Expat Teachers In Vietnam Give Online Lessons Following School Closures

Expats living and working in Vietnam have serious concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, especially as the country is close to Hubei province and Wuhan.

Many tourists from China now visit Vietnam’s capital and flights transit via the northern neighbour. It has to be said that Vietnam has benefited economically from its closeness to China, but its many Western expatriates in the country began panicking when the virus was identified. Festivals have been cancelled and tourism sites shut down, but many believe the fear is being stoked by sensationalist media reports.

As the virus seems to be easily spread, sensible precautions are essential, and both local and expat lives are now being affected both in Vietnam and across the region. At the present time, expat-owned businesses are taking all recommended precautions as regards hygiene, and teachers as well as their students are enjoying an extra holiday period due to school closures. Most expats are taking a ‘wait and see’ position as regards possible infection, but those living in shared apartments are more concerned.

Whilst students may be more than happy to stay at home due to the anti-infection measures being taken by their schools, parents fear their education may be affected should the virus remain active for a long period. Expat teachers themselves are worried about a loss of salary, with some moving their classes online in order for pupils not to lose track of their lessons. Masks and hand sanitisers are now in short supply, with manufacturers being encouraged by the government to step up production.