chance.
Guess you know that your MOM and Elizabeth are flying down to Elon tomorrow while I can look forward to an eight hour road trip on Friday.
I'm not sure how I got the short end of that stick!
I've been following the phillies of late, but they have let me down by losing three in a row to the lowly Houston Astros.
I wish I could not care so much but after so many years, it's almost impossible.
Really enjoy reading your blog. You may wish to follow my brother's footsteps, and consider a career in travel writing.
take care and be safe,
Jim