Hi Nick. I've had a quick look at the providers of CELTA you've listed for Vietnam. Any centre that wants to offer Cambrige ESOL (CE) has to meet certain requirements. Centres that get accepted have to demonstrate thet they meet the stringent criteria laid down by CE which includes competent, experienced and qualified staff and decent resource provision for learners. Once a centre is accepted, this is not the end of the story as there will be some external validation as the centre gathers pace, to ensure standards are being maintained. If this is indeed a level playing field amongst the providers, then it just might be the other added extras that make one provider better than another. Hard for me to judege.

ILA's website looks good and answers a number of questions about requirements and living in Vietnam. I also notice that they are stating they are non-profit which would suggest they are either just covering their operating costs, or get some external funding. They also seem to have a mission to provide all of the required teachers for Vietnam (tall order - but a laudable aim). If it's how they work then this is a refreshing change from the 'money first approach' that seems to be the norm in China for business. Given that only this week, the UK Conservative PM has stated that the foreign aid budget will be axed for 16 countries including Vietnam, I wonder if this will have any effect. One of the links on the ILA website wouldn't work - the link to their forum. But I also notice that before being accepted on the course you would need to qualify for entrance into the country, and this appears a little more detailed than in some countries. Something I was unaware of is the dress code for teaching in Vietnam, as they state that males would need to wear a collar and tie. It wouldn't bother me if it's a requirement and condition, but some teachers would find this rule a little annoying.

I have no affliation with this group and this is not an endorsement of their centres or their product. I'm not making this decision as you are, but ILA looks promising. Whatever you decide, come back here and let us know how it all went for you.