Reply To: Did you notice the fake teachers posting on ESL/TEFL forums?

Well, there are also semi-genuine ads by language schools in Vietnam.

#1 is advertising again, misstating the city they are in and the hours they can offer. A bad combination and I pity the next teacher who falls for their false job ad.

#2 had the owner pose as "the manager". Then he held an interview via Skype, faking a non-functional microphone. (I fell for the promised $ 1,000 salary and used the very same notebook to call family on Skype).

* a tiny house on a dirt road.

* a few kids show up for a class. (Doubt he was grossing more than the 30,000 D per student he confessed)

* then he showed me a contract requiring me to pay a million so that he can fine me if I’m late or something.

The guy couldn’t even speak English – but then engaged in backseat driving, choosing horrible lesson plans while ignoring students’ ability. (Silly vocab lesson with advanced students who knew all the words and who wanted to speak instead).

Why are these owners lying? Do they think this would work in the long-term?

I confronted #2 and he said "money is no problem, you are family".

For all who want to get hired via Skype, do your homework and ascertain whether this business can actually offer the hours they promise you!

Ask about the charge for the room & board!

Ask to speak with a teacher and look for discrepancies regarding hours promised vs hours which are available; or the cost of the accommodation.