TravelBud

I've been teaching in Korea for about 3 years now. Travelbud was very helpful in helping me prepare and getting me settled with XploreAsia and EPIK. Saskia and Kim have helped me so much and always answer my questions. Over these years Kim has been a great support. I appreciate her help and guidance especially when it came to considering where to teach. No matter how much time has passed since our last chat it always refreshing and comfortable to speak about anything. :)
Korea has been such an amazing experience and I'm forever changed from my time here.
I've made lifetime friends. Understand that Korea is really small, so trust everyone will know each other somehow some way! In Korea, there are activities and events for the outgoing and even more chill type of people. While the pay could be a bit better it definitely is enough to live an average lifestyle here.
I lived in a REALLY rural town (even some Koreans haven't heard of it) but the community was so welcoming. Locals get to know you and aren't afraid to help you or invite you to eat with them, do traditional crafts etc. even if they can't communicate in English well. Rural placements can offer you more heartwarming opportunities with locals. I had times where a parent would see me walking and offer me a ride. Or farmers I see on the way to work offer me some of their harvest. Getting a free invite to a enjoy some BBQ and local foods. Koreans do really show their love with food. Rural areas get tons of government funding. After getting more involved with the locals I was able to join programs like the multicultural family center. They would do monthly trips or Korean crafts, language and cooking classes all for free! It was a great way to be surrounding by others who were trying to learn and appreciate daily Korean life. The local art center would offer free guitar, dance, and art classes. It was all in Korean so the language barrier was there, but it helped me understand that really communication is about 20% spoken 80% body/facial expression. My friends in the city don't have theses kind of connections. Of course, your options for eating or shopping are limited. In my town we can't even order food delivery service and that's one of the big things you hear about, ha. While getting to the city is possible it can be hard with bus times and the travel time on buses/ trains can add up. If you enjoy more younger and hip scene you may find the rural place boring. As it seems most Koreans want to live in the city for their youth. However, I say take what you can from it. You never know who you get to meet and what you get to do by just being you in a new place!
When you get to Korea I think the biggest headache you'll have is getting everything set up. Phone, bills, wifi and banking in Korea ALL have to connect with your information EXACTLY. The issues comes with our names. The name in the system has to match your ID card. I recommend no matter where you go or what account you make ALWAYS set up your name in the same way. Next, is understand that without a Korean phone number you can't have access to any of the apps or do things like online banking. Once you have your official number making sure its is update with the school, bank and on Kakao. Once you are connected to the world here everything will flow much better. If you get lucky with you co-teacher they may evening be willing to help you set up these things. Thank them with a small gift if you can.
After being here for some time you'll notice it can also be hard to find things you enjoyed back home, like deodorant or snacks. Korean food is great but beef, dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables can be pricey. I looked up Korean food beforehand and knew I would like it, but friends who don't like spicy food or don't eat pork have had a hard time here (especially if they aren't near a city.)
I taught at elementary and middle public schools as well as an English Center during my time. It really depends on your luck with your placements, how your students will be and your fellow teachers. Although, you can expect a lower level of English in the countryside.
In general, Korean students are very hesitant to use their English in front of others; they want to be perfect. Elementary students are very sweet and energetic, but as they enter middle school they are much less likely to be willing to speak. Games are a great way to engage them. They study often for other classes on weekends and after school, so they can be overwhelmed/ stressed at times. At a Center you will teach classes that are more hands on and experience based like cooking and PE. It can be fun to plan but you see new students every few days, so you don't get to create a strong bond with students. The classes at times can be tiring to teach back to back as well.
Overall, I 100% recommend this program to people who can come here with no expectations and are willing to involve themselves with the community and try new things. I got to meet people from all the around the world. I was able to expand my interests and knowledge. You will gain a new understanding of the world after living (not just traveling but LIVING) away from home. If you want that kind of experience and change, just go for it.
All the best on your journey!

I love teaching, and have many years of experience teaching children. I now am a professor at a state university in California. (USA). I had a blast teaching k-6th grades. Children are universal across the world! I teach and the last 5-7 minutes I play with them. They love it! I adore them too!

I have been wanting to teach abroad for a long time. Luckily I found Travel Bud. I cannot retire from the university yet, so I did the summer program in Thailand. Travel Bud agents from the beginning are so informative and helpful. It is a scary world out there, and I am so happy that this IS NOT a scam. Travel Bud sticks to their words, they are honest and straight forward.

I was lucky enough to have Kim as my advocate and go to person. As I said before, she told me everything precisely. She told me what to wear, how much money I need, how to spend wisely, and the most important thing; give it time. I honestly was homesick the first two weeks, and thought I wouldn't make it. Now, I love it and don't want to leave!

It is tough for many of us who are not used to another culture and country. Some are third world countries, and the amenities we have at home are not the same! It is a humbling experience, and you will get into the groove of things. I am so grateful for this teaching adventure. It is a great experience and I am more appreciative of what I have back home.
It is without hesitation that I RECOMMEND Travel Bud. I will be returning next year!

Best,

Deepa

Coordinating my trip with TravelBud was an easy and smooth process. From my very first inquiry back in 2019 to actually making it to Costa Rica in 2022. There was a lot that happened globally and they did a great job navigating the steps. I was able to have all the documents needed for my arrival in San Jose. Also, being able to have support through the TESOL course to receiving my job placement. The transition was easy to navigate. The team was always there for support and guidance while I was living in Costa Rica.

Travelbub helped to organise a lot of those important details that stress anyone out when they are moving to a new and unfamiliar country. They were always helpful with communication between the school where I was offered a position and myself. The post-move is where Travelbud helps the most as their partner in-country team takes over once you have landed in the country. The post-move included lots of official documentation which can get pretty intense if there is not someone to help out. Overall a great experience.

When I first started thinking about traveling to teach English abroad I was very intimidated. Luckily I found Travelbud and the amazing people there made my experience and preparation so much easier and less stressful than I could have imagined. This is an amazing and life changing experience! It changed my life for the better and all of the reps were super helpful whenever I had questions! Kim especially was always helpful and kind when I needed help! Korea has been an unforgettable experience! Good food, great people, safe area, good accommodation, fair pay. There are also so many amazing places to go and sites to see. I highly recommend trying this if you’re looking for a new experience or life change.