Cactus is one of the world's leading language training companies, providing courses in over 25 languages, in 45 countries and 150 destinations worldwide. It specialises in all forms of trainer-based language training for enterprises and individuals, from evening courses and language learning holidays, to tailor-made packages and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Cactus also uses blended learning approaches, included self-study and online & distance learning under the banner "learn a language your way". Read more about Cactus

16th
APR

Cactus Opinion: TEFL in Vietnam

Posted by Sarah under Cactus Staff Opinion, Cactus TEFL

Laura Harrison, from Cactus TEFL, gives us her impressions on Vietnam

My first official ‘FAM’ trip for Cactus TEFL was, it’s fair to say, a good one.

I was told in autumn last year that I would have the opportunity to go to Vietnam, which gave me plenty of time to read up on this unknown and faraway land. In reality, however, no amount of literature could have prepared me for my experience in this hospitable, vibrant and fascinating country, that in all honestly I had never so much as considered visiting before.

Comprising almost 28 hours of planes, trains and automobiles, the long journey there meant that my initial visions of Ho Chi Minh City were seen through slightly wide and glazed eyes. Within minutes of leaving the airport though, I felt as awake as the city I was encountering for the first time. This was partly attributable to the fact that my taxi was terrifyingly surrounded by 25 motorbikes in close proximity (some carrying entire family units) - as is the norm I was yet to discover - but mainly because this place was so new and so different to anything that I had ever experienced and I was anxious to get exploring!

Ho Chi Minh City is a sprawling metropolis, although most tourist and ex-pat activities tend to stay within the compounds of the first 3 districts. Mixes of the old, the new, the indigenous and the imported exist everywhere. Vietnamese buildings and eateries stand alongside beautiful colonial architecture and thousands of Western-style bars and restaurants of all ilks.

Everything in Ho Chi Minh city is affordable to European visitors - luxuries that you may never consider at home are abundant and cheap so you can take the opportunity to be pampered if you wish! The city is great for both shopping and nightlife, and again, neither is restricted to the affluent.

My trip to Vietnam has definitely given me a taste for all things Asian, and surpassed all of my most hopeful expectations. I would recommend the country as a great place for anyone to visit, whether as part of backpacking plans, as a two week holiday or as a place to settle for a year or two. It is drenched in history, filled with energy and, I guarantee, will never cease to surprise you.

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Reader's Comments

  1. Tristan | April 17th, 2008 at 11:14 am

    You look really good Laura, must have been a good trip even taking time to try Motherhood in between language training! I’d love to visit Vietnam so please tell us more about the country.

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