How to Become a Teacher in Vietnam

Teaching in Vietnam can be an entryway into a country with a rich history and breathtaking landscapes. From the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the cultural center of Hanoi, Vietnam provides a unique backdrop for educators seeking adventure and professional fulfillment — plus, the high value placed on education means qualified teachers are in constant demand. 

Keep reading to discover the essential qualifications that can allow you to teach in Vietnam, the steps to meet them, and information about how a U.S. teaching license can significantly broaden your opportunities in this dynamic Southeast Asian nation.

What Do You Need to Be a Teacher in Vietnam?

To secure a teaching position in Vietnam, candidates need to meet a few specific qualifications to ensure they are prepared to lead a classroom and that they can obtain the necessary work permits. These requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree in any subject from an accredited institution 
• A recognized teaching credential like a U.S. teaching license (though some schools will accept a TEFL or TESOL credential for certain roles) 
• 1-2 years of teaching experience, although not every school requires this

The biggest time investment in this process is earning a bachelor’s degree, since it is usually a four-year commitment. For individuals whose degree is not in education, you can still become an educator in Vietnam by completing an accelerated preparation program like Moreland University’s fully online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, which can help you earn a U.S. teaching license in as little as 9 months.

Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Vietnam 

A U.S. teaching license is an internationally respected credential that can make you an appealing candidate for schools in Vietnam and beyond. Because Moreland’s fully accredited online program allows you to earn your teaching license from anywhere in the world through Washington, D.C.’s straightforward certification pathway, it is a popular option for candidates who want to teach internationally. 

These are the basic steps you’ll need to follow to earn your D.C. teaching license and take an important step toward starting your career in Vietnam.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree  

A bachelor’s degree is generally considered a non-negotiable requirement for anyone who wants to teach in Vietnam. If your major was not education, an accredited Educator Preparation Program (EPP) can help you get the pedagogical training you’ll need to succeed in the classroom.

Step 2: Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)  

An EPP like our 100% online TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program provides candidates with the must-have skills and knowledge for effective teaching. This 9-month program is designed to be accessible for current and aspiring teachers anywhere in the world, with no application fee and flexible and interest-free payment plans available. 

Step 3: Complete Your Clinical Learning 

Practical classroom experience — often called student teaching — is an important part of any teacher’s training because it allows you to apply theories in a real-world educational setting. 

This clinical practice is built into the TEACH-NOW program and can be completed in your current school, if you are already teaching. For those not yet in a classroom, Moreland can help you find a qualifying placement.

Step 4: Pass the Required Praxis Exams  

To earn licensure through Washington, D.C., you must pass a set of Praxis exams that evaluate your core academic skills (Praxis Core), your knowledge in a specific subject area (Praxis Subject Assessment), and your understanding of educational theory for your chosen grade level (Principles of Learning and Teaching).

Step 5: Submit Fingerprints and Pass a Background Check  

A successful background check and fingerprint submission are required for all candidates who want to earn a Washington, D.C., teaching license. This can be done even if you are living outside of the U.S.

Step 6: Submit Your Licensure Application 

Once you have completed the previous steps, you can submit your licensure application to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) in Washington, D.C. This packet must include all required documentation, including your official university transcripts, Praxis scores, and confirmation of EPP completion. 

You will also want to spend time securing a work visa from the Vietnamese government, finding a job, make housing arrangements, and completing any other steps to make your move as smooth as possible.

Can You Become a Teacher in Vietnam Without a Teaching Degree?  

Yes. It is very common for teachers in Vietnam to have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education. However, completing a teacher preparation program like TEACH-NOW makes you a much stronger candidate since having a U.S. teaching license not only improves your employment prospects, but it can also lead to a higher salary and better job opportunities.

Moreland University Supports Teachers in Vietnam 

Teaching in Vietnam can be an enriching experience filled with professional growth, cultural immersion, and personal adventure. By earning a U.S. teaching license, you can distinguish yourself as a highly qualified professional who is ready for a wide range of opportunities across the country, from working in training centers to prestigious international schools. 

Start the next stage of your career today. It takes less than 15 minutes to complete your free application for TEACH-NOW. Once you are enrolled, you could be just 9 months away from making a difference in a classroom in Vietnam!