My Lil’ Saigon

My Lil’ Saigon…

About

This page was created by Brian Cotter. He is currently living in Vietnam and teaching English to little kids. He enjoys trees and lakes and wishes he was able to be around them all the time.

For more information, please leave comments.

9 Comments so far

  1. Kim Fay January 8th, 2007 8:26 am

    Dear Brian,

    I am the editor of the To Vietnam With Love guidebook, and I am interested in corresponding with you about the possibility of your contributing to the book. Please contact me at kfay@thingsasian.com if you are interested, and I will send you more information about the project.

    With warm regards,
    Kim Fay

  2. David Arnold March 21st, 2007 11:31 pm

    hello,

    I’ve made the decision to teach English in Vietnam. I applied to ILA Vietnam for training, and was accepted. However, because I only have an associate degree, and not a bachelor’s, they tell me I can’t get a work permit.

    What do you think my options are?? Is there any hope for me in my current situation?

    The ILA Vietnam tells me I might be able contact schools I’d like to work for and ask them if they would employ me and give me a work permit.

    They also say I’ll be able to find work in Vietnam after their course but I won’t be able to work legally. The teacher training coordinator said “I know people who have done the course without having the qualifications to get a work permit. You’ll basically be paid under the table and the work conditions may not be as good”

    I’m curious to know what you think. Anything you can tell me would be most appreciated. Thank you

    dave arnold

  3. dave arnold March 22nd, 2007 5:35 am

    oh i forgot, if you need my email, its darnold@tallahassee.com

  4. Ben April 17th, 2007 4:38 am

    Hey Brian,

    I just sent you a facebook message and Ly an email at her @wisc.edu address.

    Thanks,

    Ben van Boxtel

  5. Paul Huynh July 21st, 2007 12:42 pm

    Hey Brian,

    I’ve just recently arrived to Saigon after accepting a job offer here and looking for a tennis partner for a hit occasionally. Let me know if you’re keen - 0903 096 251.

    Cheers,

    Paul

  6. Scott August 11th, 2007 3:50 pm

    Hi Brian

    I find you from your blog, welcome to Thailand. I am currently working on a new book on the expatriate experience in Asia for a publisher in the UK. I am asking if you are interested in helping out a fellow American expat. I am currently attempting to compile a series of interesting “case studies” to balance some of the more theoretical parts of the book. If you are interested in having your case included in the book, I would like to send you a fairly short questionnaire about yourself and your experience. I can use your real name or a pseudonym and attempt to modify your information without losing the flavor of your experience living and working abroad. If you allow your real name to be used, I will allow you to see and approve of your case study before going to press. If you would like me to use a pseudonym, I will make every reasonable effort to hide your identity, but make no guarantee that no one will be able to recognize that actual identity of the person described in the book. However, I have no intention of attempting to embarrass anyone, in fact it is hoped to show the expatriate experience and individual expatriates in a positive light. If requested, I can provide you with samples of some other writings so that you will have an idea of the type of book it will be. It is hoped this book when finished will be of use to the wide range of expatriates, including those of us who have worked in Asia in non-traditional expatriate roles.

    If you are interested and willing to spent a few minutes to help out a fellow ex-pat, please send me an e-mail at scotta@loxinfo.co.th or scotta_1998@yahoo.com

    Cheers

    Scott

    PS I loved your Blog.

  7. elizabeth respess December 31st, 2007 2:51 am

    Brian,
    I was a little kid living in Saigon in 1961-63. I have many questions. Please contact me.
    The pictures are great. Talk about a flood of memories.
    Thanks,
    Elizabeth

  8. Mark Armstrong January 22nd, 2008 9:15 pm

    Dear Brian,

    My wife and I have been living in the Seoul area, South Korea for going on six years now and are looking to get away from it all and move to Vietnam. I have been having a dreadful time with the accommodations end of it, though. Email after email has been sent to real estate agents with no response at all. Is this normal? If you have any advice for moving to Saigon, I would love to strike up a conversation.

    Thanks,

    Mark Armstrong

  9. Aimee Kligman August 8th, 2008 9:16 am

    Want to exchange links with you. Will most likely be in Viet Nam for the third time in 2009/ Please let me know if you’re interested.
    thanks.
    Aimee

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