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The Fewer Things

Why choose The Fewer Things ?

Thinking about teaching abroad? The Fewer Things (TFT) makes the journey seamless, offering expert guidance and high-quality placements in some of the most exciting destinations. Recognized as a leading teach abroad provider for four consecutive years, we specialize in creating opportunities that blend cultural exploration with meaningful work.

With fully supported programs, TEFL certification options, and placements in China, South Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand, TFT ensures you step into the classroom with confidence. Our carefully selected partner schools meet the highest standards, providing a safe and rewarding teaching experience.

Whether you're a graduate looking for a new adventure or taking your first step into international education, TFT is here to help you make it happen. Join a community of like-minded travelers and start your journey today.

Founded
2017

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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Randy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The China Experience

TFT have been amazing to work with over the years and they haven't disappointed me yet with services to China, Vietnam and Thailand. Always easy to communicate with and happy to help.

They've helped with every step of the way from getting my license, the legalization of my documents, finding work and an apartment and always being ready to help when I had a question to ask.

It's nice to know that I can always travel to another country when I'm in the mood for another adventure and I'm looking forward to continue working with them.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
Honestly, not hesitating through the 2010's like I did and starting earlier.
Pros
  • Support
  • Opportunities
  • I met my wife
Cons
  • Haven't encountered any yet
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callum
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

I am so glad I chose to go through The Fewer Things programme to teach abroad in Asia. Before I even arrived I felt reassured as I was able to talk to Will and Molly from the team if I had any problems or questions. The group chat and orientation was a great opportunity to meet teachers before starting work and I couldn't have imagined moving abroad without the company of other teachers in the same boat. I am living in a small city called Namphong in Thailand and it has been nothing but an authentic experience of living amongst locals, eating Thai food and (trying) to learn the language. Before arriving here I didn't quite believe in the 'mai-pen-rai' way of life in Thailand, which means 'no worries' but my experience has been both adventurous and laid back. Overall, taking that first step of signing up to The Fewer Things from my laptop led to my whole life changing a few months later. Now I don't think there is any better feeling than the sun shining as you finish work on a Friday and feeling like you have a made a difference through teaching English, no matter how small.

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Molly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Perfect for new teachers!

I joined The Fewer Things (TFT) to teach in Thailand in October 2024, and I cannot recommend this programme enough for new teachers! TFT was incredibly supportive throughout the entire process, from assisting with the required documents for working in Thailand and offering packing advice to providing regular communication and promptly responding to any queries during my placement.

I was incredibly fortunate to be placed in Pattaya, which offered a perfect balance of city and beach life. This location also provided many opportunities to travel around Thailand during the length of my contract. While teaching in Thailand was sometimes chaotic and challenging—especially when adapting to a new culture—it was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I have loved getting to know and learning from the students over the semester.

I’ve had an incredible time teaching in Thailand, during which I’ve gained lifelong friends and created unforgettable memories that I will cherish forever. I am so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with TFT as I explore new destinations once my contract ends!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Just say yes and go with the flow!
Pros
  • Supportive team with quick responses
  • Opportunity to grow CV
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Frances
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life in Gyeongju!

I have loved my experience in South Korea so far! I am based in Gyeongju and work in a Hagwon. I started out wondering what was the best option for me to teach abroad and specifically in South Korea, which is when I stumbled on the instagram account of The Fewer Things, I instantly felt like it was the right path for me after seeing the pictures, videos and reviews from others who've made it out here already. After my inital call and prep work I was added to a group chat with lots of other people already in South Korea and felt right at home. The work can be quite tiring but I was told about this before signing up and chose this route as I had more choices of locations. I met a few other expats separate form the program in my city working at other schools and it has been a great experience so far, I plan to stay another year but plan to move to another city to tick off another place! Honestly, I would say anyone thinking about doing this to at least have a chat with the team and you'll see how supportive they are with everything. Big tick and recommednation from me to the guys at TFT!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried Beondegi for the first time, which was from a small street food vendor and it was quite an experience. If you don't know what it is, I won't spoil the surprise and you should google it!
Pros
  • Supportive process
  • Chance to see the world
  • Tips and guidance throughout
Cons
  • Tiring work aspect if you choose this option
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Felicity
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TFT China Review

Hi, I am Felicity and I participated in The Fewer Things China Program in 2023. I finished up my contract in the fall of this year and have now returned back to the States. The program is well put together and offered a ton of support both before and after we arrived in China! I particularly appreciated the group chat on WeChat with all the other participants during the preparation process, we all chatted for months and managed to really get to know each other before heading out. The school I worked in was a public school and I taught the elementary classes. It was a little hectic to begin with even after all the training we got, I was quite nervous during the first week or two but it soon balanced out once I got into the swing of it and the local Chinese teachers in my department were super helpful when I needed any assistance with anything. I loved my time in China and it has left me wanting more, I plan to take some time back at home and will then join another program with TFT later in 2025!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
It can be super daunting moving over even with all the help from the program and other participants. I found it useful to reach out to the others when I was feeling a little anxious and learned that they also had the same feelings, so it give me comfort during that time. You just have to go for it!
Pros
  • Financial set up
  • Free housing
  • Overall everything is great

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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.

Hannah Pimblot

Job Title
Vietnam Program Mentor
Hannah started her journey out in Vietnam teaching English in Hanoi, Vietnam for a year before spending a school semester teaching English in Thailand via TFTs Program.
Hannah

What is your favorite travel memory?

Landing in Hanoi for the first time was unforgettable—stepping out into the humid air, the buzz of motorbikes, and the smell of street food was everything I’d dreamed Vietnam would be. I’d spent years imagining this moment, and it didn’t disappoint. Wandering around Hoan Kiem Lake that evening felt like the start of a great adventure

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

Since joining TFT, I’ve grown in confidence and empathy, especially in helping new teachers settle into life in Vietnam. Guiding others through their first days—navigating culture shock, finding their footing in the classroom, and exploring their new surroundings. It is great being part of a community.

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

One of the best stories I’ve heard was from a student who came back to thank their teacher for inspiring their love of English. They talked about how learning in class gave them the confidence to apply for a scholarship abroad, which they ended up winning. Hearing how that one classroom connection changed their life was incredible.

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

If I could go on any TFT program, I’d choose the teaching program in Vietnam. Even though I already work here, I’d love to experience it from the perspective of a teacher for the first time again—immersing myself in the classroom, connecting with students, and exploring even more of this beautiful country.

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

What makes TFT unique is how we’ve built such a strong community while working remotely. Even though most of our work happens online, there’s this incredible bond within the team. I’m always especially proud when we finally meet the new teachers in person for the first time—it’s like meeting old friends you’ve been cheering on from afar. Seeing how we’ve created a supportive network that feels so personal is truly special.

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

I believe the biggest factor in being a successful company is building genuine relationships—with your team, your customers, and the communities you serve. At TFT, our focus on connection and support, even across remote work, has been key to creating a culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to succeed.