Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I recently moved to Hanoi and then to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

Two years. I did a six-month contract with an agency at a public secondary school in Ratchaburi. Then a one year contract at a university. Finally, I moved to Bangkok and did another six-month contract at a Thai high school.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

I was tired of the Thai education system and I needed to make some better money.

Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?

First, people are held accountable a lot more. Also, people actually learn to speak English as opposed to just going through the motions of learning. You can actually have a meaningful intellectual conversation with Vietnamese students. There is still a lack of critical thinking skills in Vietnam but it isn't as extreme as in Thailand. Lastly, the money is double what I made in Thailand.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Walking around freely without worrying about being safe. Also the food and friendly people. I've never been invited to anyone's home for dinner in Vietnam. I was invited to EVERYONE'S home when I lived in Thailand.

Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?

If you're looking for fun and adventure for a year, then by all means go to Thailand. Vietnam can be as adventurous as Thailand, but there are a lot more Thai holidays than in Vietnam and you meet other young people in the same situation. I made lifelong friends in Thailand. Vietnam is a little more serious than Thailand, but there are other benefits to being in Vietnam, such as the pay, having a motorbike, and most language schools are relaxed. You don't have to work 8-4 everyday. I only go in when I have a class and you don't have to deal with any workplace 'mind games' BS.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

I visit for holidays all the time but I would only work in a foreign-run international school if I ever went back to Thailand to teach again.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

The social life in Vietnam is better than that in Thailand I've found, especially in Hanoi.