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Destination TEFL

4.91 Rating
205 reviews
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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.

Website
www.destinationtefl.com
Founded
2011
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Community Photos

A photo of the Equal Rights human rights organization in town
Best moment of my life
Teaching Practicals
Teaching practicum
Graduation day!!
Visited a temple on Kulen mountain on our way to the Kulen water fall.
Graduation August 23
DT students and local teachers
Teaching on Sarong Thursday
Temple morning
Graduation back flip
A normal day just learning
Culture day
Class field trip

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Community Awards

  • Go Overseas Award

Reviews

Default avatar
Brett
United States
1/5
No, I don't recommend this program
Program:
TEFL / TESOL Course | Siem Reap, Cambodia

Let this be the lesson

Feb 24, 2025

I am American, white, and male ... this shouldn't matter neither should my age or should my sexual orientation. One of those did make a difference.

I attended the TESL program in SiemReap Cambodia. From the start, it was clear there was some sort of personal issue between myself and the staff. I was asked on several different occasions in front of students and behind closed doors , what my relationship was between myself and 2 other students. Also, I was told about the what type of relationship two women that were my classmates were lesbians and that I had no chance with them, behind closed doors.

I wasn't looking for a job through the school itself but still, during the course, they inquired about my agent, my age and a background history midway through the course, which is none of their business. Later they asked me my age ? After telling them, they shared that with other students behind my back and made jokes behind my back carelessly. I overheard the jokes. Teacher herself Emily gave me dirty looks almost every time she spoke to me from day one. I spoke to my agent about it early on.

I'm seeking damages due to the fact and the fact that they told me that we are putting my completed certificate on hold that I can redo it at another time the first 3 weeks free, they knew I couldn't afford that option. They were offering me absolutely zero and with a smile on their faces they said ..." Your personal problems are none of our business this is what we are offering a redo at another time that's it "! I did nothing wrong. I followed the rules I did my homework I did everything I was supposed to do.

I never once did anything wrong other than ... maybe the day I was born ? Or what race I am ? or where I'm from ? or whatever the case may be my sexual orientation ? Idk , it had to have been one of those issues.

I spent $4,000 total in tuition in the hotel they recommended and had to get another visa because the program's 5 weeks long you only get a 4 week visa all in all my total expenses were $4,000 USD. The hotel itself even called to try and resolve the issue seeing *that I had classmates over every night studying* every morning before school I ate breakfast at the hotel they saw me studying, it wasn't a issue of not doing the work, it was a personal issue , and with that, they were allowed to take certificate from me and with a smile on their face tell me to "get your stuff out of our classroom and leave the premises."

I did that quietly and calmly, I have documented emails and conversations with students conversations with the teachers and have screenshots of it all if you like to email me I can send you copies of that but it's not my story you can believe it or not the point is ...if this could happen to me, it could happen to you if you're willing to gamble the fact for any reason they can just pull your certificate anytime and keep your tuition and you loose all your expenses.

All I wanted to do was be able to teach my wife and her children English legally $4000 in 6 weeks later that right was taken away from me by Destination TESL Cambodia just because they didn't like me. I'm not the only person that this has happened to. This school employees are bullies liars and crooks. I'd choose a different school if I was you. Only a fool would go here after seeing this.

What would you improve about this program?
I would definitely have to fire the current staff and make sure that the new staff are professional and not racist biased in any way but they are , And get teachers that their job to teach the students that come to their facility not to judge them make fun of them
Pros
  • I did learn a lot over the 3 weeks
  • Made some friends from the school
  • And I really enjoyed the community that the school's based in
Cons
  • I could take your money at any time and not give you a certificate with no reason at all other than they just don't like you
  • Gambling whether you're going to get your certificate or not it depends on the staff not on you
  • Now I have to share with my family and friends and everybody that knows that I came here that I did not get my certificate and explain to them why for the rest of my life
A photo of the Equal Rights human rights organization in town
Default avatar
Marisa
42
Female
United Kingdom
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
TEFL / TESOL Course | Siem Reap, Cambodia

Rewarding Experience

Jun 6, 2024

The 140 hour TEFL course was extremely hard but I now understand the purpose behind it. I feel more prepared and confident into becoming a teacher than I would be if I did the course online or if it was less hours.
I was able to meet new and interesting people at the same time as I explored a new country and added new skills to my resume.
It was a really rewarding experience!
I would recommend it to anyone that is up for a challenge and willing to go out of their comfort zone.
Remember to have fun!

Default avatar
Hansie
39
Male
South Africa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
TEFL / TESOL Course | Siem Reap, Cambodia

Everything and More

Jun 6, 2024

Coming to South East Asia was a leap of faith for me. Leaving a job, friends and family behind was hard. But after completing the course I feel that I belong and made the right decision to come here and make a difference.

Seeing the world is also part of my journey as I believe teaching can do that for me. I also want to see more of Cambodia as I believe it is rich in cultural history and you can learn from others around you. Seeing the temples also makes it great as you see what was build many years ago

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Leaving South Africa was nerve wrecking as I didn’t know what to expect. But I am a chance taker and did it anyway and will remember this forever and a day.
Pros
  • Gaining knowledge
  • Getting the experiences
  • Seeing how locals interact with foreigners
Cons
  • None
Best moment of my life
Default avatar
Patrick
26
Male
United Kingdom
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
TEFL / TESOL Course | Siem Reap, Cambodia

Do it mate

Jun 6, 2024

Disclaimer: it’s intense!
But 100% worth it. 2 weeks being taught the theory which is then put into practice in the second 2 weeks when you go into a local school. The short time we had in the school in Siem reap is one of the best things I’ve ever done, seeing the reality of what we do and how it impacts the students is so rewarding and motivating.

Remember that there’s a lot to take in, it is definitely intense but the support provided by the trainers and fellow trainees helps massively with that, both in and outside of the course

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Actually getting into the local school for our teaching practice. We had done all the theory work by this point but putting it into practice was totally different to how I expected- as difficult as it may be at times just remember how much they love having you there and what impact it will have on the rest of their lives
Pros
  • Rewarding experience
  • See the REAL Siem reap (beyond pub street)
  • Challenging course- makes it all the more worth it when you get through to the end
Cons
  • Workload can be stressful at times
Default avatar
Jade
23
Female
United Kingdom
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
TEFL / TESOL Course | Siem Reap, Cambodia

Very good

Jun 6, 2024

I had a very enjoyable time and learnt a lot. The trainers were very helpful and supportive, also a lot of fun! It was challenging but overall very rewarding.
It is a new experience for everyone so remember that you can talk to people and help eachother out throughout the course.
I enjoyed the day to day activities of learning the different processes and then to be able to put it into practice and teach my own lessons was very fulfilling for me.
I would recommend this course to a lot of people

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Trust in the process that they teach you.
It will be overwhelming and scary but the course provides you with everything you need so listen and take everything in.
Pros
  • Meet people from all over the world
Cons
  • Can be stressful at times
Teaching Practicals
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Programs

Displaying 1 - 3 of 3

Alumni Interviews

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

Maggie Gelon

Program
Bali - 4-week 140-hour intensive TEFL / TESOL course
Thumbnail

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

Program
Bali - 4-week 140-hour intensive TEFL / TESOL course
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.