EFL TEACHER
Hanoi, Vietnam
AVI has negotiated this assignment in good faith with the Host Organisation, and the information
contained was correct at the time of acceptance of the request. However, while AVI takes
responsibility for matters under our direct control, all assignments and arrangements are subject to
change due to the inherent low levels of predictability in developing country environments. This
assignment may be amended or withdrawn to reflect changes in circumstances.
General Details
Assignment Title
EFL Teacher
Host Organisation
Electric Power University (EPU)
Website of Host Organisation
www.epu.edu.vn
Duration of Assignment
18 months
Start Date
8-Jan-2015
Pre-departure Briefing Date
10-12 Dec 2014
AVI Assignment Code
10532863
Host Organisation Overview
The Electric Power University is a public university offering courses at undergraduate, bachelor,
secondary vocational and in-service levels. Its duties are to train managers, engineers and technicians
for Electricity of Vietnam as well as other groups and companies.
Over the last 40 years the Electric Power University has made gigantic achievements and is now
recognised as one of the most prestigious training centres in the specialized field of Electricity.
There are currently about 450 staff and lecturers, including 7 professors and associate professors as
well as 15 PhDs
Professional Training and Research:
-
Electrical Technology: electrical power system, electrical power sources (hydro, thermo, nuclear
power, renewable energy), energy management.
Other fields of engineering: automation, electronics and telecommunication, mechanical
technology, information technology
Finance and Management: business management, finance and banking, accounting and auditing
Research centres: Centre for applying, research and transferring technology (ART), Centre for
Advanced Training (ACT), Centre of Telecommunication and Renewable Energy Consulting
(CRCT), Centre for International Cooperation and Training (CICT).
Training levels:
There are 4 training levels at EPU with a total number of 10.000 students (2009), including:
undergraduate, bachelor, technical secondary school, and secondary vocational. Of this number, 5.500
are regular training students and the rest are undertaking in-service training.
In the near future, Electric Power University would like to offer Masters and PhD courses.
Australian Volunteers International
Page 1 of 6
Assignment Overview
The position requires an expatriate as the local teaching staff lack the required language proficiency as
well as the knowledge and experience in English language teaching methodology.
Additionally, the students and co-teachers need daily practice with foreigners to help them achieve
some level of English proficiency.
Although located in a trade-oriented institution, the role does not require any prior knowledge of
electrical engineering, as it is focused on ESL.
This role supports DFAT’s priority area of Human Resource Development as well as the goal of
improving employability of young people. It is AVI’s second placement with this University.
Assignment Objectives
1. Improve the English proficiency of students and teachers as well as support the introduction of
modern teaching methodologies and approaches.
2. Provide advice to University staff to improve the English curriculum as well as other educational
programs taught in English.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Volunteer
In consultation with their line manager and relevant stakeholders, Volunteers complete a work
plan in the first three months of their assignment. The duties below are an indication of the
type of work that may be involved in meeting the Assignment Objectives:
•
Teach English to students and teachers
•
Mentor young teachers of English
•
Introduce modern teaching methodologies and approaches to the English Department
•
Provide support on developing the English teaching curriculum
•
Help the University develop an international network
•
Provide mentoring for a small group in the workplace to demonstrate practical
teaching practices
•
Deliver professional development workshops as appropriate (e.g. in curriculum
analysis, teaching strategies, lesson planning, classroom management…)
Assignment Information
Line Manager
The Director of the Centre for International Cooperation and Training.
Staff supervision
None
Other staff
Contact with All EPU staff and students
Australian Volunteers International
Page 2 of 6
Hours & Days of employment
Normal working hours at the University are from 7:30am to 4:30pm with 1.5 hours for lunch
break. Continuous presence is not necessarily required outside teaching hours but regular
out-of-class contact with staff and co-teachers is important.
Leave entitlements
Same conditions and terms as local colleagues apply, including national holidays. However,
as a minimum, Volunteers will accrue 1 week’s leave for each 3 months of work.
Other Conditions
The Volunteer will have a workspace in the teacher’s room with a computer and Internet
access.
Although not directly downtown, the University is conveniently located with nearby markets
and a good public transport system.
Language skill and level required
Vietnamese is the main language spoken by nearly all in the country. In local areas, very few
people may speak English.
The level of language competency in Vietnamese that a Volunteer will need to carry out this
assignment is LOW, mostly for daily interactions at market, shops, taxis, etc. The Volunteer
will need basic survival Vietnamese for shopping and travel. However, the more language
skills the volunteer acquires, the better the integration in the community.
Language support
AVI offers 2 week language training support to volunteer during an initial in-country orientation
program. Further language training is encouraged and financially supported.
Living as a Volunteer
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Vietnam in general provides a safe and welcoming living environment. Crime levels are low –
with petty street crime increasing, although at levels far below most Western capital cities.
Tropical storms and floods commonly occur between June and December. The standard of
primary health care is sufficient in major cities, but more complicated treatments may require
evacuation to a third country, usually Thailand. In Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, there
are international medical clinics.
Dengue Fever is endemic to Vietnam and can occur throughout the year. Outbreaks of Avian
Influenza (Bird Flu) in Vietnam have led to 50 reported human fatalities. The last fatality was
in March 2009. Malaria occurs in certain parts of Vietnam, but only in remote forested and
mountainous areas.
Traffic accidents cause thousands of deaths each year.
TRANSPORT
In the city, buses, moto-taxis and taxis are the preferred mean of transportation for volunteers.
For inter-city travels, there is a well organised network of public buses.
Many volunteers have found it helpful to buy a bicycle. The average cost of a brand-new
Australian Volunteers International
Page 3 of 6
bicycle is between AUD $50 to $100
COMMUNICATIONS
Vietnam has a very modern, reliable and extensive Internet and mobile phone coverage.
Internet service is easy to get in the volunteer’s accommodation with a cost of about AUD 1520 per month for unlimited access.
Internet cafes are found everywhere except the most remote locations and costs are much
lower than in Australia.
Most volunteers use Skype for overseas calls: computer-to-computer (free) or computer-tophone (about 3.5 cents/minute to land lines and 31 cents/min to mobiles). Phone cards are
also available for even lower rates.
Other Requirements
Selection Criteria
Please click here for more details about preparing your application.
Please click here to learn more about the personal competencies required to be a Volunteer.
Personal Circumstances Constraints
•
Same sex partners who wish to accompany applicants must secure their own visa
outside the AVID program.
•
Partners of applicants to whom they are not legally married may face issues in
applying for and being issued a visa.
•
This assignment is not suitable for couples with school age children due to the
extremely high cost of international education institutions, unless one of the partners
does home schooling.
First–Aid Competency
Apply First Aid Certificate (HLTFA 311A) or equivalent course dated within 3 years of the start
date of the assignment
Qualifications
ESL qualification or teaching qualifications with ESL experience
Essential Skills & Experience
•
Applied knowledge of modern teaching methodologies and approaches
•
Demonstrated results in tertiary level classroom teaching
•
Applied knowledge of curriculum development
•
Demonstrated success in building the skills of others through formal and/or informal
training and coaching
Australian Volunteers International
Page 4 of 6
Desirable Skills & Experience
•
Practical knowledge of Asian-style education institutions
•
Prior work or living experience in Asia, preferably Vietnam is a definite asset
Allowances & Support
These allowance levels are based on the Cost of Living in country. They will be reviewed
periodically and may increase or decrease. Volunteers will be given notice of any change to
the allowance level.
Living Allowance
Accommodation Allowance
AUD 900 per month
AUD 500 per month
Note: Of the above amount, the host organisation
will contribute VND 3,000,000 per month
(approximately equivalent to AUD 140 per month)
Housing
The Volunteer will be responsible for finding and securing his/her own accommodation. This is
done with the help of work colleagues, Internet sites and local housing agents. Housing for
couples or families is readily available.
Most housing is rented with all furnishings included and obtaining telephone and home-based
Internet access is quick and inexpensive.
Single volunteers may choose to live in the campus guesthouse. In this case, they would not
be entitled to the AUD 500 per month allowance.
Other Allowances & Support
All AVID Volunteers receive the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pre-departure Briefing in Melbourne
In-country Orientation on arrival
Pre-departure vaccination expenses
Visa expenses
Pastoral care, assignment monitoring and security guidance
Return airfare to country of assignment
Psychological and medical advice and support services
Re-entry Support services
Settling in allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
Re-settlement allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
How to Apply
Should you wish to apply for this position please visit www.australianvolunteers.com.
Select the assignment you are interested in and follow the prompts at the end of the page.
Australian Volunteers International
Page 5 of 6
This assignment is part of the Australian Volunteers for International
Development program, an Australian Government initiative.
www.australianaidvolunteers.gov.au/
Australian Volunteers International
Page 6 of 6