AVSE-TESOL

I started my online TESOL with AVSE beginning of June, by 7 August I started my first job in teaching. The Tesol was really helpful throughout my teaching career. I had also the opportunity to meet other teachers from all over the world through AVSE welcome parties which made very easy to make new connections. When the director said the TESOL needed time and lots of dedication I thought it was a joke but all thanks to the trainer for helping me from the beginning to the end. I had a great experience the AVSE staff in both Cambodia & Vietnam.

My experience at AVSE-TESOL was just amazing. Firstly Peter the owner and director of AVSE-TESOL, fully explained everything to me prior to the course so that I felt comfortable signing up.

The course itself in Cambodia, Phnom Phen was very rewarding and interesting. It taught me hands on skills to enter the job market as an English teacher. The facilities are modern and the lecturers really want to help you and get you a job.

The course has a simple layout that you can follow as well as real life experiences teaching in schools by week two. You definitely go from “zero to hero” really fast and the feeling you get teaching children and adults (even monks) is just unbelievable.

Anyone who wants to be an English teacher abroad in Asia I could not highly recommend enough AVSE-TESOL enough. Simply the best!

Shaune Baker
(Perth, Western Australia)

Hello, My lines will focus on the course content rather than my ventures. Initially, I found the online course confusing due to the lack of specific explanations in the written materials. However, the prompt replies from the teacher were constructive. When I transitioned to in-class training in Phnom Penh, I found the detailed explanations from the teacher and the practical activities immensely beneficial for better acquaintance.

I want to express my gratitude to Sir Peter for the invitation, which allowed me to encounter noteworthy experiences, and to Sir David for his patience, mentorship, and guidance. His advice not only helped me adapt to the challenges in Cambodia but also motivated me to be flexible, enabling me to excel as an ESL teacher and deliver high-quality education to my students.

Also to acknowledge the extraordinary Miss Jing the AVSE team member, who is not only willing to help you because it’s her job, but also to be your local guide and advisor whenever you need her. Even after decades of finishing your course and starting your job, she will always be there for everyone. Thank you, Jing. Thank you, AVSE-TESOL. Thank you very much.

Dear reader,
Let me introduce myself, I am Roslyn Cloete from South Africa. I started my journey with AVSE-TESOL in November 2023. And left my country in January 2024.
The process and all the headache and stress to start a course and getting a work opportunity including accommodation was made easy with the AVSE team. And even the small things you don’t think of, AVSE is there with you the whole step of the way.

For the course of nine days was very helpful and busy. But it prepares you to be in the classroom and experience the teaching life that you need.

The AVSE team is like a family that takes great care of you on the new adventure that awaits you.I will gladly give AVSE a 5+ star rating and recommend you take the opportunity to be part of a great team.

Take the first step with AVSE!

I had some reservations prior to making up my mind about teaching ESL in Vietnam. My concerns were bothered primarily around the fact that I’m not a native English speaker. However, my fears were allayed when I spoke with the management of AVSE and I was assured of getting a job, post training. They not only kept to that assurance but also made my one month training an exciting and memorable experience. My birthday coincided with the period of my training, and I was pleasantly shocked when they hosted a surprise birthday party for me.

AVSE is an amazing institute and I absolutely enjoyed the time I spent there. It was indeed a great value for money!

My experience at AVSE was terrific. I was taking the internship course with a plan to volunteer teaching English, I had already certified with TEFL. When I completed the first part of the course, I felt completely ready to teach in the Mekong Valley which I did for several weeks. Teaching in an English Center down in the Mekong valley was a fully immersive experience. I taught students from age 3 to age 20. Taught from a variety of different syllabi. If you aspire to become a confident and effective teacher, AVSE is the ideal place to be!

My experience at AVSE was truly remarkable! The teaching methods, filled with hands-on activities and the presence of supportive instructors, made the learning process incredibly enjoyable. As I completed the course, I felt a genuine readiness to step into the role of a teacher with confidence.Remarkably, just a week after finishing the program, I secured a teaching job. This quick success highlights AVSE’s dedication to ensuring its students thrive. If you aspire to become a confident and effective teacher, AVSE is the ideal place to be!

I took the online version of AVSE-TESOL’s course and completed the in-person practicum at their language center in HCMC. From start to finish, the course was an excellent experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anybody considering it.

The online modules are well laid-out and it was easy to see my progress at a glance for each one. I had David as my tutor and he was an invaluable guide throughout my time in the course. I really appreciated the fact that I could work on much of the course before I tackled the practicum, and the modules relating to the practicum work provided some very useful material that I often refer to in my job now.

Indeed, one of the main reasons I chose to go with AVSE’s course was because of the fact that there is an in-person practicum where you first observe and then teach real ESL students in a live classroom environment. I did my practicum in HCMC and my experience during this time at AVSE’s language center there fully justified my choice of this course. Make no mistake about it, the practicum is an intense but very rewarding and fundamentally important experience. A 100% online course can never give you the real experience that teaching in a live environment offers, and I believe that this practical element is an absolutely necessary experience for any ESL teacher – especially a new one such as myself.

Throughout the teaching practicum, I was very well supported by my online tutor, the on-site tutor at the center, and the various teachers and support staff working there. Of course, you get out what you put in, so I would say the key is to be focused, organised, willing to learn, and proactive in asking for help and clarification when you need it, because it is a very busy time for you and everybody else on-site. In other words, it is an authentic teaching environment!

Following the practicum, I was thrilled to secure a position at one of the major ESL companies in Vietnam. I can say that the things I learned during the course helped me immensely, and when it came time for me to look for work, the fact that I could talk authentically about my practicum experience in AVSE’s real classroom environment was a significant factor in why I was able to find a good job here.

Big thanks to Peter, David, Mick, Hana, Anna, Mary and the rest of the team at AVSE for making it such a great learning experience.

For anybody reading this and wondering about the course – go for it!

As I was already working as a teacher and couldn’t take time off to complete this course, AVSE showed great flexibility. They not only provided options to finish the majority of the material online and at my own pace but also organised alternatives for the practical and observation modules. The staff were accommodating, working around my current living and working situation. They actively collaborated with me to find solutions for completing the course, exploring options such as online lessons and recorded materials.

The curriculum was well-designed, covering the core aspects of language teaching, including modules from theoretical foundations to practical classroom management. The instructors were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about their craft, offering insightful feedback that could be directly and easily applied to my own classes.

I highly recommend this course not only as a great foundation for developing a TESOL career but also for the flexibility the staff showed in adapting to the realities and limitations of their students’ work-life commitments. The staff made full use of modern media, providing online resources and maintaining constant email connections. They were also willing to organise Skype calls or other face-to-face options to discuss matters in a more personal manner. The supervisors seemed dedicated to ensuring that their students achieved to the best of their ability, while being supportive, understanding, and amenable to their current situations.

Peter and his team provided excellent support throughout the TESOL course that I did in HCMC. I had my Saigon Family before reaching Vietnam, the course content was fantastic and I learnt a lot from the course, especially the practicals where you teach real children. It can be scary at first but the support is there to get you confident enough to teach and to successful.

Peter and his team provided excellent support throughout the TESOL course that I did in Phnom Penh. The course content was fantastic and I learnt a lot from the course, especially the practicals where you teach real Cambodian children. It can be nerve racking at first but the support is there to get you confident enough to teach.

I had the opportunity to work with the team at AVSE-TESOL on a number of IT projects over the past few months. It was a pleasure to work with people who are truly committed to delivering user-friendly IT experiences for their TESOL customers.

I have to really thank AVSE-TESOL for a number of reasons, especially SJ, David, and Peter. The program they offer was instrumental in helping me get oriented here in Cambodia, getting a better understanding of the country’s educational sector/industry, how to find employment and where to seek it, and most importantly, how to teach English effectively.

The in-class material was most helpful for the more technical aspects of teaching English, and not just in Cambodia. Their lessons are definitely transferable and applicable to other parts of the non-English speaking world. I’d say that even my perspective on teaching a language to non-native speakers has changed in a more positive and nuanced way. Without the instruction of AVSE-TESOL, teaching English, and understanding how to properly teach it to non-native speakers, would have been much more difficult.

Despite the small team, they have been incredibly attentive and accommodating to the needs and concerns of students. Flexibility is something that comes naturally to them, as they truly want their applicants to succeed. SJ, the admissions manager of the company, really went above and beyond what I thought most employees were capable of. A strong work ethic and a genuine care for all participants and applicants, I’m glad SJ and AVSE-TESOL were there to help.

AVSE-TESOL is a great first stepping stone to become an ESL teacher abroad. Not only did they serve me well in gaining the confidence and practical experience to step foot in the classroom, but they also provided me with a great lesson plan structure and tons of inspiration for class activities which have wowed employers and delighted students of all ages.

Taking this course was my first time abroad alone as well. I couldn’t have even imagined trying to start a life in a new city without the friends I made and guidance I received from this course. SJ has been especially helpful with continually providing personalized feedback, tips, and guidance (whether it’s about teaching or finding my way around the city). Thank you! :)

Taking the AVSE-TESOL course in Phnom Penh was a great decision. I got great theoretical and practical training in being an ESL teacher in the classroom experience that also included a great amount of practical experience observing teachers in action in Phnom Penh classrooms and doing my own practice teaching. I went from having no English teaching experience to having the knowledge and confidence to hit the ground running at a new job.

They provided a huge amount of logistical help as well. Pickup from the airport, help with visas, provided accommodation, as well as help finding an apartment afterwards and job placement. Really, with any issues that came up in dealing with starting a new life in Phnom Penh, AVSE was there to help.

In August 2019 I made one of the best decisions in my life to study at AVSE Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam where I obtained a 150 hour TESOL certificate. I can definitely say I had an amazing experience during my time at AVSE, it wasn’t just about studies but creating everlasting friends. I also learned and acquired new techniques and teaching methods.

I don’t really have much to say, if you wanna be a great ESL teacher out there go and grab some classroom management techniques at AVSE, a big shout-out to the management team not forgetting the funny Peter G, I call him MR P, the brain behind the engine.
Peace ✌️

I highly recommend the TESOL Course at AVSE-TESOL in Ho Chi Minh City. The AVSE-TESOL team was very supportive from day one and I learned a lot of skills and knowledge from the training sessions and practical teaching opportunities.
With help from AVSE-TESOL, I secured an ESL teaching job immediately after my TESOL course finished. If you want to pursue a career as an ESL teacher, reach out to AVSE-TESOL.

I found the AVSE Course very useful and I am still using the skills I learnt there almost 5 years later. The instructors on the Course were very knowledgeable and gave me a solid grounding in all aspects of managing a classroom and helping students. Being able to gain practical experience by actually teaching classes both on site and at other schools arranged by AVSE was an excellent way to put into practise what was learnt in class. The highlight of the Course for me was the school that AVSE introduced me to as I am still working for them almost 5 years later.

I did the 150 hour TESOL course in HCMC in May 2018.

I did the course so I could make friends and get my Tesol certificate in the same place. AVSE certainly didn’t fail me.

All the staff were friendly and organised. They helped with all the course work and helping to arrange classroom practice with schools around the city.

The course itself covered everything. I have been teaching in Vietnam for 3 years since completing the training and I am still using the knowledge I obtained during the course.

The admin side was well organised, the housing was great and the atmosphere of the school was great.

I earned my TESOL through AVSE (Ho Chi Minh City) in March of 2017 and have been teaching in Vietnam ever since. AVSE-TESOL provides a great way to transition to a new country and profession. Meeting people from all over the world and having the opportunity to get real classroom experience made all the difference for me. Their education provides a great foundation for becoming an educator and their employment support is invaluable. Glad to have made so many meaningful connections through this organization!

Hello Future English Teachers!

One of the best decisions I made in my life was to choose AVSE to study TESOL. I’ve been an ESL teacher from 2004 and started my career without a TESOL but when I underwent this course at AVSE it was both nostalgic and an amazing experience. Nostalgic because it confirmed that certain techniques I had been using actually was part of a methodology. That really was an eye opener to me because it made me understand methodologies are derived from everyday practices. Then came the amazing part where TESOL @ AVSE opened the doors to new friendships and skills that would last a lifetime.

What makes you jump out of your bed in the morning and feel responsible? – that would be the training sessions at AVSE. I’m saying this because once you do enroll you will never want it to end. AVSE has branches in North and South Vietnam as well as in Cambodia. I did my course at Hanoi. To add to the cream Hanoi is such a beautiful city. Certain parts of it are as old as the silk route trading era itself. Fortunately this city hasn’t lost that charm whilst catering to modern generation. For me studying at AVSE Hanoi was like a match made. I strongly recommend to those who’d want to be part of this noble profession; AVSE certainly is your choice.

An AVSE alumni and a Happy Teacher in Vietnam

Patrick
India

Teaching and traveling have always been passions of mine. Off and on for a few years now, I had pondered taking a TEFL/TESOL course, packing up my life, and moving abroad. The uncertainty and my anxiety always got the best of me and I never pursued it any further.

Last year, the urge came again but this time I did some deeper research and contacted a recruiter. We emailed back and forth for a few weeks, eventually talking on the phone, and she pointed me towards AVSE. After looking into it further, something in me changed. I’m not sure if it was the affordable price, the immersive, onsite experience, the responsive, upbeat coordinator, or the guaranteed job placement, but my mind was suddenly made up. Less than 6 months from that day I was touching down in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I had never left North America before then. I bit the bullet. I faced my fears, head on. I have I have no regrets.

The course was both exactly what I was expecting it to be, while at the same time, being unexpected. I knew it would be an intensive learning experience, but I wasn’t expecting it to be such a great, diverse group of people all having such a fun and rewarding experience together. It’s completely unlike any course I’ve ever been in. I was offered (and accepted) a job immediately upon completion of the program. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to attend AVSE’s Phnom Penh, Cambodia On-Site TESOL Course.

Phnom Penh’s AVSE-TESOL is the perfect opportunity to branch out to a new location while obtaining the necessary qualifications to be an English teacher to speakers of other languages!
The 4-week long course included the perfect combination of class work and hands-on experience to prepare everyone to take on this challenging, yet rewarding career. The class work and activities were always effective and enjoyable. After just one week, I truly felt capable to lead my own classroom.
Once completing the course and being considered competent to take on a teaching position, the program’s Admissions Coordinator, SJ, diligently helps everyone in their individual job search…added bonus!
Now, happily working for a great school, I owe my gratitude to AVSE. Would surely recommend this program to anyone looking for a new adventure in teaching in Southeast Asia!

In December 2019 I took a huge leap of faith leaving the US and made the decision to move to phnom penh, cambodia to enroll in AVSE-TESOL’s course. On the plane, I debated whether I had made the right decision or if I would regret it in the near future. Looking back, this was probably one of the best decisions I have made by going through AVSE. They offer a guaranteed job placement (what sold me from the very start) and are accredited by the Australian government. My coordinator, SJ, was extremely helpful throughout this experience. So for those of you who are considering obtaining your TESOL and want to experience living abroad, I highly recommend AVSE-TESOL.

I recently completed the AVSE TESOL program in Phnom Penh in March 2020. I highly recommend everyone to complete their studies through AVSE. The 4 week course provided a comprehensive insight into the world of ESL teaching. The program included developing skills to plan, organise and deliver fun and informative lessons that catered for learners as young as 4 years of age through to the adult learner plus much, much more. The experienced trainers offered an insight into both the theory and practical aspects of the role and really emphasised making the classroom a fun and interactive experience for our students.

Along with the classroom component, we were timetabled to complete classroom observations in local schools which really helped me to become familiar with the local students and the facilities available. The highlight was the practical teaching in Cambodian classrooms in two different settings. To be able to test out my skills with ‘real life’ primary students which gave me the confidence to believe that I could make a new career as an ESL teacher.

ALL of this would have not been possible (especially with the potential coronavirus threats at the time) without the dedication of Peter and his team. They were caring, patient, knowledgeable and helpful right from the start to finish.

I made the decision beforehand to take a face-to-face 4 week course rather than a quick online course and I’m glad I did. At the end of the 4 weeks, having lived in Cambodia, I felt I had a sound grasp of the culture which can only benefit my teaching in the future. I now have my TESOL certificate and am looking forward to see where it takes me.