Major FAQ

Where should I arrive?

Global Crossroad's offices are located in the capital of Hanoi , Vietnam . Participants should arrive at the Noi Bai International Terminal.

What kinds of accommodation (Food/Room) are available?

Living conditions greatly depend on participants' area of assignment. In most cases, accommodations for teachers are usually set up in a dormitory with fellow, English-teaching colleagues in shared, furnished rooms (fans, beds, electricity, internet access). Occasionally, teachers stay with a Vietnamese host family.

Vietnamese cuisine primarily consists of seafood and varieties of meats and vegetables with rice being a staple of the Vietnamese diet. In the event of a home-stay, host families are well-educated, well-respected citizens within their respective communities with the majority having extensive experience hosting international students.

What materials should be brought?

Most daily necessities are easily-available in Vietnam . Participants are encouraged to bring a supply of any necessary medications – western brands of medicines may not be available in Vietnam . Most materials required for teaching will be supplied by the school. NOTE: a set of flash cards or colorful picture books (especially for primary school children) may prove helpful. Participants are also encouraged to bring comfortable footwear, light clothes for summer time, and a warm sweater for winter.

Participants in the Paid English-Teaching Programs are required to bring please appropriate, conservative clothing: slacks, shirts and ties for men; slacks or knee-length skirts and modest blouses for women. University placements are more formal and require a suit and tie for men. Open-toed shoes and sandals are not appropriate footwear.

When should I start my paid teaching assignment?

Paid English teaching placements in Vietnam is available throughout the year – even during the summer holiday.

How is transportation arranged from the airport to the school(s)?

Participants are required to submit their flight information to Global Crossroad prior to arrival in Vietnam . A Global Crossroad representative will meet participants at the airport (or other location of destination) – displaying a sign with the participant's name. In the event that a participants cannot be met by said representative (i.e. place delay, cancellation, etc.), participants are encouraged to either contact said representative or go directly to the designated hotel (supplied within placement details).

May participants be accompanied by a friend or placed near other volunteers?

Global Crossroad does allow participants to be accompanied by a friend – often offering dual or group placements. For applicants submitting a request for same placements, Global Crossroad always tries to ensure and fill said requests. However, Global Crossroad cannot always guarantee this – especially with larger groups. Teaching placements in Vietnam are located in different areas around the country from north to south, but requests to be placed near other participants will be filled at the best of our abilities.

What other information should be disclosed pertaining to teaching placements in Vietnam ?

Placements are arranged prior to participants' arrival in Vietnam . However, in some situations (primarily due to the changes in field condition), placements may be altered.

What vaccinations are required?

Global Crossroad recommends ALL participants follow the vaccination guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov.

What is the best time to travel to Vietnam ?

Given the global location of Vietnam , its seasons and climates vary – often widely depending on when and where participants are placed. The months of March and September are usually good times to visit. Vietnam is uniformly warm, humid, and rainy during the summer months while winter is quite cold and dry.

How safe is Vietnam?

Vietnam is one of the safer travel destinations. This does not mean that participants should not exercise caution and are encouraged to use common sense. Participants are HIGHLY encouraged to not carry all their money in their wallets; don't "show off" shiny gadgets, etc. Participants should be prepared (bring a money belt, use traveler checks, etc.). However, as in ANY and ALL countries, theft does happen, and it is the only real danger – especially in crowded places such as trains, buses, and stations. Participants should padlock their backpacks – never leaving said personal belonging unattended and use only one or two bags (not half a dozen). Participants are advised to keep their money near their skin AND in more than one place.

International travel presents risks for travelers – especially with the threat of international terrorism. The U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings and advisories in many countries for U.S. travelers. These travel advisories and warnings change frequently as situations in each country change. Global Crossroad suggests that all volunteers consult their own governments before participating in a Global Crossroad program. Participants are strongly advised to access the links provided below:

British Foreign Office Advice
http://www.fco.gov.uk/

American State Department Advice
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Australian Government Advice
http://www.dfat.gov.au/

Canadian Government Advice
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/destinations/menu_e.htm

Global Crossroad is not responsible for any damage resulting from the negligence in failing to take appropriate travel advice offered by participants' respective home country.