HR Orientation Handbook 2011-2012

Orientation Handbook For Teachers 2011 - 2012

Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

CONTENTS The School Philosophy and Objectives .............................................................................. 3 General Information About Vietnam ................................................................................ 5 Accommodation................................................................................................................... 5 Money and Banking ............................................................................................................ 6 Utilities................................................................................................................................. 7 Health .................................................................................................................................. 8 Shopping............................................................................................................................ 12 Postal Services ................................................................................................................... 16 Leisure activities................................................................................................................ 15 Transport around Ho Chi Minh City ............................................................................... 16 Useful contact information: ............................................................................................. 17 Basic Vietnamese .............................................................................................................. 21 APPENDIX 1 .................................................................................................................... 22

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Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

The School Philosophy and Objectives Philosophy: We provide a positive academic and caring social environment that emphasizes the development of the whole child, fostering individual ability within an intercultural community.

Mission: Fostering individual ability.

Objectives: 1. We adopt as the central objective the development of the whole child which encompasses the intellectual, emotional, social, creative, linguistic, cultural, moral, aesthetic and physical needs of students.

2. We challenge each student to be an inquiring, knowledgeable, respectful, independent learner who strives for individual excellence.

3. We urge each student to be a global citizen who seeks to create a better, more peaceful world, through intercultural understanding.

4. We are committed to providing a social and learning community that is progressive and international in outlook, embodying the values described in the IB Learner Profile.

5. We place the child’s experience at the heart of the learning process, emphasising how students learn as a complement to what they learn.

6. We communicate actively with parents and encourage parental support in the education of their children.

7. We promote positive intercultural and host country relationships.

8. We actively promote the spirit of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights within the school programmes.

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Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

IB LEARNER PROFILE IB learners strive to be: Inquirers

They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable

They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in -depth knowledge and dev elop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers

They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to pose and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators

They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

Principled

They act with integrity and honest y, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Open-minded

They understand and appreciate their o wn cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

Risk-takers

They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

Balanced

They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well -being for themselves and others.

Caring

They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Reflective

They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience.

They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

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Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Vietnam The Country Vietnam is a long narrow country, over 1600 km in length. It borders China to the north, Laos to the north-west, and Cambodia to the south-west.

Three quarters of the country is mountainous. The main cultivated areas are in the north around the Red River Delta, and in the south around the Mekong Delta. It is a highly rural country.

Population and People Currently the population is around 86 million. The population is 84% ethni c Vietnamese and 2% ethnic Chinese; the rest is made up of Khmers, Chams (a remnant of the once great Champa Kingdom) and members of some 60 ethno -linguistic groups.

Vietnam has a population density of 200 people per square kilometer but rises to 2,900 people per square kilometer in Ho Chi Minh City, where the population is statistically 6.4 million.

Climate Vietnam has a remarkably diverse climate because of its wide range of latitudes and altitudes. The country's weather is determined by two monsoons. T he relatively dry winter monsoon, which affects mainly the part of Vietnam north of Danang, comes from the north-east between October or November and March.

From April or May to October, the south -western monsoon blows, bringing warm, damp weather to the whole country. The rainfall at this time is heavy and Ho Chi Minh City can have spectacular electrical storms as the humidity is between 80% and 100%.

Ho Chi Minh City has a rather consistent average temperature of between 25 oC and 31 oC. The hottest time is between February and April.

Accommodation and Shipping Accommodation Overseas hired teachers are provided an allowance and find their own accommodation.

Apartments are normally furnished with a television, cooker, and basic furniture. There are a number of local providers for access to internet and satellite/ cable TV. Packing/ Household goods The school normally provides a basic starter pack of crockery and kitchen materia ls until you get a chance to buy things yourself or until your shipment arrive s.     

If you have kitchenware or electrical applianc es, do bring it with you. Items can be bought here but are not really that much cheaper. You should consider bringing : Any special beauty products you use. Best to bring a supply to see you through in ca se you can't find it here.

Any over the counter medicine e.g. for colds, headaches , etc.

Your preferred brand of sun cream and insect repellent .

Enough clothes in your suitcase to get you by until your shipping arrives . Shipping may not arrive before school commences so keep that in mind when packing.

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Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

The kitchen in some apartments is furnished with basic utensils. You may choose to include other kitchen utensils in your shipment to make life easier, such as, paring knife, wine opener, baking containers a nd measuring items, dish cloths, drying cloths, tea pot, wine glasses, cutting board (although all these items can be bought locally) .

Personal Goods Whilst the following items are available in Ho Chi Minh City, the quality is not always of a high standard. Obviously not all of the following suggestions will be relevant to you but these are a few ideas of things you may wish to bring:  books and board games  quality towels and bed linen  women’s underwear (especially larger sized bras and panties)  men’s underwear (especially larger sized socks and briefs)  all personal medication. Most medication is available cheaply here, however, we advise bringing a few months supply of anything you take regularly.  your choice of music  woman’s and man’s shoes of large sizes Culturally Sensitive Material The Ministry of Culture examines such items as books, videos, music casset tes, computer software, DVD and CDs. Any items with content deemed culturally or politically sensitive to Vietnam’s tastes may be confiscated or re -exported. Pornography, anticommunist materials, books about the Vietnam War and foreign guidebooks to Vietnam should not be sent.

When you first arrive any of the above items CDs, books, videos, DVDs may be held by the Ministry of Culture for examination. T hese are usually returned within a few weeks in good order. It is recommended that such items be packed in a separate box if you are sending these unaccompanied.

Experience shows that these items are normally not confiscated if you bring these with you as accompanied (hand-carry) luggage.

Money and Banking Currency and banking in Vietnam The local currency is the dong and comes in denominations from 5,000 to 500,000 notes and coins.

Currency can be exchanged at the bank or currency exchange booths (fo und locally in many shops - often jewellery stores, restaurant, hotels, etc). Old, worn or damaged foreign or local currency may be rejected as will be counterfeit notes that are common in Asia.

It is possible for foreigners to hold accounts in any curren cy, usually US$, in a number of banks. Credit and debit cards are available and may be used in some hotels, restaurants and shops. Cash disbursements against cards are available at many banks. There are ATM machines that service a wide range of cards , local and international. The machines only disburse Vietnam dong, not US$.

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Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

The following is a list of some Foreign Exchange Banks and their addresses: ANZ Bank 11 Me Linh Square, District 1 Tel: 3829 6607/3829 9319 Fax: 3829 9316 The school uses and recomme nds this bank.

Commonwealth Bank Han Nam Office 65 Nguyen Du, District 1 Tel: 3824 1525 Fax: 3824 2703 Bangkok Bank Harbour View Tower 35 Nguyen Hue, District 1 Tel: 3821 4396 Fax: 3821 3772 Banque Indosuez Regency Chancellor Court, 4 th Floor 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1 Tel: 3829 6061 Fax: 3829 6065 United Overseas Bank Central Plaza 17 Le Duan District 1 Tel: 3825 1424 Fax: 3825 1423 VietcomBank 132 Ham Nghi District 1 Tel: 3914 1777 Fax: 38216781

Citi Bank Sun Wah Tower, 15 th Floor 115 Nguyen Hue, District 1 Tel: 3824 2118 Fax: 3824 2267 Calyon Bank 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai District 1 Tel: 3829 9236/9226 Fax: 3822 2421 Deutsche Bank Saigon Centre 14th Floor, 65 Le Loi District 1 Tel: 3829 9000 Fax: 3822 2760 HSBC Metropolitan Building 235 Dong Khoi District 1 Tel: 3829 2288 Fax: 3823 0530 ING Bank 136 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia District 1 Tel: Fax: 3824 1502 Standard Chartered Bank 37 Ton Duc Thang District 1 Tel: 3829 8335 Fax: 3829 8426

At the time of printing (December 2009) the exchange rate is US$1 = 18,479 dong.

You should bring some US$ cash with you to live on for the first month or you may request an advance of salary.

Utilities Electricity The voltage is 220/ 240. Transformers, regulators and adaptors are available locally.

Electricity is billed monthly.

Telephone Telephone services are billed monthly. International, local and mobile calls are itemised.

International calls from Vietnam can be very expensive – it is very easy to chalk up large bills without realising it. SIM cards are readily available and fit most mobiles.

Internet The following are the four main Internet Service Providers. Their charges are similar but contact each for more details: 7

Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Viettel Tel: 6255-5888/ 6280-9652 Address: 394 Le Van Viet, District 9. http://www.vietteltelecom.vn VNN Tel: 37404003 Address: 147/3 Tran Nao, Binh An Ward, District 2. http://www.vnpt.com.vn/TariffComment.asp?ID=11232 Saigonnet Tel: 54020606 Address: 9G1 Tran Nao, Binh Anh Ward, District 2. http://ipt.spt.vn/ FPT Tel: 22009495 Address: 197 D2 Street, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District. http://www.fpt.vn/Service/Adsl.asp Water charges and garbage collection charges Again, billed monthly. These bills are very small in size so be careful not to inadvertently throw them out!

Apartment Service fees Residents in apartments may be charged for water, garbage collection, and laundry, and this does change from time to time. Telephone and electricity charges are billed separately.

Health Required immunization As your contract specifies, you sh ould undergo a medical examination (performed in HCMC, organized by the school after arrival as part of the working permit process), and submit the report to the School Clinic. The cost of this will be reimbursed by the School insurance provider. The report in English will be retained on file. The version in Vietnamese will be sent with your application for a work permit.

You (and any accompanying family members) should consider immunization against typhoid, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pre -rabies (a series of 3 injections), hepatitis A, and hepatitis B and Japanese encephalitis (a series of 3 inject ions) We suggest you contact a doctor on arrival to determine an immunization schedule which you personally wish to follow and begin the injections. Doctors who are resident here often have better experiential knowledge than doctors based oversea s. Because of the necessary time between injections, this process will take a few months to complete.

It should be noted that all immunizations are covered by the schoo l’s medical insurance scheme, and for this reason it is recommended that you obtain any necessary immunizations after arrival into Vietnam. Should you choose to obtain immunizations before you arrive, this is at your own expense.

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Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

General health tips The most common and the most serious medical problems faced by expatriates living in Asia are the same medical problems that are faced anywhere else in the world – including your home country. Some illnesses can be avoided by following simple rules:  Keep a high standard of personal hygiene.  Do not drink the tap water – it should be boiled for 20 minutes and filtered, or drink bottled water.  Avoid ice in your drinks outside of the ho use or major hotels.  Don’t eat unpeeled fruit and salads outside of your house or major hotels.  Be careful with sun and heat – drink plenty of fluids (2 -3 litres), wear loose comfortable clothes, wear a hat, use sunglasses and sunscreen and of course, don’t stay out in the sun too long.  Cooked foods are safest to eat. Avoid undercook ed meat and shellfish.

Any salad vegetables which are eaten raw, or fruit which you don’t intend to peel, should be washed thoroughly. Some people soak raw produce for 20 minutes in a solution of potassium permanganate or Milton. Potassium Permanganate is easy to find in Vietnam and inexpensive. It is sold locally in supermarkets. To be effective, the water must be a light pinkish purple. After sterilising, rinse vegetables in clean (not tap) water.

In addition to the above precautions it is advisable to take a prophylactic worming medication every 3-6 months. Speak to your doctor about taking any drugs to ensure you are informed about any interactions with other medications you may be taking, or other adverse side effects. Worming medication is available for purchase in HCMC. The brand often recommended is called Zentel.

General Tummy Troubles The term ‘general tummy troubles’ does not sound very scientific or medical but is one that is most commonly seen in medical clinics here. ‘Gas’, abdominal cramps, mild or occasional nausea, poor appetite, loose bowel movements and a general feeling of ‘all is not quite right’ in your abdomen are the usual symptoms. This is not uncommon in people who are fairly new to overseas life and is not unique to Vietnam. See y our doctor to rule out infections or parasite infestation, but generally the passage of time and management of your diet will help.

Hospitals, Clinics, and Dental Facilities Medical facilities in Ho Chi Minh City are not the same as those encountered in t he developed world, but facilities with p rovision for foreigners do exist, and there are practicing foreign doctors resident here. The following is a list of some of these: Cho Ray Hospital Address: 201 Nguyen District 10 Tel: 3855 4137/4138

Chi

(Saigon): 8 Alexandre de R hodes, District 1 Tel: 3823 8888

Thanh,

Emergency Center Address: 266 Ly Thuong Kiet, District 10 Tel: 3863 7317

Columbia International Clinic Addresses: (Gia Dinh): 1 No Trang Long, Binh Thanh District Tel: 3803 0678

Family Medical Practice Address: 34 Le Duan Street, District 1 9

Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Tel: 3822 7848

Tel: 3829 8520/ 3829 8424

Franco Vietnamese Hospital Address: 6 Nguyen Luong Bang, D7, Saigon South Tel: 5411 3333

Maple Dentist Address: 72 Vo Thi Sau, District 1 Tel: 38204618 Starlight Dentist STARLIGHT DENTAL CLINIC Address: 3 Han Thuyen St., District 1, HCM City, Vietnam.

Tel: +84.8. 3822.62.22 - 3823.92.12.

International SOS (24 hour Clinic and Alarm Centre) Address: 167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 3

Pharmacies Most drugs are available over the counter. Look for “Nha Thuoc” (pharmacy). Check the condition of the packaging, use by dates and the storage conditions of all medicines before purchasing, as effectiveness may be reduced from poor storage conditions or expired dates. International SOS, the Family Medical Practice and Columbia Clinic also have dispensing pharmacies but these tend to be quite a bit more expensive.

Bach Pharmacy Medicines/pharmaceutical products, 90 Ham Nghi, District 1

Nha thuoc Medicines/pharmaceutical products 199 Dien Bien Phu, District 3

Dong Khoi Medicines/pharmaceutical products 195 Dong Khoi, District 1

Nha Thuoc Tu Do 39 Thuong Xa Tax 135 Nguyen Hue, District 1

Kim Dinh Medicines/pharmaceutical products 205 Hai Ba Trung, District 3

Saigon Pharmacy Medicines/pharmaceutical products, 12 Phan Boi Chau, District 1

Medicare An Phu Supermarket 720K Thao Dien, District 2 Traditional medicine shops Traditional Vietnamese medicine e.g., herbs, animal products etc. some packaged herbal remedies Various shops in Hai Thuong Lan Ong, District 5 (Cho Lon).

Stress Living overseas can be a stressful experience even to people who make careful decisions and preparation for the transition. The specif ic causes may include: culture shock, the sudden encounter with so much that is new and different, feelings of isolation and loneliness, disappointed expectations, communication difficulties – both culturally and caused by a language barrier, the distance from home and the feeling of being out of touch with your home and the world as you knew it.

You will not lead a stress-free life overseas but you can learn to minimise the stress and to function effectively when stress begins to get the better of you. Yo u can start by knowing the warning signs. Are you beginning to get angry readily and for little or no reason? Are you drinking, eating or smoking excessively – a lot more than usual? Have you lost the 10

Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

ability to concentrate? Are you finding it difficult to sleep when this was not a problem before? Are you withdrawing from society, spending long hours/days/evenings in your room in a “safe haven”? Are you feeling depressed and tend to cry unaccountably?

Some simple ways to relieve stress include:  Identify the things you can and cannot control. Take control of these things you can deal with and act positively e.g., improve your diet, begin an exercise programme. Set goals for yourself.  Learn your way around. This can include simply the physical layout of your new environment – the school, your local area and the city of Ho Chi Minh. It also means becoming familiar with the local culture and learning some Vietnamese to help you function more effectively.  Relax and enjoy your new surroundings and culture. Try to tune into the new schedule in your life and the way of life of the people here.  Seek a support network from among your teaching peers and outside of school. Keep communication lines open with home. Share your concerns and don’t wait for someone to notice that you are upset.  Seek a change of scene every so often – at weekends, during the school vacations , etc.  Maintain a sense of humour.  Ask for help. Don’t feel embarrassed to do this; we all need help to deal with our difficulties from time to time.

Safety As in all overseas countries, you must take care to ensure your personal safety. Although it is not a major problem, theft does occur so caution needs to be taken to minimise the risk.

As in many countries, displays of personal wealth are a temptation and an income to those less well off. A good general rule is the less you tempt, the happier and safer your life in Vietnam will be. Do not carry anything you are not prepared to lose.

There have been very few violent acts against foreigners in Ho Chi Minh C ity – incidents generally involve snatch and grab raids from the back of motor -bikes or pick-pocketing. A few general rules:  Don’t wear much jewellery on the streets – especially gold neck chains.  Handbags are always a temptation. However, if you must carr y one keep it in front of you.  Be alert.  Be cautious of street kids, beggars or crowds. Incidents of theft often occur when there are crowds and confusion to distract you.  Always try to know where you are going before you attempt long journeys in cyclos or on motorbikes. Be especially careful at night.  Try to keep in groups at night and never walk alone along dark, empty streets.  The recognised tourist areas should be considered potential high risk areas.

House staff Adjusting to life in Vietnam is much ea sier with the assistance of house staff. How many staff you have will depend on how much you wish to spend and your needs. Many teachers have found in the past that a person to clean and do the laundry is preferable – others have also employed someone to c ook. It is really up to you and your budget. House staff are generally not difficult to find. Word of mouth is usually the best way of locating house staff. There are a number of maids that will offer their services to you upon arrival, 11

Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

and it would be best to obtain references from other residents first before accepting unsolicited proposals.

Currently, salaries for Vietnamese employees must reflect a component for contributions towards income tax, social security and medical insurance. Expect to pay betw een US$ 150 and US$ 200 per month per staff member depending on the level of experience and English competency of the employee. Wages are generally paid at the end of the month.

Staff hours can be arranged to your requirements but an 8 -hour working day with one hour for lunch is normal. Many staff members also work until noon on Saturdays – these details can be negotiated when you are employing staff. By law, a bonus must be paid to employees once a year – generally at Tet (Lunar new year celebrations). The acceptable amount for this bonus is usually one month’s salary, i.e., an employee is paid 13 months salary per year.

Shopping and Entertainment There are a number of useful guides and magazines available, published weekly and monthly, that provide listi ngs of restaurants, bars, venues and events. These are also available online.

Western style groceries Listed below are the addresses of shops where you will find a large variety of grocery items. It is important to check the use -by dates on products before you buy. Some of the stores will take orders over the telephone and deliver to your home free of charge.

Some of the grocery items purchased at these types of shops are more expensive than shopping at the markets for similar products e.g., coffee, flour, dried fruit, UHT milk.

Most outlets are open six days a week and some are open seven days.

Supermarkets Daily produce (imported cheese, butter, UHT milk & cream), a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, breakfast cereals, tinned foods, cleaning pro ducts, limited selection of frozen meat and fish products, toiletries, food wraps, plastic and glas s ware, cooking utensils, pots and pans, imported wine, beer, soft drinks, mineral water, baby formulas and products, toys.

An Phu-APSC Supermarket 720K, An Dien, An Phu, District 2

Ground floor Saigon Trade Centre, 4-6 Nguyen Trung Truc, District 1

Citimart Saigon 39 Le Duan, District 1

Veggy’s 15 Thai Van Lung, P. Ben Nghe, District 1

Japanese Food 2 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1

Saigon Co-op 102 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1 189C Cong Quynh, District 1 127 Dinh Tien Hoang, District Binh Thanh

Korean Food 130/B92 Pham Van Hai, Tan Binh District Metro Cash & Carry Khu Do Thi An Phu – An Khanh, P. An Phu, District 2

Le Gourmet (Annam) 41A Thao Dien, District 2 12

Dairy, meat and fish products Once again you can purchase a considerable amount of dairy, fresh and frozen meat, salamis and fish from the shops already listed. Alternatively you can go direct to th e supplier and they will deliver too.

Fresh meat is available from the local markets. The beef you buy at the market is actually ox or water buffalo and tends to be very tough – only good to mince! Fresh fish and a wide variety of other seafood are availa ble at local markets also. It is important to remember that fresh seafood, meat and poultry are best bought very early in the morning.

Many people tend to ask their house staff to do this purchasing for them.

Vinamilk 36-38 Ngo Duc Ke St, District 1 Tel: 38237077

Kim Hai Trading (Meat, chicken, seafood) 41 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1 Tel: 3821 6057

Food Pros (Imported and local meat and fish) 47/49 Dong Du St, District 1 Tel: 3822 8487

338/2 Nguyen Xi, Binh Thanh District Tel: 3553 4095

Fine Food 36/26 D2 Street, Binh Thanh District Tel: 3512 6402

Le Cochon d’Or 32 Dong Du, District 1 Tel: 3829 3856

Hairdressers Listed below is a selection of hairdressers. Most salons offer the choice of an international or a local stylist. The prices vary con siderably depending on your choice. Facials, manicures and pedicures are usually available, as is body waxing. Appointments are not essential but are recommended for the services of the international stylists. Dyes and perming solutions are usually importe d products, but it is best to check before you have them applied.

The Salon Kim 92G Le Thanh Ton St, Dist 1 Tel: 3823 8954

The Salon Thuyet Vo Truong Toan, An Phu, Dist 2 Tel: 3898 9618

The Rex Hotel 141 Nguyen Hue St, District 1 Tel: 3829 6043

Hung Pasteur 182 Pasteur St, District 1 Tel: 3829 1650

Souche 65 Le Loi, District 1 Tel: 3910 4576

Anthony George London hair and beauty 14 Duong Thao Dien, An Phu, Q.2 Tel. 7446475

Paloma Club Haircutting, facials, manicures, pedicures.

47/3 Pham Ngoc Thach St, Dist 3 Tel: 3823 1745/0053

Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Restaurants There is quite a range of restaurants and bars available offering all types of cuisine and price ranges – from street stalls offering various Vietnamese foods to five star international restaurants. The major ho tels usually prepare buffet meals and also house their own restaurants. Some restaurants provide a home delivery service.

Cafes/ Restaurant Paris Deli 31 Dong Khoi & Le Loi, District 1

Café Central Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue Tel: 3821 9303

ZanZBar 45-47 Dong Du St, District 1

Black Cat Parkland 628A An Bình, P.An Phú, Q.2, Tel: 35233 907

Dragon Nest Restaurant & Bar 186 Nguyen Van Huong, An Phu, District 2 Tel: 38271 2072

Mekong Merchant 23 Thao Dien,, An Phu, District 2 Tel. 3744 4713

Buffet/Brunch Caravelle Hotel 19 Cong Truong Lam Son St, District 1 Tel: 3823 4999

RenaissanceRiverside Hotel 8-15 Ton Duc Thang Tel: 3822 0033

Duxton Hotel 63 Nguyen Hue, District1 Tel: 3822 2999

New World Hotel 76 Le Lai, District 1 Tel: 3822 8888

Moevenpick 253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Dist Tel: 3844 9222

Sheraton Saigon Hotel 88 Dong Khoi St Tel: 3827 2828

Indian Urvashi 27 Hai Trieu, District 1 Tel: 3823 4687

Ali Baba 43 Mac Thi Buoi, District 1 Tel: 38233594

Vietnamese Lemon Grass 4 Nguyen Thiep, District 1 Tel: 3822 0496

Vietnam House 93 Dong Khoi, District 1 Tel: 3829 1623

Italian Chez Guido (delivery only) Delivers to Riverside and Parkland Tel: 3898 3747

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Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Leisure activities Hotels Many of large in Ho Chi Minh City offer re staurants, bar and club facilities:  Park Hyatt Hotel – 2 Lam Son Square, D1 (Tel 3824 1234)  Caravelle Hotel – 19 Lam Son Square, D1 (Tel 3823 4399)  New World Hotel – 76 Le Lai St, D1 (Tel 3822 8888)  Equatorial Hotel – 242 Tran Binh Trong St, D5 (Tel 38390000)  Sheraton Hotel – 88 Dong Khoi Street, D1 (Tel 38272828)  Century Saigon – 68A Nguyen Hue, D1 (Tel 3829 3818)  Continental Hotel – 132-134 Dong Khoi, D1 (Tel 3829 9201)  Hotel Mercure – 79 Tran Hung Dao, D1 (Tel 3824 2525)  Saigon – 251 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Dist (Tel 3844 9222)  Sol Chancery Saigon – 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St, D3 (Tel 3829 912)  Windsor Hotel – 193 Tran Hung Dao St, D5 (Tel 3825 1503)  Rex Hotel – 141 Nguyen Hue, D1 (Tel 3829 3115)  Norfolk Hotel – 117 Le Thanh Ton St, D1 (Tel 3829 5368)  Renaissance Riverside Hotel – 8-15 Ton Duc Thang St, D1 (Tel 38220033) Health clubs and sporting facilities The cost of joining these clubs, etc ., is available on application.  New World Hotel – 76 Le Lai St, D1 (Tel 3822 8888) pool, gym, steam room, s auna, golf driving range, putting ground, tennis, aerobics.  Moevenpick Saigon – 251 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Dist (Tel 3844 9222) pool, gym.  Rex Hotel – 86 Bis Le Thanh Ton, D1 (Tel 3829 2186) tennis.  Saigon Village – 17 To Hien Thanh, D10 (Tel 3865 0287) pool, gym, tennis, library.  International Club – 285B Cach Mang Thang Tam, D10, (Tel 3865 1709) pool, steam bath, gym, squash.  The Landmark – 5B Ton Duc Thang, D1, pool, gym, squash.  Lam Son Pool – 342 Tran Binh Trong St, D5 (Tel 3835 8028)  Touch Rugby – Saigon Rugby Club  Running – Hash House Harriers. Meet at Caravelle Hotel on Saturdays at 2.30pm. Ask at the school for details.  Sofitel – Clark Hatch gym – 17 Le Duan, District 1 (Tel 38235 445)  Sedona Suite – 65 Le Loi District 1 (Tel 38229 666)  Town and Country Club – Parkland, 628A An Binh An Phu, District 2 Golf – don’t forget to bring your own clubs  Song Be Golf Resort – Thuan An District, Song Be Province ( 3823 1223)  Vietnam Golf and Country Club – Long Thanh My Village, Thu Duc (Tel 3896 3028)  Driving Range – An Phu Village, Thu Duc (Tel 3896 0756) Day trips out of Ho Chi Minh City  Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive tunnel network used by the Viet Cong soldiers to organise attacks on the south. Approx. 1 ½ hours from the city by car.  My Tho and Mekong Delta – located at the Mekong Delta. Approx. 1½ hours from the city by car. It is possible to see this area in a day but an overnight stay is recommended.

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Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam



Vung Tau/Long Hai – a 2 hours drive by car or 1 hour 20 minute by hydrofoil. Both have sandy beaches. Long Hai is quieter than Vung Tau. Great seafood.  Tay Ninh – center of the Cao Dai religion. Approx. 2 hours from the city by car.

These trips can be organised through any of the travel agents that can be found in the city or cheaply through Sinh Café, Pham Ngu Lao, D1.

Transport around Ho Chi Minh City Metered taxis A reliable way of getting around the city is by taxi. The following taxi companie s are reliable, have meters and are quite cheap. It is costs about 80,000 dong from An Phu to the city centre.

Vina Taxi Tel: 3811 1111

VinaSun Taxi Tel: 3827 2727

Saigontourist Taxi Tel: 3844 6677, 3845 8888

MaiLinh Taxi Tel: 3838 3838

Motorbikes A Honda Om, also known as Xe Om is a motorbike “taxi” service. You can go aroun d the city easily on a Honda Om. You should agree on the price at the start of the journey. This form of transportation is convenient but may not be as safe as a taxi. It is not recommended by the school.

You may also decide buy or rent a motorbike for the duration of your stay in Ho Chi Minh City. You must hold a foreign licence on the basis of which a Vietnamese licence to ride locally will be granted.

Cars and drivers It is unusual to drive your own car – cars are expensive, insurance is high for foreigners and driving conditions are not ideal. It is, however, possible to rent a car with a driver.

This is a good idea for day or overnight trips. Some places you can hire cars include:  Car for Rent – 61 Ho Tung Mau, D1, tel 3823 0555 (Ms. Nghiem)  Oscan – 2D Pham Ngoc Thach, D1, t el 3823 1022  Saigon Tourist Car Hire – Dong Khoi, D1, tel 3829 5925.

Always make sure your driver fully understands where you want to go before you leave and the price has been negotiated beforehand.

Postal Services Postal Information General Post Office 117 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1, HCMC. Tel: 3825 8730

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Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

You may use your home or school address for receiving mail. Mail coming in and going out of Vietnam is sometimes opened. It is not advisable to send money through the mail. It generally takes a week or two for a letter to reach an overseas destination.

Receiving Parcels If someone sends you a package, you will receive a notification from the post office. Take your notification and your passport to the main post office on Hai Ba Trung (address above), using the entrance on the right.

You must buy a form from the person at the desk, present your passport, the form and the notification to the customs officials. They will ask you to open the parcel, observe the contents and fill in a double form. T he original of this form must be left with the post office. If the parcel contains videotapes, disks, CDs or CD -ROMs you will have to take the parcel to another desk where it will be taken for investigation. You will be given a receipt showing what you lef t, and will be allowed to pick the items up approximately 5 days later. There will be a small inspection fee payable at this time. If your parcel consists of goods that are taxable, such as new clothing, you will be levied the relevant taxes at the time of picking up the parcel. Allow yourself at least half an hour for this process.

Sending parcels If you wish to send a parcel, go to the main post office but turn at the left entrance. You will be required to fill in several forms and present your passport.

When you are packing up the parcel, do not wrap it, as the post office is required to inspect the contents. After the inspection is complete, you will be able to wrap the parcel more attractively and securely there. Again, this process can be lengthy, so allow yourself plenty of time and don’t forget to take along a measure of patience.

Useful contact information: Consulates Australia Laos The Landmark, 5B Ton Duc Thang 93 Pasteur, District 1 Tel: 3829 6035 Tel: 3829 7667 Fax: 3829 6031 Fax: 3822 5750 Belgium Malaysia The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh 2 Ngo Duc Ke, District 1 Thanh District Tel: 3829 9023 Tel: 35127968 Fax: 3829 9027 Cambodia Netherlands 41 Phung Khac Khoan, District 1 Saigon Tower, Level 9, 29 Le Dua n Tel: 3829 2751 District 1 Fax: 3829 2744 Tel: 3823 5932 Fax: 3823 5934 Canada New Zealand 235 Dong Khoi, District 1 Unit 909, Level 9, The Metropolitan, 235 Tel: 3827 9899 Dong Khoi, Dist 1 Fax: 3827 9935 Tel: 3822 6907 Fax: 3822 6905

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Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

China 39 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1 Tel: 3829 2457 Fax: 3829 5009 Cuba 45 Phung Khac Khoan, District 1 Tel: 3829 7350 Fax: 3829 5293 Denmark F 18 Sunwah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue District 1 Tel: 3821 9373 Fax: 3821 9371 France 27 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1 Tel: 35206800 Germany 126 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, District 3 Tel: 3829 1967 Fax: 3829 1919 Hungary 22 Phung Khac Khoan, District 1 Tel: 3829 0130 Fax: 3829 2410 India 55 Mac Dinh Chi, District 3 Tel: 38237053 Indonesia 18 Phung Khac Khoan, District 1 Tel: 3825 1888 Italy 203 Dong Khoi, District 1 Tel: 38241998 Japan 13-17 Nguyen Hue, District 1 Tel: 3822 5314 Fax: 3822 5316

Norway 21-23 Thi Minh Khai, District 1 Tel: 38296869 Fax: 3827 2696 Russia 40 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, District 3 Tel: 3829 2936 Fax: 3829 2937 Singapore 65 Le Loi, District 1 Tel: 3822 5173 Fax: 3914 2938 South Korea 107 Nguyen Du, District 1 Tel: 3822 5757 Fax: 3822 5770 Sweden 8A/11 D1 Thai Van Lung, District 1 Tel: 3823 6865 Fax: 3823 2028 Spain (Economic & Commercial Section) 25 Phung Khac Khoan, District.1 Tel: 3825 0173 Fax: 3825 0174 Switzerland No. 1, Street 14, An Phu, District 2 Tel: 37446996 Thailand 77 Tran Quoc Thao, District 3 Tel: 3932 7637 Fax: 3932 6002 United Kingdom 25 Le Duan, District 1 Tel: 38298433 Fax: 3822 1971 United States 4 Le Duan, District 1 Tel: 3822 9433 Fax: 3822 9434

There are also representative offices for the following countries in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City: Algeria, Brazil, Czech Republic, Egypt, Finland, Israel, Myanmar, the Philippines and Yugoslavia.

Airlines Air France Cambodia International Airlines Cathay Pacific Airways China Airlines

130 Dong Khoi 16 Ho Huan Nghiep 58 Dong Khoi 132-134 Dong Khoi 18

Tel: 3829 0981 Tel: 3829 9462 Tel: 3822 3202 Tel: 3825 1388

Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Eva Air Garuda Indonesia KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Lufthansa German Airlines Malaysia Airlines Philippine Airlines Qantas Airways Singapore Airlines Thai Airways United Airlines Vietnam Airlines

32 Ngo Duc Ke 132-134 Dong Khoi 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang 132-134 Dong Khoi 132-134 Dong Khoi 132-134 Dong Khoi Saigon Center, 65 Le Loi Suite 101, 29 Le Duan 65 Nguyen Du 29 Le Duan 116 Nguyen Hue

Tel: 3822 4488 Tel: 3829 3644 Tel: 3823 1990 Tel: 3829 8529 Tel: 3829 2529 Tel: 3823 0502 Tel: 3821 4660 Tel: 3823 1588 Tel: 3823 3272 Tel: 38234755 Tel: 3829 2118

Travel Agencies Eden Travel 106 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1 Tel: 38228453

Exotissimo Saigon Finance Center 9 Dinh Tien Hoang, D1 Tel: 3825 1723

Blue Sky Travel Vietnam Level 01, The Manor Place 91 Nguyen Huu Canh Str, Binh Thanh District Tel: 38277 007 / 35143 183

Flight Center 2 Huynh Thuc Khang, District 1 Tel: 3914 0180

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Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

School Name/Position Mr. Sean P. O’Maonaigh Headmaster

Mr. Tony Shadwell Business Manager

Mr. Oscar Nilsson Head of High School

Ms. Robyn Blenkiron Head of Middle School

Mrs. Claire McLeod Head of Junior/Elem.

School

Mrs. Quynh Lam Head of City College Campus Ms. Christine Byrne Admission & Marketing Coordinator

Mr. Steve Pham Human Resources Manager

Ms. Nguyen Thanh Mai Human Resources Assistant

Address 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Phu, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Phu, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Phu, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Phu, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Phu, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 236B Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Phu, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Phu, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 28 Vo Truong Toan, An Phu, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Telephone (84-8) 38989094

Mobile 0903845998

E-mail Headmaster@ishcmc.edu.vn

(84-8) 38989381

0903812865

business@ishcmc.edu.vn

(84-8) 38989100

0903859907

Highschool_head@ishcmc.edu.vn

(84-8) 38989100

0903749865

Middleschool_head@ishcmc.edu.vn

(84-8) 38989100

0903930811

Elemschool_head@ishcmc.edu.vn

(84-8) 39320111

0987405605

CCC_head@ishcmc.edu.vn

(84-8) 38989100

0903925944

admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn

(84-8) 38989100

0986165622

HR_Manager@ishcmc.edu.vn

(84-8) 38989100

0983581254

HumanResources@ishcmc.edu.vn

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Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Basic Vietnamese Hello

Xin chaø o

(seen chow)

Thank you

Caùm ôn

(cum ern)

Please

Xin

(seen)

Excuse me

Xin loãi

(seen loy)

How much?

Bao nhieâu

(bow nyew)

Very expensive

Maéc quaù

(muc gwa)

I want to buy…

Toâi muoán mua

(toy moon mwa)

Where is …

Ô Ûñaâu

(er dow)

No

Khoâng

(khom)

Yes

Daï

(ya)

I don’t want a cyclo!

Toâi khoâng muoán cyclo

(toy khom muon cyclo)

Numbers 1 2 moät hai (mot) (hi)

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ba boán naêm saùu baûy taùm chín mö ôø i (ba) (bawn) (nam) (sow) (buy) (taam) (cheen) (mooy)

11 mö ôø i moät (mooy mot)

20 hai mö ôi (hi mooy)

21 hai muoi moát (hi mooy mot)

32 ba mö ôi hai (ba mooy hi)

99 chín mö ôi chín (cheen mooy mot)

100 moät traêm (mot trum)

101 moät traêm linh moät (mot trum ling mot)

233 hai traêm ba mö ôi ba

1,000 moät nghìn (nyeen)

5,000 naêm nghìn (nam nyeen)

50,000 naêm mö ôi nghìn (nam mooy nyeen)

72,000 baûy mö ôi hai nghìn (buy mooy hi nyeen)

(hi trum ba mooy hi)

** naêm is only used for 5 when it is at the beginning of the number. For multiples of 5 it becomes laêm. For example: 15 = mö ôø i laêm, 45 – boán mö ôi laêm, etc.

But 50 = naêm möôi

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Orientation Handbook – International School Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

APPENDIX 1 DRAFT

ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR NEW FACULTY - AUGUST 2010 Overseas hire faculty arrive and are met at the airport and taken to their apartments.

Saturday, July 31 st 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Welcome party for new teachers and Academic Administration Team ZanZ Bar Restaurant.

Sunday , August 1 st 9:00am – 9:30am

Welcome Session (Mr. Sean O’Maonaigh, Mr. Nilsson, Ms Blenkiron, Mrs. McLeod and Dr. Quynh Lam – Meeting Room). Introductions Overview of orientation programme Tour of school campus (Mr. O’Maonaigh and Heads of Section) Coffee / Tea General Session (Mr. Sean O’Maonaigh) (Meeting Room) The school and its community Living in Viet Nam Health and medical considerations in Viet Nam Security and Transportation Medical sign up Vaccination sign up Meeting with Heads of Section Lunch – Sheraton Hotel.

9:30am – 10:30am 10:30am 11:00am – 11:30am

11:30am – 12:30pm 12:30pm - 15:30pm Monday, August 2 nd 9:00am – 10:00am

15:30pm

General Session (Mr. Sean O’Maonaigh and Heads of Section) School Philosophy and Mission Organisational structure of the school Teacher responsibilities Coffee / Tea Visit to City College Campus for new CCC staff.

Faculty Handbook School Routines Teaching resources Fieldtrips, etc.

Technology matters Lunch - provided at school General Session (Mr. Sean O’Maonaigh) (Meeting Room) Human Resources (Mr. Tony Shadwell, Mr. Steve Pham and Ms. Mai) Banking (ANZ) Administration, Facilities and Maintenance (Mr. Lap, Mr. Tang) Community Liaison (Ms. Christine Byrne) Shopping trip – An Phu Supermarket - Transport provided by the school.

Tuesday, August 3 rd 5:30pm-7:00pm

Time for medical checks, vaccinations and banking matters.

Welcome Back Party. Rooftop, Administration Building.

10:00am 11:00am-11:30pm

11:30am – 12:30pm 12:30pm – 13:30pm 13:30pm-15:30pm

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