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

Default avatar
Nkosoxolo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

January 2024

Destination helped me a lot, because I did a course online, when I got to the Centre I was overwhelmed with the information, and they gave me a second chance. I really appreciate their help and I would really recommend the school to my friends. The trainer was very helpful as well. The colleagues were very helpful too.....................................................................................................................................................................................

What was your funniest moment?
Planning the lesson and being in front of the kids
Pros
  • n/a
  • n/a
  • n/a
Cons
  • n/a
  • n/a
  • n/a
Default avatar
Isaiah
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Enlightenment

Greetings Future TEFL Employees & Trainees, I Want To Welcome You To An Experience Of A Lifetime For Better Or Worse ! If You’re Thinking About Teaching Abroad Or Joining The TEFL Program, Don’t Hesitate To Join. I Really Enjoyed Every Moment Of This Month Long Program. Being Able To Teach Abroad & Help Students Access An Opportunity Of A Lifetime Has Been A Dream Come True. I Was In A Position To Learn Some New Skills As Well As Secure Key Friendships That Will Last A Lifetime. If You Have This Opportunity To Interact With Another Culture, Act!!!

Default avatar
Jason
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

January 2024 Siem Reap Course

This is an intensive course but it's rewarding. The first two weeks are classroom instruction which covers things like teaching techniques, classroom management, the PPP method, and how to use classroom materials. There was a lot more pressure in the final two weeks when we started the teaching practicums in a local school. However, I felt like I was learning more about how to be a teacher during this period. I especially learned a lot how to write a lesson plan. The feedback I got during the teaching practicum was also helpful.

Pros
  • The instructor is experienced
  • Great location
  • Lots of support with finding a position
Cons
  • Lack of a coursebook to refer to
  • There wasn't a field trip to Angkor Wat
  • Twelve people had to share one printer,and we couldn't print in color.
Default avatar
Zweli
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Zwelihle Kokong

Wow I can’t believe it has been a month already, I have not felt something like this before. First of all I love this course it was so packed with so much information and knowledge, our teacher takes her time to make sure that the whole class grasps the knowledge that the teacher presents to the class. Secondly I love my classmates and teacher. All of us come from different walks of life and it is interesting to hear every students story.
Thirdly I love Cambodia, the people are so kind, beautiful and so respectful, I loved teaching the kids at the school for my practicals, I must say i am pleasantly surprised

Default avatar
Destiny
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I had a nice experience

I enjoyed my time in Cambodia. I was nervous at first when it came to taking the course because I didn't know what to expect, but whenever I had questions about things Willie was always so responsive when it came to answering my questions about the course or just about living in Cambodia in general. Cambodia was an amazing experience that I don't ever take for granted. Choosing this program helped me be ready to become an English teacher and now I know I have built the confidence to become an English teacher. Thank you Willie.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Being able to see a floating village I have never seen something like this in my life.
Pros
  • Everyone was so kind.
  • I enjoyed meeting new people.
Cons
  • When it comes to getting the feedback.

Programs

Displaying 1 - 5 of 5

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.