Online vs. In-Person Teaching in Vietnam: Pros, Cons, and Opportunities

Teaching English can be one of the most rewarding and flexible career paths available if you're a foreigner living in Vietnam or planning your move. In recent years, especially after the global shift to remote learning, many foreign teachers in Vietnam face an important choice: Should they teach online or in person?

Both modes offer unique advantages and challenges. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and future opportunities for both online and in-person teaching in Vietnam so that you can make the best decision for your lifestyle and goals.

Online Teaching in Vietnam

Pros of Online Teaching

1. Flexibility of Location
    
   • Online teaching allows you to work virtually anywhere — whether relaxing in Da Nang, chilling at a café in Hanoi, or visiting family abroad. As long as you have a reliable internet connection, you’re set.
      
2. Lower Living Costs
    
   • Your day-to-day expenses can drop significantly without the need to commute, buy business attire, or relocate to larger cities.
      
3. Global Job Market
    
   • You’re not limited to teaching Vietnamese students. Many online platforms connect you to students in China, Korea, Japan, and beyond, giving you the freedom to diversify your income.
      
4. Work-Life Balance
    
   • Many online teaching jobs offer flexible hours, so you can better manage your personal life, travel, and even take on multiple employers or freelance gigs.
      
5. Less Bureaucracy
    
   • Online positions often don't require a work permit in Vietnam (though you still need to ensure your visa status is legal for long-term stays), especially if you're paid from overseas.

Cons of Online Teaching

1. Tech Dependence
    
   • A stable internet connection is non-negotiable. Power outages and connectivity issues can disrupt lessons in rural areas or during Vietnam's rainy season.
      
2. Limited Personal Connection
    
   • Building deep relationships with students can be harder through a screen, especially for young learners who benefit from physical interaction and social cues.
      
3. Income Instability
    
   • Many online platforms pay per class or hour, meaning cancellations or student no-shows can directly affect your paycheck.
      
4. Time Zone Challenges
    
   • Some platforms focus on students in other countries, requiring odd working hours to match their schedules, especially if your students are in North America or Europe.

In-Person Teaching in Vietnam

Pros of In-Person Teaching

1. Stronger Student-Teacher Relationships
    
   • Face-to-face interaction allows for a deeper emotional connection and stronger engagement, especially with young learners who thrive on direct feedback and real-world cues.
      
2. Higher Earning Potential
    
   • In Vietnam, in-person teaching positions — especially at international schools and language centers — often pay higher monthly salaries compared to many online gigs, and usually offer full-time contracts with benefits.
      
3. Cultural Immersion
    
   • Teaching in person gives you an authentic experience of Vietnam’s educational culture, helping you integrate into the local community, meet Vietnamese colleagues, and better understand student behavior.
      
4. Structured Environment
    
   • Schools and language centers provide teaching materials, classroom resources, and professional development, removing the guesswork from lesson planning.
      
5. Visa Sponsorship and Legal Employment
    
   • In-person employers often handle your work permit and visa paperwork, ensuring you’re legally employed — something freelancers teaching online must arrange independently.

Cons of In-Person Teaching

1. Location Constraints
    
   • Most well-paying positions are in larger cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Rural areas may offer fewer opportunities.
      
2. Fixed Schedules
    
   • You’ll usually be expected to work evenings and weekends, especially at private language centers, which may not suit everyone’s lifestyle.
      
3. Commute and Cost
    
   • Urban traffic in Vietnam can be stressful and time-consuming, especially during peak hours. This also adds extra transportation costs to your monthly budget.
      
4. Dress Codes and Formality
    
   • In-person positions typically require business attire and a more formal appearance, while online teachers can (usually) dress more casually, at least from the waist down!
      

How Much Can You Earn?

Teaching Mode	Average Monthly Income (USD)	Notes
Online Teaching	$800 - $2,000	Based on hours, platform, and experience
In-Person Teaching	$1,200 - $2,500+	Higher potential in international schools

 

Your income will also depend on your hours, employer, and qualifications. Many teachers in Vietnam combine both methods to maximize flexibility and earnings.

Final Thoughts: Which Path is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to teaching English in Vietnam. Both online and in-person teaching paths offer real rewards — the key is to align your choice with your personal goals.

• Online teaching can be a perfect match if you're craving freedom, travel, and flexibility.
• If you’re seeking higher salaries, job security, and classroom interaction, in-person roles are hard to beat.

The smartest move is often a hybrid approach: start online, build local connections, and transition to in-person teaching once you’ve settled in.