Should You Walk In and Hand Out Your CV While on Holiday in Vietnam?

You’re planning a holiday in Vietnam, and the idea strikes you mid-itinerary: why not drop off a few CVs while you’re at it? You’ve got the backpack, the enthusiasm, and a TEFL certificate burning a hole in your pocket. But is this strategy actually effective? And if so, how do you pull it off without looking like a clueless tourist?

Let’s break down the ground-level reality of walking into language centres in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with printed CVs in hand.

The Printed CV Approach – Does It Still Work?

In many countries, walking into a school unannounced with a paper CV feels outdated. In Vietnam, however, it’s still a legitimate tactic—especially for smaller, independent language centres that don’t advertise online.

That said, you need to be smart about it. Don’t just wander into any random building. Target schools that match your qualifications and preferences. Think about what kind of teaching environment you want: young learners, adults, exam prep, or conversation classes.

What to Bring With You

Printing one copy is a rookie mistake. Bring at least 10–15 copies of your CV and any relevant certificates (TEFL, degree, passport copy). Use clear plastic folders to keep them crisp in the humid tropical air.

Your CV should be one page, if possible. Include a headshot—this is common practice in Vietnam. List your teaching experience, even if it’s limited. If you’ve never taught before, highlight your TEFL training, volunteer work, or any transferable skills like public speaking or coaching.

Also, bring a USB stick with digital copies of everything. Some schools may want to forward your files to a hiring manager who isn’t in the office that day.

Which Districts to Target in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a bustling hub for English teaching. Focus your walk-in efforts on:

• District 1 – The city centre, packed with language centres and international schools.
• District 3 – A quieter area with many boutique academies and tutoring centres.
• District 7 – Home to expat-heavy communities and several bilingual schools.
• Phu Nhuan District – Growing rapidly with new schools opening regularly.

Avoid wandering into industrial zones or purely residential areas. You want streets with visible signage advertising English classes.

Where to Try in Hanoi

Hanoi’s Old Quarter and surrounding districts offer similar opportunities:

• Hoan Kiem District – The tourist-friendly heart of the city, full of small schools.
• Dong Da District – Home to many universities, so you’ll find plenty of language centres.
• Cau Giay District – A student hub with affordable schools and growing demand.
• Tay Ho (West Lake) – The expat neighbourhood, where international schools and private tutoring are common.

Just like in HCMC, look for schools with signs in English or Vietnamese advertising “Anh Van” (English) classes.

The Best Time to Walk In

Timing matters more than you think. Avoid the lunch hour (12:00–13:30) and the late afternoon when students are arriving. The sweet spot is 9:30–11:00 AM or 2:00–4:00 PM.

Weekdays are better than weekends. If you show up on a Saturday, you’ll likely only meet part-time receptionists who can’t make hiring decisions.

How to Present Yourself

Dress professionally but comfortably—lightweight trousers or a skirt with a collared shirt works well. Flip-flops are a no-go. A smile and confident handshake go a long way.

When you walk in, say something like: “Xin chào. I’m a TEFL-certified teacher visiting Vietnam. I’m interested in teaching opportunities here. Do you have a manager I could leave my CV with?”

Be prepared for three possible outcomes: the manager sees you immediately, you’re asked to leave your documents, or you’re politely told they’re not hiring now. All three are fine—you’re building a network and planting seeds.

What to Do After You Leave

Don’t just drop and forget. Follow up with a short email a few days later. Remind them when you’ll be available to start teaching if you end up moving to Vietnam after your holiday.

Also, keep a record of where you delivered CVs. A simple note on your phone listing the school name, contact person, and date will help you stay organised.

Final Thoughts on This Strategy

Walking around with CVs in hand isn’t the fastest way to land a job, but it can open doors you never knew existed. Some of the best teaching positions in Vietnam are filled through word-of-mouth and face-to-face connections, not online job boards.

If you’re already going to be in Hanoi or HCMC for a holiday, why not give it a shot? Worst case, you end up with a few extra day trips to interesting neighbourhoods. Best case, you leave with a job offer waiting for you.