Move from the UK to Hanoi

hi there! Some quick first shots at answers for you! For contracts - whereas in the past indefinite term contracts (i.e. permanent) were available, I think the maximum now allowed is 2 years in line with standard work permit. so job security is only ever 2 years. Water - no tap drinking water, but potable water delivered to your door in 19l bottles for 70p - so I don't think a problem. I know air quality is not good, but I don’t think about it ( it nay be damaging me though!) For everything else, it depends very much on wherher you are single, with partner, with children, and what is age of children. For example financial issues being: it may not be possible for partner to get work, international schools are very expensive and cost can wipe out higher salary. In considering integration, can I ask, have you ever been to Hanoi, anywhere is Vietnam?

    I'm presently employed in the UK and have received a job offer from a university in Hanoi. I'm reaching out to see if you have any insights on the following:
What is the air quality like in Hanoi, and does it noticeably affect daily life? Are there specific times of the year when air quality becomes a concern?
Could you share any common practices or challenges associated with academic contracts in Hanoi? I've been offered a short 2-year contract.
How is the water quality in Hanoi, and are there any recommendations for ensuring safe drinking water?
I'm currently in a permanent position in the UK. Have you or anyone you know made a similar transition from a permanent role to a short-term contract in Hanoi while maintaining the same salary? What factors should I consider?
What is the work-life balance like in academic positions in Vietnam?
For those who have relocated from the UK to Hanoi, how seamless is the process of integrating into the local culture?

Any insights you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards
   

    -@kapilsaini

Hanoi is in a geological basin which means that the high air pollution often becomes stagnant & toxic in the frequent absence of weather factors clearing the air.

During the hottest months of the year, this frequently creates an air inversion phenomenon where the heat & smog become stifling and the best you can do for your health is remain indoors or travel by air conditioned automobile.

The combination of the high smog levels and stifling humidity make it especially uncomfortable and somewhat unsafe to attempt life without air conditioning, so a higher than usual electricity bill for Vietnam must be factored into your cost of living estimates.

Also, make sure that the place where you'll work has adequate air conditioning.

During those high heat periods, Hanoi regularly rates in the top 10 list for worst air quality in the world.

If you can work your schedule to allow you to be inside from about 9 AM till 4 PM daily, life outside won't be quite so intolerable.

Your choices for drinking water are to purchase relatively inexpensive bottled water OR have a water filtration unit.

We use a water filtration unit in our Đà Nẵng home but we still need to run that water through a Britta filter system in order to get the best taste results. 

Please don't get me wrong: Hà Nội is actually my favorite city in Vietnam for many different reasons, including the arts scene, architecture and college town vibe.

I can understand Vietnamese people speaking English there better than in any other location I've visited in the country (I have a theory as to why that's so).

Also, during your free time you'll have fairly easy access to some of the most amazing sites the country has to offer, from the mountains bordering China to Hạ Long Bay and more.

Good luck with your future plans.

It's always advisable to visit before accepting employment, but unfortunately, most people seeking employment in Vietnam can't seem to afford to do an exploratory visit first.

To follow in real-time the air quality in Hanoi:

https://www.iqair.com/vietnam/hanoi

And in Ho Chi Minh:

https://www.iqair.com/vietnam/ho-chi-minh-city

Thanks Erikji for those useful links.  I notice HCMC is worse than  Hanoi at the moment - then I read this article of theirs:   https://www.iqair.com/newsroom/concern- … al-ranking

@kapilsaini

Remain in the UK - it’s that simple!

@noddi

Hi Noddi,

Thanks a bunch for the quick info! Really helpful insights on contracts, water, and family considerations. Never been to Hanoi or Vietnam, so your perspective means a lot. The key concern is 2 year contract, which gives all the power to  employer, although they told me that they would renew the permit based on some performance criteria.

Best,

Kap

@OceanBeach92107

Wow, thanks a bunch for the detailed insights!

Knowing about air quality and the need for AC in the hot months is eye-opening.

Hanoi sounds like a cool place, and your positive vibes about it are interesting. Appreciate the good wishes, and I totally get the challenge of checking it out before accepting a job. Unfortunately, that's not in the cards for me right now.

Best,

Kap

    Thanks Erikji for those useful links.  I notice HCMC is worse than  Hanoi at the moment - then I read this article of theirs:   https://www.iqair.com/newsroom/concern- … al-ranking-@noddi

Yes today but depends on the wind, usually it's the contrary, Hanoi is 2X worst than HCMC.

Today not enough wind in HCMC.

Another interesting link about the pollution is Windy (fine particles in yellow/red):

https://www.windy.com/-PM2-5-pm2p5?cams … ,107.271,7

When the wind at the airport of HCMC is more than 10 km/h, you know the air is "ok".

@secedit

Thanks for your response. I appreciate your straightforward view. Could you share more about why you suggest remaining in the UK? I'm keen on understanding different opinions and experiences to make an informed decision. If there are specific aspects or challenges you think I should be aware of, I would value your insights.

@kapilsaini The limited contract is a real risk, and I think secedit’s point is, is this a risk you should be taking? You haven't said what you personal situation is (single / partner / family) which makes a big difference. If you are a young single person, you move here then the job ends after 6 months - it would not be great - but with a family - it could be a disaster! You should be aware that even though 2 year contract signed - it can be ended early, you should assume no job security (that doesn't mean you can't be employed here for many years though, I'm on my 17th). There are a whole load of issues… if you share more info you can get more advice from us.

@noddi

Thank you very much for your insightful reply. I appreciate your concern about the limited contract issue, and I haven't accepted the offer yet for precisely that reason. As a single individual, I understand the potential challenges that could arise if the job were to end after six months.

Given that the prospective employer is a reputable Australian University in Vietnam with a significant international faculty, I was wondering if job security might still be a concern. I value your experience and insights, especially since you've been employed in Vietnam for a considerable period.

I currently hold a senior permanent faculty position at a well-regarded UK university and was seeking international teaching experience in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam. The two-year work permit does present a significant consideration, and I'm weighing the risks associated with it.

If you have any further thoughts or advice, especially considering the job offer is from a reputed international university in Vietnam, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you

@kapilsaini ok - so let’s assume you can do the job and they like you,  then you have your 2 years. Not sure what the current deal is for such jobs, but it would be good if they provide a relocation package for you - not just because it is financially a help for you, but it means they are making an investment in you,  If you are looking to get international experience - there may be other ways. Secondments, exchanges, voluntary teaching. Perhaps you do not have to give up your uk tenure…. just a thought (eg I am involved in orgsnising expert teaching in Vietnam by UK staff for periods of 1 week to 3 months).  Again, not enough detail on your motivation, field, job position etc to give more advice.

A new article on vnexpress:

"Air pollution sends expats packing from Hanoi"

https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/envir … 00899.html

Getting back to concerns about air quality, here's a timely article from the news:

Air pollution sends expats packing from Hanoi

https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/envir … 00899.html

Another foreigner who, after spending five years in Hanoi, left the northern city recently is Matt Blacker. He also felt the situation had become untenable after noticing how rarely the AQI dipped below 150 for months at a time.

He says: "The air pollution definitely began to affect my quality of life after a while in the city. During periods when the air quality was over 200 or sometimes even 300 I'd spend days at home, with two air purifiers running day and night.

"I'd only leave the house if I had to go to work - wearing a half-face respirator mask that people use for painting or construction. I realized I couldn't take advantage of all the things to do in Hanoi without the ever present reminder that I was breathing poisonous air whenever I was outside."

It should be noted that it is considered a region-wide problem, so not only Ha Noi  is affected. Basically, the only way to avoid it is to live in a smaller city near the coast. For example, the AQI in Vung Tau right now is 38.