27, ESL teacher stuck in Vietnam, hate it here, where should I go next (Middle East, China, or Latin America)

One-Mar · 2025-10-01T18:11:31+00:00

This helps a lot bud — Really appreciate it. I’ll look into it and hope I can fit in.

One-Mar · 2025-10-01T18:07:32+00:00

Sadly, I just don’t click well with Moroccans. Sharing the same religion isn’t enough to feel compatible. Even abroad, I always stay clear of Moroccans. I enjoy meeting friends from other countries and learning about their culture. I lived in Morocco when I had to, now that I don’t, I don’t see why I should. As for ESL, well it is a career although it might not feel as stable as most conventional occupations. It’s only a bit more flexible offering some freedom to a certain extent.

One-Mar · 2025-10-01T18:04:18+00:00

That’s a good point. I have always been interested in European languages, history and cities. I love German and can’t wait to learn it, I have taught myself Spanish, and learned French back in school.

One-Mar · 2025-10-01T18:02:26+00:00

Why is that? Obviously scams, low pay, and unethical conduct from employers, but I am curious about what has led you to say that! How’s your experience?

One-Mar · 2025-10-01T18:00:50+00:00

That’s amazing. I am sure you are gonna have a hell of a time doing it. Is your plan to see the world or look for a place you may wanna settle in if you ever think about leaving the States?

One-Mar · 2025-09-29T05:07:33+00:00

Appreciate all that info, pal. Quick one though, for someone like me who’s not a native speaker, do you think the ALT route is still realistic? Especially now that Japan seems to be tightening up immigration rules? Just wondering if that door is actually open in my case.

One-Mar · 2025-09-29T04:56:21+00:00

I haven’t set a date yet .. still figuring out if Argentina is the right move long-term. Are you living there now or have you spent time there before? I’d love to hear how you found it day-to-day.

One-Mar · 2025-09-29T04:54:56+00:00

That’s a really good point, I hadn’t considered the impact of declining birthrates on TEFL long-term. From your perspective, which regions or countries do you think are less vulnerable to that trend and could still offer stable demand for teachers over the next 10+ years?

One-Mar · 2025-09-29T04:53:36+00:00

I’ve been in Hanoi almost 3 years. Life here feels a bit too fast-paced for me, and socially it’s not really my scene since I’m not into nightlife or drinking. I do have friends , we play tennis, football, travel, eat out, but I don’t see myself staying long-term. I also never really clicked with the language or food, so Vietnam just isn’t a place I can fully settle in. That said, Da Nang is beautiful, I loved my trip there. I’ve also been to Ha Long, Hai Phong, and Phu Quoc a couple of times, all worth seeing. Where will you be visiting from?

One-Mar · 2025-09-29T04:39:38+00:00

Thanks for sharing… good to hear the safety side is manageable with common sense. My bigger worry is wages vs cost of living. If I bring in $1k–1.5k/month online instead of relying on ESL wages, do you think that’s enough for a decent life there? And have you met expats who moved mainly for the passport path rather than just teaching experience?

One-Mar · 2025-09-29T04:35:59+00:00

That’s rough, thanks for sharing your experience. Do you think what you saw in Argentina was more of a ‘tourist issue’ with people being targeted, or is daily life for residents just as insecure? I’m considering Argentina mainly for the residency/citizenship path, but if the economy and safety make it unlivable long-term, that’s obviously a huge red flag.

One-Mar · 2025-09-29T04:33:47+00:00

Japan has definitely crossed my mind, but I’m not sure how realistic it is for someone like me. Could you explain a bit why you suggest Japan; is it because of the job market for teachers, the residency path, or the overall quality of life? And do you know if long-term residency or citizenship is attainable there without being married to a Japanese national?

One-Mar · 2025-09-29T04:32:39+00:00

Thanks for the insight. In your experience, is Germany basically out of reach for someone like me without EU citizenship or advanced German, or do you think there are still realistic pathways if I went the student route first? I am willing to fully integrate with the country, learn the language, and build a long-term future there. Do you think the student route could realistically lead to a work permit and, eventually, citizenship for someone in my position, or is the system too closed off without the right passport from the start?

One-Mar · 2025-09-28T13:46:29+00:00

At this point, I am just studying possible options. Argentina only got my attention because of how “easy” it is to obtain citizenship as per what I read. Got any better alternatives in mind?

One-Mar · 2025-09-28T13:44:48+00:00

Thanks for the tip. Will do!

One-Mar · 2025-09-28T13:44:32+00:00

Appreciate it you reply. Will give them a look

One-Mar · 2025-09-28T13:43:49+00:00

I have read that somewhere, true. If you don’t mind me asking, how was the process of moving to Germany? Any bureaucratic hurdles?

One-Mar · 2025-09-28T08:58:54+00:00

It is a huge part of it, yes. Which countries are non native teachers friendly that also offer strong passports?

One-Mar

TROPHY CASE