Teach in Asia

Destination TEFL

Why choose Destination TEFL?

Destination TEFL, Koh Samui opened in 2011 as Samui TEFL, on the beautiful tropical island of Koh Samui, Thailand. The company has since expanded to other bucket list destinations.
Choose from:
Siem Reap, Cambodia – a land where ancient and modern worlds collide to create a unique destination, just a short distance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat.
Bali, Indonesia - an island lifestyle where surfers happily mingle with foodies, adventure junkies, culture vultures and wellness warriors.
Bangkok, Thailand - the gateway to Asia, also known as the 'city of angels' - modern marvels and glories of the past, with endless activities and sites.
At all locations you are offered the same high quality accredited TEFL/TESOL course with skilled trainers, as well as job assistance.
Full visa support is offered with paperwork provided to assist with travel during the pandemic.
All courses offer practical training with REAL students.
Options for both degree and non-degree holders.

Reviews

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Simon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Destination TEFL

Moko and Georgie are both great at what they do. Georgie offers insightful feedback and really works to help you succeed as an ESL teacher.The students at the school where you do your student teaching are also very nice and attentive. Moko has built some great connections with local schools, which helps students both during the course and after. If you're nervous about leaving home, know that these two will take good care of you and help you navigate any obstacles during your time in the course.

Pros
  • Caring staff
  • In person teaching practice
  • Good location
Cons
  • Very intensive, if that's a problem for you
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Aku
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Destinations TEFL-Cambodia

Without really knowing what was going to happen at the end of the course, my son and I just packed our bags and traveled to Siem Reap-Cambodia, in March 2023. DT promised to deliver and did just that. I had an adventure of my life not only in class but also outside of class. I have met people from different parts of the world and made some life long friends.
I am now more confidant of looking for work any where in South East Asia, and not just in Cambodia because of my Destinations TEFL certificate.
I will always remember my experience @Destinations TEFL-CambodiaI.

Pros
  • Money spent was worth it. Lots of materials to cover
  • Program well suited for everyone, especially those who do not have teaching background.
  • Actual teaching practicals were great exposure.
Cons
  • Climate- was quite hot for some of us.
  • Trying to do boarder run through Poipet to renew visa was quite challenging
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Karen
5/5
No, I don't recommend this program

TEFL in Bali

Everything about this experience was a 10/10. You feel incredibly grateful towards the wonderful teachers that help you along the way and at the end of the course you will find yourself amazed by how much you were able to learn and grow in such a short amount of time. The training is challenging, but 100% worth it in the end! My friend recommended this program to me and I would happily recommend it to anyone who is thinking about teaching abroad. It is the opportunity of a lifetime and incredibly rewarding experience.

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Engy
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Lots of learns

I think it’s as organized as it can be. many factors can be unpredictable sometimes, like who is going to be part of the program, schools changing schedules last minute, misunderstandings happening due to the diversity of the group youre with… etc … so just be adaptable and flexible, open and understanding, and most importantly focus on yourself and your growth, development and learning experience. You’re here for YOU not anyone else so just make the most of it and keep a good attitude and dont forget to HAVE FUN!!! Because it is a lot of fun.

Pros
  • Definitely learned a lot
  • Fun, engaging, interactive and diverse
  • Lots of room for personal growth and development
Cons
  • Cant control whose part of the same program you signed up for
  • Very condensed material, so it’s a lot of work
  • Not enough time in the day
Default avatar
Katie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Destination TEFL Bali

The training you will receive at Destination TEFL is unparalleled. You will be surrounded with friendly faces to accompany you along the way. From cultural excursions to in-school practicums, you will be fully immersed into Balinese culture. You will grow not only as a teacher but as a person with Destination TEFL. Then after you are finished, you will be given help towards applying to schools to teach in. The prospect of yea hung abroad is no longer daunting because the course has given me all the tools to be a successful and confident teacher.

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose SamuiTEFL because of the consistent and positive reviews. The quality of the program and the teaching was raved about, and my experience confirmed the high praise. Plus, how can you beat going to school next to gorgeous beaches? I knew early on that the people running the program were committed to answering questions and providing resources, and, as a newbie to traveling, that was just what I needed.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

SamuiTEFL helped to organize our living accommodations and pick-up from the airport. They were continuously helpful with explaining visa policies and procurement. The program guided me through the job placement process after earning the TEFL certificate as well. Travel plans were independently organized.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I would advise that you go into an overseas program with an open mind, and that you give yourself time to adjust. You may not acclimate overnight and that's okay. Know that simple things, like finding a bank or a good cup of coffee, are sometimes the challenge of the day. Keep water, patience and some flexibility on you wherever you go, and you'll be soaring.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Monday - Friday you will be in class from about 8-4, and then evenings and weekends are yours. There may be some times when you'll be prepping outside of class, but you will have more than enough time to enjoy the island as well. In class, there is so much to soak up, so keep yourself rested and ready to learn.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I think one of my biggest fears was navigating the language barriers. I have been lucky in that, everywhere I have been, English has been quite commonly used (at least a little). However, good manners and smiles are universal and knowing just a little useful language can get you very far. Many people are very gracious to travelers and understand that you are a fish out of water. I'm so grateful for them!

What did you like most in the program?

Travel is very humbling and not nearly as glamorous as you might think. I have sweat stains in 80 percent of my travel photos. The littlest things become the biggest victories. Finding my way from point A to point B is something to celebrate. For as much as a challenge as travel can be, it is rewarding and invigorating to know you can navigate new experiences.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Jane Openshaw

Job Title
Office Manager
Jane started her TEFL career teaching in an English Program in Thailand. After this, Jane taught and managed for TEFL schools and language schools in both the UK and Thailand.

Jane loves to advise and assist new teachers starting out in their EFL careers. She observes lessons and assists Samui TEFL trainees with job placement.
Jane Openshaw

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favourite memory was a road trip with friends to visit Laos.

Firstly, I was surprised to see the French influence after living in a Southern city in Thailand for 3 years. I indulged on the wine and baguettes!

Travelling through the mountains and visiting all the rural villages on the roadside was a real eye-opener and inspired me to continue to teach and educate children in my future career.

We finished our journey in the town of Luang Prabang, with its serene nature surroundings and outstanding views. Here, we enjoyed some westernized facilities and restaurants for us to indulge in after a week on the road! It was a holiday I will never forget.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Working with Samui TEFL company means that I meet people from all walks of life who bring with them many different views of the world we live in. This teaches me to open up my mindset and increases my desire to learn, not only for teaching purposes but also for communication in all aspects of my life.

I thoroughly enjoy being able to guide new teachers and share the knowledge I have gained throughout my teaching career in order to help new teachers find their way in the teaching field.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

Most trainees on the TEFL Program have great teaching careers in Asia and worldwide for many years. I am most happy when ex graduates tell me their stories to want to further their skills and take on a teaching degree or educational course to expand their knowledge.

I have seen teachers become complacent with their work and eventually go back to their home countries after a few years. However, it is those teachers who start giving back to communities and take part in amazing volunteer work who inspire me the most!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose Samui TEFL Program because the course is educational and challenging, but involves a lot of fun and games!

During the TEFL course, we visit schools around the beautiful Thai island of Koh Samui and volunteer teach at temple schools. The children at these schools are very excited to have Western teachers in the classroom and give you immense pleasure and job satisfaction when they show you their beaming smiles!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

The company is unique in that trainees on the program get hands-on teaching experience in Thai classrooms. The course content is up to date and encompasses all elements of modern-day teaching - from the use of technology in the classroom to online teaching.

I am always very proud of the team, who work together to give trainees the experience of a lifetime with full support - from the sign up day to get a job after the course. I am always impressed by the care and thoughtfulness of the owners and trainers -as well as the support staff- who work together and take care of one another like an extended family.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe that for any company to be successful, there needs to be a wide spectrum within a working team. Destination TEFL (Samui TEFL) has team members from different parts of the world, each person bringing their own working ethics, educational background and expertise to ensure trainees on each course are given full support and guidance for their future careers depending on their own personal needs.