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TFT - Teach Abroad

Why choose TFT - Teach Abroad?

💯 - Ready to transform your life and garner invaluable teaching experience overseas? Your search ends at The Fewer Things (TFT), a premier teach abroad provider, voted one of the finest overall for 4 consecutive years. Emphasizing support, fun, and safety, our programs are ideal for budding educators and first-time globetrotters.

🎓 - The thought of teaching abroad can be daunting, which is why we extend thorough support and guidance throughout the journey. Our distinctive programs and courses are crafted to certify and position you in teaching roles across Asia, with avenues in China, South Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand.

🏆 - At TFT, we collaborate solely with reputable and trusted educational entities, ensuring all our affiliated schools meet our elevated standards.

🏫 - Recognized as a top teach abroad provider on Go Overseas, and celebrated in this regard for three years running, TFT is your channel to fulfilling the change you've envisioned.

Founded
2017

Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

At The Fewer Things, our commitment is steadfast: to foster an environment where every individual feels seen and heard. As we navigate opportunities across Asia, we emphasize the importance of understanding and appreciating the distinct narratives and experiences of the BIPOC community. Whether it's teaching, cultural immersion, or volunteering, we ensure that people of color not only have a seat at the table but are also integral to our mission's success. With The Fewer Things, you're not just joining a program — you're becoming part of a community that values diversity at its core.

LGBTQIA+ Support

At The Fewer Things, we prioritize a culture of inclusivity. Our operations across Asia are rooted in recognizing and respecting the unique identities and experiences of all participants. We believe in offering opportunities without boundaries, ensuring everyone—regardless of race, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability—feels valued. For those in the LGBTQIA+ community seeking teaching, cultural immersion, or volunteering roles: know that The Fewer Things stands with you

Neurodivergent Support

At The Fewer Things, we embrace the unique insights and contributions of neurodivergent individuals. While we offer tailored support and an inclusive environment tailored to diverse cognitive experiences, it's important to note that specific country visa and work permit requirements may apply. Regardless, we're dedicated to guiding each participant through the necessary processes, ensuring they have a supportive and enriching journey throughout our programs in Asia.

Accessibility Support

At The Fewer Things, inclusivity and accessibility form the backbone of our operations. Our programs across Asia are designed to accommodate participants with physical disabilities or chronic conditions. While specific country visa requirements may exist, we provide comprehensive guidance to each applicant, ensuring their well-being, seamless integration, and a fulfilling experience throughout their journey with us.

Impact

Sustainability

At The Fewer Things, we operate with a conscious commitment to sustainability at the forefront of our programs across Asia. Understanding the profound weight of our actions, we meticulously design our initiatives to yield a net positive contribution to local communities and environments. Every decision we make, from program creation to execution, aims to balance and exceed any negative impact, championing an ethical and sustainable approach

Ethical Impact

At The Fewer Things, our approach to ethical programming is deeply rooted in mutual respect and reciprocity. We ensure that while our participants gain enriching experiences, host communities in Asia are empowered, their environments protected, and their cultural heritage upheld. This holistic approach safeguards the authenticity of experiences for future travelers, all the while championing the well-being and growth of our host communities.

Reviews

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Amy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great opportunity

As someone with little experience teaching abroad, I wasn’t sure how to get going with it. I had never taught or even travelled to Asia before. My experience teaching in Hanoi was made so much easier with the support of TFT.
The initial support before flying out from Jaemi was great and helped to ease my nerves massively. He was able to answer any questions I had throughout the placement process and was very informative. We were also provided with a survival guide and other resources with useful information on life in Vietnam. The video call with Will and Molly was really helpful to answer any last minute questions in the weeks leading up to departure.
Once arriving in Vietnam, the meet ups with Hannah and Aled were a really great way to meet everyone and get settled in. The group chat that TFT organises is also great and means the social side of things and making friends is super easy. You can also message Jaemi if you ever have any concerns or questions once you have started your placement and throughout the year.
Overall, I’ve had a great experience. It’s definitely a good way to get started with teaching, meet new people and gives you the opportunity to travel parts of Vietnam too :)

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

My experience with TFT

I have never taught before so it was quite daunting and I didn’t really know what to expect. TFT were so helpful getting everything sorted before coming out and provided plenty of support. The group I came out with are so nice and TFT arranged plenty of activities for us all to meet and mingle which was great and helped build community out here in Hanoi. We had some issues with the employer out in Hanoi but overall the experience has been great and I’m looking to try somewhere new later this year.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Just have fun and try not to take every day too seriously
Pros
  • Super helpful
  • Good social activities
Cons
  • Some issues with the employer in Hanoi
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Hazel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fabulous Course!

I cannot recommend The Fewer Things enough! They have been brilliant from the beginning and continue to be a great source of support and advice now, 4 months into my teaching contract in Thailand. Pre-departure, they were available 24/7 to discuss anything and everything. They provided some really good advice on planning, packing and adapting to the new culture, which allowed me to focus on the exciting stuff! I have had an amazing time teaching in Thailand where I have made lifelong friends and formed great relationships with my students and fellow teachers. I am now reaching the end of my contract and planning my next semester with Jaemi from TFT help and advice.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
My most nerve-racking moment was probably the day I left the UK and my family! It was an emotional rollercoaster but I just kept reminding myself that the worst-case scenario was having to come home earlier than planned and everyone I loved would be there for me. Luckily, this has not been the case and I have loved every minute of my experience! Being away from my friends and family has pushed me to form strong friendships quickly and it is comforting knowing myself and the other foreign teachers are in this together.
Pros
  • Simple and effective guidance
  • Reassurance and friendly support
  • Options and opportunities
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Josiah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Wonderful Year that Rescued my Resume!

I graduated during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic and finding a job afterwards was almost impossible. I struggled for over a year and decided to look into a Fewer Things advert I saw in my research one day, then never looked back! Initially I planned on teaching in China after feeling super comfortable with the intake and application process, but after a summer Covid resurgence I felt nervous about the big move and decided to defer my application. Jaemi and the team were so kind and accommodating the entire time and a year later, when I decided to pursue my placement in South Korea, I was able to hop right back in where I left off! I can't say enough good things about the support I received before leaving.

My time in South Korea has been exactly how it was laid out for me, the hours are a bit longer than other placement countries but I've been able to save a comfortable amount and spend time exploring beautiful Seoul on the weekends. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul Metropolitan Library (who make it very easy for foreigners to get a library card!), Lotte World, etc are all just a short bus ride away. This is also a great environment for people eager to practice their language skills with plenty of support. Most signage is in both English and Korean which makes the whole city super foreigner friendly. The food is incredible, the health insurance is the best I've ever had, and I've made so many friends since moving. It wouldn't have been possible without The Fewer Things and next year I look forward to applying for their Teach in Japan program through the new TFT Clubhouse feature!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I'm an anxious solo-traveler so I've had my share of nerve-racking moments but the biggest was probably, in the first few weeks after arriving in-country, figuring out how to navigate my first jimjilbang (bathhouse) totally naked and in Korean -- a super fun and rewarding experience after the initial confusion!
Pros
  • communicative and knowledgeable support team
  • incredible work experience for recent graduates
  • flexible placements
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George
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience with TFT

I travelled to Thailand in October 2023, and I’m loving every minute of it. The Fewer Things have been by my side each step of the way. It would have been incredibly difficult to prepare and sort all the documents necessary to travel and work in Thailand, if it wasn’t for the fewer things guidance and support along the way. Even a month after I had landed in Thailand they reached out to me to see how I was getting on. If I ever need advice about certain useful teaching methods they reply in a very timely manner and with some great suggestions which I have used myself.
Overall I am very happy with the support TFT provide and would recommend them to anyone else who is ready for an adventure to Thailand :)

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Fried grasshopper- surprisingly tasty
Pros
  • New friendships
  • Experience new culture
  • Best job I have had

Jobs

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

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

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

After visiting South Korea in 2019 on holiday, I wanted to come out and giving living in Korea a chance. I have wanted to move countries for a while and was looking at a country that did not have English as a first language as I wanted to challenge myself. Having taught abroad before I knew I wanted to do that again.

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

I was assisted all the way through my application. I had actually reached out a year before I intended on moving and the team were supportive and gave me all the information on what documents I needed, support on which route to Korea would be best for me and even answered my questions on what to pack. They were well informed and this meant I was able to get most of my documents ready in advance.

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

I would tell them to do a lot of research on the country and to really think about if teaching is the right route for them. You have the opportunity to give Korean children a good impression of English and as you will be spending a lot of time teaching you should actually want to and or like children. I would say you should also be open and flexible as things change often at work and sometimes communication is limited.

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

A typical week for me is Monday- Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. I teach 5 classes everyday, each class is 40 minutes long. I have 6 classes in each grade and teach grades 3-6 at just one elementary school.

I teach between 9:10am-12:55pm everyday and after lunch spend the rest of the time lesson planning for the following week. I very rarely have to spend evenings or weekends lesson planning.

Our school has a private English office where my two co-teachers and I are located.

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

My biggest fear was being alone and that I would have a hard time communicating with my co-teachers and just people in general as my Korean is limited. While I can read Korean with no problem, I am very afraid to speak and my grammar is limited.

Luckily you are put into contact with other teachers in your town so you are not alone. Mostly these individuals will be super friendly and up to travel around and hangout with. I also have amazing co-teachers who speak great English and who are all very chatty and friendly. I think you have to put yourself out there. If you are introverted and shy I think you will have a difficult time as you have to remember everyone is super busy so if you have questions or want to hang out with others you have to make the effort on your side as it wont just happen. Instagram is also a great way to connect with other people. I slide into loads of DMs and have made some great friends that way. I would also advice going on some group tours, it is a great way to see the country, do cool stuff and meet people who have amazing stories on how they ended up in that particular country.

I have also found that the locals are super helpful, the older men and women are always directing me around and some are very excited to flex the limited English they know. Just don't be put off they may look angry but they are not.

Any additional advice?

My advice for anyone wanting to come to Korea is to do it but to brace yourself! Despite being very first world, there are many differences and you need to be really open minded. Many ways of doing things are different from back hope and might not always seem logical, from signing into apps to the school booking leave system, so you just have to be patient.

If you are applying for a teaching programme, I would say you should like children and should want to do a good job at that. You are a role model and your students will look up to you and and dote on you. There are so many resources available online to help you do a great job.

Finally put yourself out there, I have met so many amazing people here, both local and foreign who have made my time here worthwhile, but that wold not have been possible if I did not reach out and make contact. You are the master of your own fate, no one is going to do the work for you so you have to jump in at every possible chance to make friends!

Staff Interviews

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

William Davies

Job Title
Programme Coordinator & Freelance Writer
Will is a freelance copywriter and programme coordinator for The Fewer Things company. Having taught in Vietnam, Romania, and Thailand, Will is now directing his energy towards writing about different cultures and assisting applicants in initiating their adventures teaching abroad.
William Davies wearing a blue traditional shirt and navy cardigan with long brown hair and blue eyes

What is your favorite travel memory?

Navigating the roads of Ha Giang in Northern Vietnam. On one occassion I did this by running a half marathon, and on the other I did this via a motorcycle. Ha Giang offers a beautiful and mountainous landscape with adjectives such as otherwordly and jurassic not doing it justice. The scale of these mountains will make anyone feel so insignificant, and it was an epiphany for me of just how small we are compared to these colossal formations and the vastness of this planet.

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

I have become much more confident in my abilities to manage tasks and convey ideas, whether in the form of creating a new article or by communicating with co-workers and applicants. The working environment at The Fewer Things is a proactive and encouraging one. Working here has really allowed me to improve my initiative without feeling any pressure.

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

A teacher that I knew was discussing her favourite animals with another student, only to find out that they both shared a favourite animal - the turtle. The next time this teacher taught this particular student, the student had brought in a live turtle - as a gift - for the teacher. The fact that this student took note of this teacher's favourite animal, and went through the act of obtaining it in order to gift it to her, just showed how valuable teachers can be to their students.

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

Teach English in South Korea. Having taught in Vietnam and Thailand, my desire to explore more of Asia only increased with each visit to these exotic locations. While South East Asia has a more relaxed lifestyle, I would like to see the contrasts that other cultures in Asia, or East Asia in particular, have to offer.

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

Throughout the entire process of being associated with The Fewer Things, whether as an applicant or a co-worker, the founder has always been incredibly personable and encouraging. Whether we were navigating the process of obtaining a working visa to teach in Thailand or helping applicants achieve the same thing, the founder has always been supportive.

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

Having a founder and workers who actually care about the quality of their product or services. The founder and other workers including myself have undergone the process of teaching English as a foreign language before. We know that while it is a life-changing experience, it can also be an intimidating one and just like anything else, have downsides. Having people who understand the intricacies of TEFL is important in order to optimize the experience for others.