Teaching at UNIS

Q: What will my course load look like?

A: Your principal will be giving you your teaching schedule and meeting schedules upon arrival. If you have specific questions, please contact your principal. 

Q: What resources are available at UNIS?

A: UNIS students are at the higher end of the privilege spectrum, yet resources at home can still be an issue because of local availability. Teachers are provided materials via the fairly large UNIS stationery store and generally everything you need is there. Our budgets are substantial and any specialty items are ordered from overseas in January for the next school year (but this also means that you can't always expect to order something significant and receive it within the same school year). 

Q: Does the school provide posters, resources, etc. to decorate my classroom with or do I have to bring my own?

A: UNIS is well-resourced and you can find a lot that you might need to decorate your classroom. Some departments have a Vietnamese Teaching Assistant (TA) who can help you organize your materials and your classroom. Like in any school move with educational resources, settling in the first school year takes some time, but there are ample resources for you to explore. And you can order overseas for the next school year if there’s something you must have.

Q: What type of computer will we use?

A: Teachers are issued a Macbook. You’ll be receiving your computer during orientation. 

Q: Can I be put in touch with the other teachers in my department?

A: Definitely! Please contact the teacher greeters or your divisional administrator. Also, we will be pairing you up with a social buddy to help your transition to UNIS and life in Hanoi.

Q: I noticed in the contract that there is a 6 months probation period. Could you please give me a bit more detail as to how the process is carried out? The number of observations? Interviews?

A: All new teachers are technically on probation for the first six months. You will meet up with your supervisor (usually an administrator) during the first half of the year and have some observations to complete the process. We also evaluate ourselves using a Teacher Reflection Rubric and set professional goals. Your supervisor is supportive of your teaching practice and we recognize that UNIS hires experienced teacher professionals who will be of excellent quality. Please ask HR for more information.