The Fewer Things

When I applied for this placement in January 2020, during a time when the festive season had recently been cancelled by covid and everyone's spirits were low, I never dreamed that a year later I would be ringing in 2022 in South Korea! I am not you're usual adventurer, I think I applied for this purely because of I was bored of being boring. From my first conversation with Jaemi from The Fewer Things team, I was completely convinced that I could do this. He was incredibly supportive and even now continues to be. I probably bothered him with how many emails and messages I sent, but he was always there to help. The process to get to South Korea is not an easy one, but it is completely worth it!

South Korea is an absolutely stunning country! I am based in a smaller seaside city called Donghae-si in Gangwon-do. As an avid hiker this was an ideal destination for me, as I am only a walk away from mountains and beach trails. But, I am also only a 2 hour bus journey away from Seoul. Yes moving to a foreign country is incredibly daunting, but the local people are very welcoming and even if you don't know a single word of Korean a simple 'annyeonghaseyo' will go a long way; and you'll be amazed at how fast you'll pick up Korean phrases.

I can't simplify how much there is to do in South Korea, it's an incredibly cultured country, personally a trip to Gyeongbokgung palace is an absolute must! If you are a foodie you will also love it here as the food is fresh and delicious! Also South Korea is a very safe country to live in, if you are a solo traveller like myself then you have nothing to worry about. My schools have been very welcoming and even based in a smaller city I am never far from a friendly face, as I have met other foreign teachers who have hopefully become friends for life. Also this placement is the most rewarding job I have ever had. If I was to sum-up my experience in one word it would be, phenomenal.

I would highly recommend teaming up with The Fewer Things to come to South Korea, as even though it wasn't an easy process to get here, I wouldn't be here at all without their continued support. I'd urge anyone to apply for this placement as South Korea is the place to be!

I had planned to go to Thailand just as the pandemic hit and my plans got cancelled with the school I was signed up with, then I came across the instagram of The Fewer Things and they had been posting pictures of some teachers flying out, so I contacted them to see how it was possible and what process I would have to go through, I was a bit worried I'd have to go through such a long process again to be let down at the last minute. But, as soon as I had my first call with Jaemi, I was so excited and pleasantly surprised at the information and knowledge I had been given. I flew out late 2020 and stayed in quarantine for 14 nights, which was a pretty crazy experience! I am so thankful for the support I received from the team and it was really reassuring that I had constant support with everything.

I was placed in a public school in Central Thailand, and absolutely loved it, it was the perfect starting point for me as I only had 20 hours teaching per week, which meant I had plenty of time to take up Muay Thai at the local gym. After my initial contract I transitioned over to an international school in Bangkok, which TFT helped me with and gave me tips on what I should be looking for. Since arriving in Thailand I have been able to travel so much, which is the main reason I came here.

TFT still are in regular contract now to check up on me and just have a general catch up, which is really nice to know since I am not even part of the programme any more! I could not recommend the team at TFT more to new travellers!

I had planned to go to Thailand just as the pandemic hit and my plans got cancelled with the school I was signed up with, then I came across the instagram of The Fewer Things and they had been posting pictures of some teachers flying out, so I contacted them to see how it was possible and what process I would have to go through, I was a bit worried I'd have to go through such a long process again to be let down at the last minute. But, as soon as I had my first call with Jaemi, I was so excited and pleasantly surprised at the information and knowledge I had been given. I flew out late 2020 and stayed in quarantine for 14 nights, which was a pretty crazy experience! I am so thankful for the support I received from the team and it was really reassuring that I had constant support with everything.

I was placed in a public school in Central Thailand, and absolutely loved it, it was the perfect starting point for me as I only had 20 hours teaching per week, which meant I had plenty of time to take up Muay Thai at the local gym. After my initial contract I transitioned over to an international school in Bangkok, which TFT helped me with and gave me tips on what I should be looking for. Since arriving in Thailand I have been able to travel so much, which is the main reason I came here.

TFT still are in regular contract now to check up on me and just have a general catch up, which is really nice to know since I am not even part of the programme any more! I could not recommend the team at TFT more to new travellers!

Having previously taught ESL in Vietnam, I was searching for a similar experience! The Fewer Things was the agency for me. Although TFT is a relatively new agency, they excel in understanding the wants and needs of young graduates and will try their best to accommodate those. The support from TFT is what sets this agency apart from the others. From the initial contact and throughout, the support has been second to none. Always on hand to answer a question or query, which especially during COVID was reassuring and extremely helpful. The Fewer Things place you with a teaching company in Thailand and they can sometimes be unhelpful, but TFT are always happy to speak to them directly and resolve any issues. At first, I was hesitant to be placed in the ‘rural’, less known areas of Thailand but after arriving in my town ‘Chaiyaphum’, I’m extremely grateful. Although the bigger cities are appealing, being in Chaiyaphum meant that I’ve been able to challenge myself and have a truly Thai authentic experience. I recommend TFT to those who are looking for a good balance of work and travel, alongside meeting some friends for life!

I would highly recommend The Fewer Things to anybody who is looking to move to China to teach English. From the initial stages of applying The Fewer things has been nothing but supportive and knowledgeable on the process. Moving to Shanghai in the middle of a pandemic was not easy, there were many hurdles but the process was made less daunting with the help of The Fewer Things as they were always there to answer questions and guide you every step of the way.

After arriving in China The Fewer things has continued to be supportive and helpful. They check in regularly to make sure everything is going well and make sure you are adjusting to your new life. The Fewer Things has been helpful in all aspects of life here in China, from giving you advise and tips on teaching to recommending restaurants and bars! The language barrier can be difficult at times when communicating with your employers in Shanghai but The Fewer Things is always there to help. Whenever I've needed some guidance or help with anything The Fewer Things has alway been quick to help. The Fewer Things has made the transition into teaching and moving abroad very smooth!