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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Marisa
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Rewarding Experience

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!

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Hansie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Everything and More

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
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Patrick
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Do it mate

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
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Jade
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Very good

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
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Olivia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loved it

The experience was something I’ve never had before. It was very intense and scary at times but the help of a great teacher and guide, it was an amazing time for me. It was very emotional working at the school for the teaching practicum as the kids are just so appreciative of having you there and seeing the way they are and how they treat eachother was amazing. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone wanting to see a new way of life, meeting new people and generally just appreciating everything you have.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Not to overthink so much. Just take a deep breath and relax, everything works out fine in the end!
Pros
  • Brand new experience
  • Seeing a new culture
  • Appreciation for life
Cons
  • Stressful
  • Intense
  • Scary

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.