By Olivia Vieira
Since Natalia and I arrived in Vietnam, we’ve been curating a list of lessons we’ve learned – both as TAB students and human beings figuring out life in a foreign country. While the full list will drop when we wrap up our TAB journey (stay tuned!), I wanted to give you a sneak peek into some of the main themes we’ve discovered so far. This has been a phenomenal journey, and we’ve got lots to share.
We’ve narrowed it down to ten categories. Buckle up, it’s been a ride!
1. Travel Preparedness and Logistics
You can plan everything down to the last detail, but spoiler alert: it still won’t go as planned. Travel is full of surprises. Flights get delayed, buses disappear into thin air, and the weather has its own agenda. Best advice? Roll with the punches. Don’t be the person having a meltdown because your itinerary went off-script. Adapt, laugh it off, and enjoy the chaos – it makes for great stories later.
2. Accommodation and Booking Tips
Pro tip: Double-check the reviews before booking your stay. We made the rookie mistake of booking a place that had only two reviews. They were glowing reviews, yes, but two is not exactly a reliable sample size, is it? Lesson learned.
Stick with trusted booking sites like Airbnb or Bookings.com, and always cross-reference with a Google search. Check out the photos, read the reviews, and make sure the place actually exists before you arrive. Ghost hotels? Not a vibe.
3. Health and Safety
Ah, health and safety – the often-forgotten hero of travelling. Quick tip: if the ice cubes in your drink have holes, you’re good to go! If they don’t, it could mean the water is untreated and your stomach might not be thanking you later.
Also, keep your phone and wallet close. Tourist spots attract pickpockets like magnets. I attached straps to my phone and wallet, and I always wear my belt bag across the front of my body. When I have my backpack, I even throw a lock on it depending on where I am going or what I am doing. Never-ever-eveeerrr bring anything of value to the beach, we learnt the hard way, so learn from our mistakes. Sometimes you might feel goofy or whatnot, but remember it is always better to be safe than sorry!
4. Cultural Awareness and Respect
Sightseeing might feel touristy, but trust me, it’s worth it. Vietnam’s architecture and history are mind-blowing. Just remember, when you visit temples, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and legs if you’re in shorts or crop tops. Bring a scarf or a light cover-up. Respecting the local customs is non-negotiable, and it’s part of immersing yourself in the culture.
5. Communication and Cohort Support
Cohort support is everything. Whether you’re lesson planning, dealing with homesickness, or figuring out where to eat, being in sync with your team makes all the difference. You’ve got to communicate – it’s not just about teaching, but also about living abroad together.
When something goes sideways (and it will), having people around who are in the same boat keeps you grounded. Think of your cohort as your extended family – sometimes dysfunctional, but always there when it counts.
6. Dealing with Unfamiliar Situations
Welcome to life abroad – where everything is new, weird, and, at times, downright confusing. From navigating the streets to figuring out how to order food in a language you don’t speak, unfamiliar situations are a guarantee.
My advice? Stay calm and go with the flow. Even when things get weird (like when a monsoon decides to show up out of nowhere), smile and laugh it off. Everything is an adventure if you frame it right.
7. Local Insights and Practical Advice
Locals know best – so don’t be afraid to ask for their recommendations. Whether it’s the best place to eat or where to find hidden gems, their suggestions are usually spot on and way cheaper than the tourist traps. I found my favourite little hole-in-the-wall restaurant through a local friend. The fried chicken in fish sauce? To die for. And for only 30k VND (~$1.66 CAD), you can’t beat that.
8. Financial Management
Think you’re bringing enough cash? Think again. Most of our cohort ran out of both VND and CAD. The local ATMs became our lifeline. Here’s a hot tip: the ATM at the Four Seasons Hotel (beachside) is secure but comes with a 4% processing fee, and you can only take out 3 million VND at a time. Also, don’t ask why, but sometimes ATMs like to hold onto cards. If it happens, just hit “card return” and cross your fingers.
9. Teaching and School Life
Before heading into the school, sit down with your cohort and figure out your schedule. What days do you have online classes? How many days do you need for excursions and travelling? How much time should you set aside for schoolwork? Once you’ve got a plan, pitch it to the school. Flexibility is key, but so is having a clear game plan.
Our original schedule changed (multiple times), but we rolled with it. Also, online classes while teaching abroad? Not ideal. By the time 7 pm rolled around, the motivation was low, but a nice dessert helped push me through. Make the most of it!
10. Self-care and Mental Well-Being
Rainy season hits around late September, so pack accordingly. I brought a raincoat, but others bought plastic ponchos locally. Either works, just be prepared for surprise showers. Also, this time of year brings the sniffles. Keep hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and wash your hands religiously – especially since the little ones love touching everything.
On top of that, take time for yourself. Yes, teaching abroad is stressful, but it’s also incredible. Stop, breathe, and soak it all in. You’re living a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so don’t let it slip by unnoticed.
That’s just a taste of what we’ve learned so far. Stay tuned for the full list once we wrap up this wild and wonderful journey! In the meantime, if you’re heading to Vietnam for your own adventure, I hope these tips help you out!
*I would have loved to include some pictures that related to each of the sub-headings, but there was unfortunately no room :(((