From IT Intern to Kindergarten Teacher: My Unexpected Adventure in Vietnam

 

How I Became an English Teacher in Vietnam (Without Planning To)

Way back in 2019, I came to Vietnam without any plans of becoming a teacher.

At the time, I was a graduating IT student in the Philippines, and I needed to complete my internship. My husband was already living in Hanoi and teaching German at a language school, so he suggested I come over and do my internship here. I thought, “Why not?” It would be a great experience — and an excuse to travel!

I first arrived in Vietnam in August 2019 as a tourist. My husband wanted me to see if I’d like it here, and I quickly fell in love — especially with the food! Vietnamese cuisine instantly won my heart (I mean, who doesn’t love phở and fresh spring rolls?). The culture also felt quite familiar — there are similarities between Vietnamese and Filipino culture that made me feel more at home than I expected. Another big plus: the cost of living in Vietnam was much cheaper than in the Philippines.

I returned to Hanoi in December 2019 to officially begin my IT internship. But just as I was getting settled, the unexpected happened: COVID-19. The pandemic turned everything upside down. I suddenly found myself stuck in a foreign country, unsure of what to do next.

Finding IT work was difficult, especially because I didn't speak Vietnamese — and let’s be honest, I was too lazy to learn their (very difficult!) language. I also knew that building a career in the IT industry would take time, especially in a country where I didn’t speak the language.

That’s when my husband suggested something that would change my life:

“Why not try teaching English?”

At first, I wasn’t sure. I never imagined myself standing in front of a classroom. But he reminded me that most Filipinos speak English fluently, and that teaching could be a great opportunity — even just temporarily.

So I gave it a shot. I took a TESOL course, and soon after, I got my first teaching job at a kindergarten.

And that was the beginning of my unexpected journey — or should I say, adventure — as an English teacher.

I never thought I’d enjoy it as much as I did. Teaching young children was a joy — their energy, curiosity, and silliness lit up my days. I loved how genuine and affectionate kids can be, even when communication isn't always perfect. I began to realize that teaching is not just a job, it’s a chance to make a real difference in someone’s life, even in the smallest way.

Now, years later, I look back and smile. Life didn’t go as planned — but sometimes, that’s exactly how the best stories begin.

---

Have you ever ended up doing something you never expected — and ended up loving it?
Let me know in the comments below! 😊