EFL Trainer for students and teachers
My Tho City (Tien Giang), 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assignment may be amended or withdrawn to reflect changes in circumstances.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 Trainer for students and teachers
Host Organisation
Tien Giang University
Website of Host Organisation
www.tgu.edu.vn
Duration of Assignment
18 months
Start Date
23-Sep-2015
Pre-departure Briefing Date
17-June 2015
AVI Assignment Code
10533406
Host Organisation Overview
Tien Giang University’s mission is to develop human resources for the province and nearby regions,
more particularly in the areas of applied research and research methodology, in order to support the
economic and social development of the region by increasing employment opportunities and overall
standard of living.
Tien Giang University was established in 2005 as a Provincial Government initiative that saw the merge
of the Tien Giang Community College with the Education College. It comprises about 570 staff
The Tien Giang University is a multi-disciplinary educational institution that operates on two levels

2 year vocational programs at Diploma or Associate level and

4 year Bachelor degree programs
Assignment Overview
The English teachers and other academic staff recognise that they require improved knowledge and
skills on modern teaching methods as well as curriculum development.
The staff also wishes to learn from the practical experience of foreign experts in order to implement
similar innovative programs at the University and throughout the region where graduates from Tien
Giang University will eventually gravitate.
Tien Giang University staff and students do not have regular contact with native speakers and are not
exposed to the latest developments in student-centred teaching and learning strategies.
AVI has placed a number of volunteer teachers at TGU in the past (ESL, food technology…). TGU has
also hosted several other expatriate volunteers (USA, Korea…). Currently TGU does not have any
Australian Volunteers International
Page 1 of 5
expatriate teachers.
Assignment Objectives
1. To build the capacity and confidence of English major students to speak English
2. To support the University staff to improve the EFL curriculum as well as to introduce
modern teaching methodologies
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:
•
Classroom teaching and co-teaching of English to English major students
•
Help improve curriculum and course material
•
Plan, design and conduct teacher training activities
•
Help the University extend its international network and contacts
Assignment Information
Line Manager
Dean of Foreign Languages Faculty
Staff supervision
No direct supervision
Other staff
The volunteer will have the opportunity to interact with all staff and students of the University
Hours & Days of employment
Courses run from 07:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday.
The expectation is that the volunteer will work the equivalent of a 5 day week to a maximum
of 40 hours per week, with around 16 teaching hours per week.
Leave entitlements
Same conditions and terms as local colleagues apply, including national holidays. However,
as a minimum, Volunteers will accrue 1 weeks leave for each 3 months of work.
Other Conditions
Out of hours may be required for participation in extra-curricular activities
Australian Volunteers International
Page 2 of 5
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 will acquire, 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
Working in Vietnam can be challenging in terms of organisation of work and importance of
personal relationships for successful outcomes. There is also often relatively late notice for
participation in public events, speaking slots in workshops or unplanned changes in programs
and work schedules. This requires flexibility and a level of comfort handling multiple priorities,
as well as working to tight deadlines with a high level of quality.
Personal boundaries are different in the Vietnamese context as the country as a whole lacks
public and personal space. In addition to the lack of privacy, the amount and level of noise
can be overwhelming for Westerners.
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
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.
Australian Volunteers International
Page 3 of 5
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.
Preparing your Application
Selection Criteria
Please begin by writing your responses to the following three questions, in a document
headed - Response to Selection Criteria:
a. Why do I feel that volunteering overseas is the right thing for me to be doing at this time in
my life? (up to half a page)
b. What are the biggest personal adjustments I’m likely to have to make to be accepted as a
useful colleague and engaged community member in this assignment? (up to half a page)
c. How do I match the Essential Skills & Experience: Write a brief summary of your most
relevant experiences, results and achievements responding to each criteria in the Essential
Skills & Experience section of the Assignment Description.
To find out more details about preparing your application, please visit:
http://www.australianvolunteers.com/volunteer/application-process/
To find out more details about the personal competencies required to be a volunteer, please
visit: http://australianvolunteers.com/volunteer/have-you-got-what-it-takes/
Personal Circumstances Constraints
•
Same sex partners who wish to accompany applicants must secure their own visa.
•
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, unless one of the
partners does home schooling.
Qualifications
University degree with ESL qualification
Essential Skills & Experience
•
Previous experience in working alongside and building the skills of others through
formal and/or informal training and coaching
•
Proven track record of ESL classroom teaching to adults
•
Experience in designing or revising ESL curriculum or teaching materials
Desirable Skills & Experience
•
Experience teaching in South East Asia (especially Vietnam) is a major asset
Australian Volunteers International
Page 4 of 5
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
On campus accommodation in the University
guest house will be provided.
Note: Of the above amount, the host organisation
will contribute VND 2,500,000 per month
(approximately equivalent to AUD 140 per month).
Housing
The guest house units comprise a furnished room with private bathroom, as well as attached
kitchenette. Wi-Fi Internet is provided.
The University will also provide a bicycle.
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.
This assignment is part of the Australian Volunteers for International
Development program, an Australian Government initiative.
www.australianaidvolunteers.gov.au/
Australian Volunteers International
Page 5 of 5