::::: Asia TEFL :::::

The 8th ASIA TEFL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
"Teaching English as a Global Language: Creating and Sharing the Asian Framework of Practice"

Hanoi, Vietnam, 6-8 August 2010

Organiser: HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES & INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Donors:
British Council Vietnam
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT, Australia)
Oxford University Press

JOINING INSTRUCTIONS

*IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE, PLEASE CONTACT US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*

(Please bring these notes with you for reference)

Dear Presenters and Participants

We are delighted that you will be able to attend this major event and look forward to welcoming you to Hanoi. In the meantime we are sending these joining instructions to help you prepare for your visit.

1. Conference venue

La Thanh Hotel
Address: 218 Doi Can Street Hanoi Vietnam
Tel + 84 4 3 8235 123

2. Conference Contact Information & Emergency Contact Information

Mr Vo Dai Quang
Hanoi University of Languages & International Studies
Hanoi National University
Tel. 0437547042 / 0903410341
Email: vodaiquang@yahoo.com

Mr Le Van Canh
Conference Chair
International Cooperation Office
Hanoi University of Languages & International Studies
Hanoi National University
Email: canhvanle@vnu.edu.vn

External contact details

Police	:	Dial 113
Fire Station	:	Dial 114
Ambulance	:	Dial 115
General Information	:	Dial 1080

3. Arrival

Registration will start from 9.00 AM on August 5th in the pre-function area of the first floor of the La Thanh Hotel, which will save you time in the morning of the first day of the conference (6 August). The conference fee can be paid in US dollar in cash at registration.

For those arriving at Noi Bai airport: Transport from Noi Bai airport to central Hanoi

There are taxis at the airport that can drive you from the airport to the venue. A one-way taxi from the airport to the city costs around US$15.00 or VND250,000 (flat price). This includes the airport road toll. The journey from the airport to central Hanoi takes approximately 45 minutes depending on traffic. Airport Taxis and Noi Bai Taxis are both regulated companies. If you travel in groups of three, you share the cost, which is really cheap. It is about 40 minutes from the airport to the Conference Venue. The Airport minibus costs VND35,000 per person in either direction and drops passengers downtown on Quang Trung Street.

The organising Committee does not arrange airport pick-up and drop-off services. However, we have arranged for a number of young English-speaking students to be at the airport from 9.00 to 19.00 on 5 August. They will be holding the ASIA TEFL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE banner/ sign board. Please approach them in case you need any help, e.g. advice on taxi or money exchange.

For participants arriving in Hanoi by train:

Taxis are available immediately outside the stations. Please look for registered taxis operated by meter i.e. Hanoi Taxi (38535353), Mai Linh Taxi (38222666).

4. Accommodation

We have reviewed some hotels in Hanoi and would like to recommend you book your accommodation at one of these hotels:

Hanoi Hotel
D8 Giang Vo, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Tel: 84 (4) 3845 2270; Fax: 84 (4) 3845 9209
E-mail: hanoi-hotel@fpt.vn
Room rates: US$75++ /single room (street view), US$90++/single room (lake view)

Hanoi Horison Hotel
40 Cat Linh, Hanoi
Tel: 84 (4) 37330808; Fax: 84 (4) 37330888
Email: sales@hanoihorisonhotel.com.vn
Website: www.swiss-bellhotel.com
Room rates: US$100++ /single room

Daewoo Hotel
366 Kim Ma st., Hanoi
Tel: 84 (4) 3831 5555; Fax: 84 (4) 38315500
Email: Reservation@daewoohotel.com.vn
Website: www.hanoi-daewoohotel.com
Room rates: US$120++ /single room

Dong Do Hotel
146 Giang Vo, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Tel: 84 (4) 3834 3021; Fax: 84 (4) 3831 4928
E-mail: dongdojsc@pmail.vnn.vn
Website: www.dongdojsc.com
Room rates: VND500,000 net/single standard room (for Vietnamese guests)
                   USD50 net/single standard room (for foreigners)

Khan Quang Do Hotel
189 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Tel : (84-04) 7.236 727, (84-04) 8.456987; Fax :(84-04) 8.472468, (84-04) 7.224764
Email : info@khanquangdohotel.v
Website: www.khanquangdohotel.vn
Room rates: USD35 ++ to USD40 ++ net/single standard room

Ethnic Minority Guest House
349 Doi Can, Lieu Giai, Hanoi
Tel: 84 (4) 37623207; Fax: 84 (4) 37627072
E-mail: kh_kd.nkdt@yahoo.com
Website: www.nhakhachdantoc.com.vn
Room rates: VND450,000 ++/single standard room (for Vietnamese guests)
                   USD35 ++/single standard room (for foreigners)

Kim Anh Hotel
132 Ton Duc Thang, Hanoi
Tel: 84 (4) 38231291 or 84 (4) 38231292; Fax: 84 (4) 38459122
E-mail: kimanhhotel@fpt.vn
Room rates: range from VND400, 000 to VND450, 000 net/single or double room
This is a basic hotel.

Holidays Hotel
27 Quoc Tu Giam, Hanoi
Tel: 84 (4) 37474106; Fax: 84(4) 37474338
E-mail: holidays-hn1@hn.vnn.vn
Website: www.holidays-hn.com.vn
Room rates: VND500,000 net/single standard room (for Vietnamese guests)
                   USD33 net /single standard room (for foreigners)
This is a basic hotel.

Commerce Hotel 2
216 Doi Can, Hanoi
Tel: 84 (4) 38453852; Fax: 84(4) 37236030
Room rates: VND260,000 to VND320,000 net/single or double room
This is a basic hotel.

The hotels mentioned above are located near the conference venue. However there are also many good hotels in the more central Hoan Kiem area which is about a 15-20 minute taxi journey from the conference hotel.

In addition, we have also included contact numbers for the La Thanh Hotel where the conference will be held:

Address: 218 Doi Can Street Hanoi Vietnam
Tel + 84 4 3 8235 123
The conference rates: US$ 40; US$ 50 (single occupancy) or US$70; US$100; US$120 (twin)
Contact: Ms. Dinh Hong Luong - email: nklathanh@gmail.com

Please note that you should make your booking as early as possible to secure a room. You will need to make payment directly to the hotel on checking out.

5. Presenters' registration

We recommend that all presenters register on Thursday 5 August at the pre-function area on the first floor of the La Thanh Hotel. You will be able to pick up your Welcome Pack and name badge and find out more about the administration procedures.

6. Equipment

Standard equipment will be provided in each breakout room. Standard equipment consists of flipchart, whiteboard, LCD projector with screen and laptop.

7. Meals

Tea and coffee are provided at breaks and lunch is also provided in the hotel on all the 3 days. Lunches will be buffet style with a choice of food which we hope will meet different tastes and dietary requirements.Food for Muslims and vegetarains will also be served during the conference days.

8. Travel/Medical Insurance (for presenters/participants coming from other countries)

You are strongly advised to take out adequate travel/medical insurance for the duration of your stay in Vietnam. Visitors to Vietnam are required to pay for all locally provided medical treatment.

9. Inoculations (for presenters/participants coming from other countries)

You are strongly advised to take out adequate travel/medical insurance for the duration of your stay in Vietnam. Visitors to Vietnam are required to pay for all locally provided medical treatment.

10. Visas & Entry Requirements

You should check visa and entry requirements with the Vietnamese Embassy in your country. Entry to Vietnam may be refused if your passport has less than six months validity.

If you lose your passport or have over-stayed you will need to apply for a new passport at your Embassy in Vietnam; apply for a new visa from the Immigration authorities in order to leave the country. This can only be done during working hours and usually takes five to ten working days.

You should retain the Arrival Departure Declaration on entry to Vietnam, as this is required for exit. If you lose this you are likely to be fined on departure.

11. Electricity

The power supply is 220 volts and AC. Two-pin plugs are the norm, but as some are flat pin and others round, visitors are advised to bring an adapter.

12. Travel Advice

Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Vietnam have resulted in a small number of human fatalities. As a precaution, you should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

13. Climate & Clothing

Geography

Covering an area of 329,600 square kilometres, Vietnam extends across two climatic zones with a moderate climate in the North, comparable to that of Southern Europe, and a tropical climate in the South. Hanoi is, like Hong Kong, located at a geographical latitude slightly to the South of Cairo or the Canary Islands, while Ho Chi Minh City is at a geographical latitude only slightly to the North of the Nigeria capital Lagos.

Altogether the country stretches for more than 1,650 kilometres from North to South. The coastline of Vietnam is about 3,000 kilometres long. Mountains and hills cover four-fifths of Vietnam's territory with the Truong Son range stretching over 1,400km. Mount Fansipan (3,142m) is the highest peak in Southeast Asia.

Climate
Hanoi has four distinct seasons. During spring (March and April) and autumn (October and November) the climate is pleasantly warm and dry. Summers (May to September) are hot with temperatures averaging 78-90°F (25-32°C) and very humid. During the winter (December to February) there are long periods of low cloud and drizzle. The air is very damp and temperatures can drop sharply within a few hours to as low as 42°F (8°C).

HCMC has a tropical climate, specifically a tropical wet and dry climate, with an average humidity of 75%. A year is divided into two distinct seasons. The rainy season, usually begins in May and ends in late November. The dry season lasts from December to April. The average temperature is 28 °C (82 °F), the highest temperature sometimes reaches 39 °C (102 °F) around noon in late April, while the lowest may fall below 16 °C (61 °F) in the early mornings of late December

Clothing requirements

During the heat and humidity of summer it is best to avoid clothes that contain synthetic fibres, especially underwear. Clothes and shoes can be adversely affected by Hanoi's climate. It is wise to leave draws open and dehumidifiers on. In winter good quality woolen jumpers can usually be bought and ski jackets and winter coats. During the conference, it is not necessary wear suits because of the weather. A tie is appropriate if you like.

Men's clothing - in summer business attire is lightweight suits with long or short-sleeved shirts and ties. Open-neck shirts with lightweight trousers are suitable for e.g., casual dinners and receptions. Short-sleeved shirts, which should be 100% cotton, can be made to measure cheaply.

In winter, ties and jackets during office hours with light to medium weight suits for all formal occasions and at dinner parties. Occasionally a sweater, raincoat/overcoat or anorak is necessary.

Women's clothing - lightweight, natural fibres are best for the hot and humid summer months and women should bring a range of dresses, blouses, skirts and trousers. Reasonably priced cotton and silk clothes can be made up locally (although quality varies) which is what most women end up doing.

14. Communication & Time Zones

Time

Vietnam is six hours ahead of the UK (GMT+ 6) in the summer

Telecommunications

International phone call charges from Vietnam are among the highest in the world.
Faxes and emails can be sent from most hotels and mobile phones are popular in Vietnam.
Mobile phone Sim cards are readily available and national calls reasonably priced.
To save costs, you can press 171 or 178 before press 00 for calling out of Vietnam and for calling between cities in Vietnam.
Example: 171 + 00 + country code + area code + Tel number
178 + 0 + area code + Tel number

15. Money

Currency exchange

Vietnam local currency is Vietnam dong.

There are moneychangers in the airports, and high-end hotels will also change money. For travelers' cheques you will have to go to a bank. For current exchange rates, check this link. For exchange purposes, the US dollar is far and away the most useful currency to bring with you. Despite foreign exchange laws prohibiting the use of dollars in day-to-day transactions, dollars are readily accepted at most establishments.

Most of the Banks in Vietnam offer the full range of banking services. Major credit cards are now accepted in most tourist destinations and many banks can organize cash advances for Visa and MasterCard, usually at a rate of 3% commission. Some travelers cafes provide this service at higher rates, but they operate daily -banks usually close weekends. Due to a recent increase in stolen travelers' cheques, many banks now require that you present the purchase voucher along with your passport when cashing the cheques. 24-hr ATM's, dispensing Dong only, are available at: ANZ Bank, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Vietcombank, Vietin Bank - Most branches nationwide.

16. Transportation / Getting Around

Hanoi - Getting around town

In Hanoi fleets of cyclos (bicycle rickshaw) cruise the streets looking for custom. A cyclo ride can be a pleasant way to see the city. It is unwise to take a cyclo late at night.

Taxis in Hanoi are abundant. They are usually booked by phone although they can sometimes be hailed on the street.

Hanoi Taxi's Tel: 0438535353
Mai Linh Taxi's: 04 38222666

Some of the smaller taxis have been known to be running meter scams, in order to over charge you, this usually happens when hailed on the street. You may want to use the bigger firms as listed above in order to avoid this.

Normally, taxis in Hanoi are metered to start between around VND10,000 to VND12,000 for the first 1.5km.

Bicycles and motorbikes can be hired. Bicycles cost around $1 per day and motorbikes about $5 to $10. For running motorbikes, the local driving licence is required.

Under Vietnamese law, safety helmets must be worn at all times when driving a motorbike.

Ho Chi Minh City - Getting around the city

Taxies and cyclos (bicycle rickshaw) are the most reliable mean of transports to travel around the city and its centre. However, the cyclos are restricted in a certain number of main streets. Any taxis also costs about VND10,000 to VND12,000 for the first 1.5km. The leading prestigious taxies companies are currently running their 24-hour services in the city as follows:

Mai Linh Taxi: 08 38383838
Vina Sun Taxi: 08 38272727
Vina Taxi: 08 38111111
Saigon Tourist Taxi: 38464646

For experiencing a cyclo, a clear route and total cost would need to be agreed earlier with local drivers to avoid unnecessary arguments. Any advice on catching a cyclo before the trip should be taken from Concierge or Reception staff of your staying hotel costs.

The public transport system is not diversified and efficient in Ho Chi Minh City as regarded the largest city of Vietnam - only air-conditioned buses are operating in this city, neither tram or tube. Travelling by bus is cheap but adventurous for foreign passengers in terms of its operation, running routes, and safety.

17. Safety & Security

Crime

Crime levels are low, petty street crime is increasing in the larger cities (such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi) and tourist resorts. Several violent assaults against tourists were reported on Cat Ba Island (close to Ha Long Bay) and in Nha Trang (Central Vietnam). You should take sensible precautions. Do not walk in secluded locations alone, or with people you do not know. Petty crime is not confined to the backpacker district but also occurs in the main tourist shopping areas. Bag snatchers on motorbikes can also be a problem. You should avoid carrying handbags or wearing highly visible jewellery, especially necklaces, and expensive looking watches. When possible, leave passports and valuables in a hotel safe and only carry a photocopy of the data page of your passport. You should use taxis after dark to minimise the risk of robbery by cyclo or motorbike drivers.

When travelling by bus or train, remain vigilant against petty theft. Always use licensed taxis or pre-arranged hotel pick-up when transferring from airports. Do not accept offers of free transfers to hotels, as these are likely to be bogus.

You should be aware of spiked drinks, particularly late at night in the bars. You are advised not to leave food or drink unattended or to accept food or drink from strangers.

Road Safety

Before driving any vehicle you must obtain a Vietnamese driving licence from the Vietnamese Road Administration in Hanoi, (fax: +84 4 3857 1440) or, in Ho Chi Minh City, from the Department of Public Works and Transportation (tel: +84 8 3829 0451 or 0452, fax: +84 8 3829 0458). Vietnamese law requires the use of crash helmets for motorbike riders on major highways. You are advised to wear a crash helmet at all times when travelling by motorbike.

Pedestrians should take particular care crossing roads in major cities. Driving is erratic and sometimes dangerous. Taxis are a common mode of transport, but you should be vigilant avoid using smaller unlicensed taxis. Always agree with the taxi driver the cost of your journey before embarking.

Driving Licence

Vietnamese driving licences are mandatory for all drivers of motor vehicles as well as for riders of motorcycles with a capacity of over 50cc. Non-Vietnamese citizens are only permitted to drive in Vietnam if they hold a temporary Vietnamese driver's licence.

The penalties for driving offences should be clearly understood. For example, driving without a proper licence may involve severe penalties. Experience has shown that such penalties might be as much as a three year jail sentence for driving unlicensed, up to ten years imprisonment for driving unlicensed and causing an accident, and up to twenty years imprisonment for driving unlicensed and causing an accident resulting in death. Actual penalties are, of course, determined by the police and the courts.

Rail Safety

Rail travel in Vietnam is generally safe (there was one serious accident in 2004). There are sometimes incidents of crime on trains and therefore you should remain vigilant.

18. Doing Business

Vietnamese people prefer doing business with people they respect.
Relationships develop slowly and do not flourish after one meeting; it may take several meetings.
Always be respectful and courteous when dealing with others as this leads to the harmonious relationships necessary within business.
Rank is always respected. The oldest person in the group is revered.
It is difficult for many Vietnamese to say no, so you must be cognizant of their non- verbal communication. Watch your body language and facial expressions, as these will be believed over your words.

19. Language

Vietnamese is the official language in Vietnam . Other languages spoken in Vietnam are French, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Russian while English use is becoming more prevalent in government and commerce. English , Chinese, Russian and French are also being taught as a foreign language in schools and universities.

20. Country Key Facts

Country

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam lies along the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula. It is a long and narrow country, over 1,600 kms in length covering an area of just under 330,000 square kilometres.

The northern border is with China; to the west lies Laos and the south west, Cambodia. The country is wider at its northern and southern ends while the central part is narrow, as little as 50km at its narrowest point. The eastern side of the country is a 3,000 km coastline along the South China Sea.

Three quarters of the country is mountains and hills, the highest of which is Phan Si Pan (3,143m). The Truong Son mountains run almost the entire length of the country. The main cultivated areas are in the north, around the Red River Delta and in the south around the Mekong Delta.

In addition to the mainland, Vietnam comprises various offshore islands including Phu Quoc off the coast of Cambodia, and the Paracel Islands east of Danang and the Spratly Islands.

Vietnam is going through a rapid period of change and development. There is an improving range of shops, hotels and other facilities. The pace of life is relaxed and the atmosphere is friendly.

Some useful websites:-
Http://www.newhanoian.xemzi.com
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/

Population

The population of Vietnam is approximately 84 million. Ethnically, Vietnam is the most homogenous country of Southeast Asia. About 90% of the population are Vietnamese and there are more than 50 ethnic minorities. The largest groups are Thai and Hmong tribes. There is about 1 million ethnic Chinese living in urban centres in the South of the country.

Hanoi

Hanoi is the second largest city in Vietnam (after Ho Chi Minh City formerly called Saigon) with a land area of over 3,000 square kilometres and a population in excess of 6 million. Hanoi lies in the fertile Red River Delta. Hanoi's terrain is relatively flat, though surrounding areas consist of mountains and hills up to over 450m high. Most of the city lies at an average of 5m above sea level, although parts are more than 10m below sea level protected only by artificial embankments.

Despite the constraints of living in a developing country, Hanoi is an easy city to live in.

Driving conditions in Vietnam are demanding and hazardous. 95% of vehicles are motorbikes and crossing the road can be daunting at first!

In terms of crime, Hanoi is safer than most cities, but it is becoming less safe. There are reported cases of pick pocketing and bag snatching, but this is rare. Overall, expect to take the precautions as you would in many other countries in the world.

21. Social Customs

You are unlikely to go wrong if you remain polite, good humoured and follow common sense. The following are some basic points:

· The Vietnamese usually present their name cards (with two hands) on first introduction and will expect one in return.

· The Vietnamese usually shake hands Western style on meeting and parting though this is less common between the sexes. The two handed shake is often used to add an extra degree of warmth.

· High level official meetings tend to follow a set pattern of seating and opening small talk which is easy to pick up. It is impolite to dive straight into business; initiate small talk when first meeting someone.

· Table manners are usually rough and ready. The Vietnamese use chopsticks but are not offended by requests for a knife and fork.

· At official meals, the host will usually open with a few formal words of welcome and a toast. The guest is expected to reply in kind at the end of the meal, usually when tea has been served. The gathering then breaks up quickly. During the formal pleasantries it is considered impolite to smoke.

· The Vietnamese have a keen sense of time and are often superstitious. For example, it is important to pick the right date, according to the lunar calendar, for a marriage or major business event. The 1st (new moon) and the 15th (full moon) of every lunar month are sacred days when many Vietnamese go to the pagodas with offerings or burn incense joss sticks at home while praying.

22. Law

You should avoid any involvement with drugs. Drug trafficking and possession carries heavy penalties, including the death penalty, which is enforced in Vietnam. Other crime, such as sex offences or fraud, can result in very long prison terms or a death sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed and the standard of prisons is very poor.

23. Special Needs

Vietnamese towns and cities are not very accessible for visitors with disabilities although gradually the situation is improving. Modern international hotels are the most accessible venues with the likelihood of ramps and lifts for guests in wheelchairs. Traffic and the crossing of roads is problematic for all pedestrians but especially for those with disabilities. The Vietnamese people are very welcoming and keen to assist and visitors requiring assistance are likely to receive help if they ask.

24. Shopping & Leisure

Shops in the city are usually open from 8:30 until 21:00 hrs or 22:00 hrs. Most shops are open on Sunday.

Shopping in Hanoi can be exciting and sometimes frustrating, but certainly never boring. You can usually track down most things you need, if you know where to look, and often discover something new in the process. Prices, and quality, are extremely variable. As a foreigner you will be expected to pay more than the Vietnamese and the price you pay will often depend on your bargaining skills!

Credit cards are accepted at most major hotels, some restaurants and a few shops. These establishments often charge fees, not approved by credit card companies, of four or five per cent. Visa is the most widely accepted card, at some places, you may charge to your MasterCard.

Finally, as Vietnam is a developing economy, some unexpected inconveniences may occur to you during the conference. I really appreciate your understanding.

I wish you a comfortable journey to Hanoi and look forward to your contributions to the success of the conference.

Conference Chair

Dr Le Van Canh