I only did the orientation week as I already had teaching qualifications. In the orientation week, they tried to squeeze lots of information in about culture, history, language, expectations in school which was helpful. Even though we were asked about our priorities for placement, it was not clear how it actually worked, how it was decided who goes where. For me, it worked out well, but for some, it was completely the opposite.
In general, I found the program quite expensive for mainly getting only some advice on life in Thailand and getting a placement, we had to pay everything on top of that (accommodation, food, etc.). It's nice to have all this information in one place, and get prepared for the life in Thailand, but I feel that we've just been passed from agent to agent, and that inflated the costs. Apart from that, I'm happy that I met like-minded people at the orientation week, and we were always kept busy with programs. However, I don't find it essential for teaching, as most of the time, you'll only get the answer: "it depends on which school, which region".
What would you improve about this program?
As many people come here without experience and only with an online TESOL course, it would be helpful to get more info about lesson planning, different teaching methods, grading system, classroom management.
Response from TravelBud
Hi Brooke,
Thank you so much for the lovely review. We're so happy to hear that you're having an amazing time teaching in Thailand and that our TESOL course and cultural orientation helped you prepare for life as an English teacher in Thailand. And of course, it's great to hear that you're loving your teaching placement too!
We're always here to help so please take full advantage of our in-country support :)
Keep embracing every moment of the experience and growing as a person.
- Stu and the TravelBud team