Menu
TravelBud - Teach English Abroad

TravelBud

91%
74 reviews
Leave a Review
Visit Site
About Us
Visit Site

Community Photos

A beautiful sunset on Phu Quoc
A wonderful evening in Hanoi
A small village in Sapa
Da nang
Ha Long Bay
Sapa Mountains
Ninh binh
Koh Lanta Sunset
Teaching
Hua Hin Cave Temple
Northern Thailand and all it's beauty.
This was an excursion offered through the program during training. Phraya Nakon caves is a must see!
I am living in northern Thailand and surrounded by the beautiful jungle landscape.
Class busy with an activity about synonyms!
Halloween fun at school!
FOOD!

View All Photos

About

At TravelBud everyone you deal with is someone who has taught or volunteered abroad before. We all passionately believe in the life-changing power of the teach & volunteer abroad experience, both for those we place and for the students who gain new mentors from around the world. We carefully select each program to ensure it both makes a beneficial impact on the community it's based in and is a rewarding and life-changing cultural experience for the teachers & volunteers too.

Something we're extremely proud of is our comprehensive support system. Whether it's before departure or once you're overseas there is always someone just an email or phone-call away to answer any question you might have no matter how small - we've always got your back. And it doesn't end there, we've kept in touch with many of our alumni for years after they return back to life at home. When you sign on with TravelBud you'll become part of our global family for life!

Website
travelbud.com
Founded
2013
Headquarters

Office SG101B1, Great Westerford
Corner Dean St & Main Rd
Rondebosch
Cape Town
7700
South Africa

Teach English Abroad: Summer 2019 Options | Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar & Panama

Teach for as little as 4 weeks or as long as a year if you start this May, June or July:

Volunteer Teach Panama: 4-12 Weeks
Volunteer Teach Thailand: 4 Weeks
Paid Teach Thailand: 7 Weeks - 12 Months
Paid Teach Vietnam: 5-12 Months
Paid Teach Myanmar: 6-12 Months
Paid Teach Korea: 12 Months
Learn More

Reviews

Default avatar
Chris
Age:
23
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Paid Teaching Program in Vietnam with TravelBud, TEFL/TESOL
Mar 8, 2019

My experience was unique, life changing and fun. Travelbud provided support from day one, giving all the information and support needed along the way. They provided high quality training which included cultural orientation and booked great accommodation in every city on the trip. I never had to worry about not having the correct documentation and I loved every minute of teaching and travelling abroad. Travelbud helped to ensure that I was provided with a good job and a competitive salary. I would highly recommend this program to anyone seeking a teaching/travel abroad experience in a beautiful country that is rich in culture and scenery. Southeast Asia is a beautiful travel destination, and Vietnam is one of the most beautiful places to see and experience.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Try something new and embrace a different country! It will change your perspective.
A small village in Sapa
A wonderful evening in Hanoi
A beautiful sunset on Phu Quoc
Default avatar
Sarah
Age:
24
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Paid Teaching Program in Vietnam with TravelBud, TEFL/TESOL
Mar 7, 2019

I had the most life changing experience last year when I decided to go to Vietnam and teach English. I was incredibly nervous before leaving but TravelBud was with me every step of the way, from visa application, certified documentation and 24/7 support once I was abroad. I received my TESOL certificate in Thailand which was amazing, I was able to connect with people from all over the world. The TESOL equipped me for the months to come of teaching. I really enjoyed the cultural orientation I felt this was really important it really prepared me for what to come and gave me a deeper understanding of the culture. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this to everyone who has always dreamed of travelling.

Sapa Mountains
Ha Long Bay
Da nang
Ninh binh
Default avatar
Charlène
Age:
27
8/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Paid Teaching Program in Thailand with TravelBud TESOL/TEFL
Mar 6, 2019

I have always wanted to go to Thailand, not just to travel but to live an authentic experience. I wanted to be able to work there, build my professional experience as a newly qualified teacher and discover this country, its people and its traditions.
All of that seemed impossible to achieve by myself and I am very grateful for the help and support that was given to me by TravelBud and their partners.

I have been in Thailand for 4 months now and this experience has definitely been full of surprises and hopefully there's a lot more to come. I have been teaching to great kids, have seen amazing landscapes and met great people.
Here, I have learnt not to have any expectations and just appreciate every moment because that is the true beauty of this journey.

What was the most nerve-racking moment?
As a non-native speaker, I had a lot of documents to ge translated. I learnt just a few weeks before my departure that I had more documents were needed and that they had to be translated in English. I was already very nervous and stressed out but leaving, going to a new country on the other side of the world, by myself and with no job just yet and this administrative problem was just an unnecessary problem that I didn't need to habe at this moment. Everything went wellin the end but the moment before leaving was probably the most difficult that I had tp overcome.
Response from TravelBud

Hi Charlene, thanks so much for the wonderful review! I know with French nationals there are a bunch more hoops for you to jump through to be able to legally teach in Thailand. I'm glad you were able to make it work and are having a wonderful experience so far!

Lucy reports that you had a great attitude throughout the support process and were an absolute pleasure to work with and she knew you were going to make a great success of your time in Thailand!

All the best with the rest of your time :)

By TravelBud on March 7, 2019
Goretti
8/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Paid Teaching Program in Thailand with TravelBud TESOL/TEFL
Jan 28, 2019

This was an experiment of sorts for me because this was the scariest thing I have ever done in my life. I was so excited for this amazing opportunity and in many ways it did not disappoint... I wanted a chance to experience something different and out of my comfort zone and this afforded me that! I just wished I had done more research regarding the program as a whole I got so caught up in the splendor, the pomp and circumstance that I overlooked all the very real things I would be facing once I was in country(Homesickness, finances, TESOL course, culture shock etc.). Regardless this was an unforgettable journey filled with precious memories and I will forever be grateful for the beautiful chapter I get to add to the story of my life. Thank you Travelbud! For those interested make sure you do your RESEARCH before and what are you waiting for... go ahead and be brave!

What would you improve about this program?
There were a lot of hidden costs involved or maybe I was just not aware of it eg. CBC, degree authentication etc. It’s important to make future prospective people aware of all the costs outside of what we’re already paying towards the package ahead of time instead of finding it out as we go along. It can be quite a financial contraint as the package is already pricey.
Response from TravelBud

Hi Goretti, thanks so much for this wonderful review! We’re so thrilled to hear that this experience did not disappoint you even though it was short.

Homesickness and culture shock are unfortunately aspects of teaching abroad which everyone experiences at some point, this is why our pre-departure support staff puts so much effort into making sure our participants are as prepared as possible for what is to come prior to arriving in-country. Having said that, we’re well aware of how daunting the thought of leaving your life behind and settling abroad can be, so the fact that you gave it your best shot is something you should be really proud of.

We’re sorry to hear that you felt that there were hidden costs, but our enrolments team takes all our applicants through the costs involved during the interview, prior to them signing up.

We really appreciate your insightful review and especially your feedback, as we are constantly looking for innovative ways to make sure all our teachers have the best experience possible!

By TravelBud on February 8, 2019
Default avatar
Mitch
Age:
24
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program
Program:
Paid Teaching Program in Thailand with TravelBud TESOL/TEFL
Jan 21, 2019

My journey started back in 2016 when I embarked on an in class TEFL course in Hua Hin, Thailand. As I am sure you know I went through a wonderful company called TravelBud, who looking back were excellent in everything. From clarifying everything needed and all costs onvolved to setting me up exactly in Thailand with appropriate agencies to assist me in finding a job.

TravelBud were great in such a way where they fortunately provided me with all the information on what to expect and how life would be in Thailand. I really was amazed and taken back by their professional service and guidance throughout the entire process. When I arrived in Thailand with some of my fellow friends where we were picked up from the airprort and taken to our hotel which were all included in the fee, this was great as chaotic Bangkok was quite the place to walk into first time being abroad. So having some professional guidance and assistance was excellent.

Everything was made clear and even before leaving my home country TravelBud provided me with a packing list as well as necessities to take abroad which came in very handy throughout my time in Thailand. I think for me what is the best part was that TravelBud are always eager to give advice and suport no matter what the situation is even if you have finished your course with them and it has been months later.

Their expertise and knowledge about living abroad especially in Asia is outstanding and I highly recommened going through them if you are wanting to work and teach abroad.

Response from TravelBud

Thanks so much for the glowing review Mitch! It's great to see how positive your experience is, even after all these years and how fondly you look back on how you started your journey with us.

The whole team remembers you and we're thrilled to be part of your journey from day one. Keep up the awesome work, we know you've made a great difference to the lives of your students!

By TravelBud on January 21, 2019
View All Reviews

Programs

Displaying 1 - 8 of 8

Alumni Interviews

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

Tim Mansfield

Program
Paid Teaching Program in Thailand with TravelBud TESOL/TEFL

Teaching English overseas in Thailand

T

Why did you choose this program?

I honestly chose this program after some extensive research and feeling quite confident that this program was not a ‘scam’ and was about giving people the experience. It made out it would!

The program on the their website was clear and precise and has detailed information about the teaching program in Thailand. This putting at ease that their wouldn’t be any curve balls to come at me later on.

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

My program provider was Travelbud. They assisted me with any questions or queries I had and always had an answer for me. Always we assuring me that big or small all questions were important to them in order to help me with my progress for beginning this new chapter. Things being from visas, money exchange, transportation, what clothes to bring, etc., etc.

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

If you have nothing holding you back at home, I say go for it! Throwing yourself out there, doing something completely foreign to you in a new country, really pushes your comfort zones and you grow a lot from it. I have had a great time whilst teaching over here in Thailand and I highly recommended anyone thinking of teaching abroad to do it!

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

Whilst doing the program and getting my TESOL accreditation, a typical day would be 8 - 4pm in the classroom, studying and learning required teaching knowledge with practical practice I’m class. Once competent, we would have placement teaching days putting our theory and practice into work giving us first hand experience.

A typical day for me now whilst teaching consists of Monday-Friday 7:45am - 3pm

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 committing to this program without knowing some information, worried that something would come up which would be really off putting and frustrating. However, as I mentioned earlier, this was overcome by Travelbuds proactive and friendly staff who would reassure me and help me with any questions or queries I might have. Once arriving in Thailand, I knew exactly what to expect from their insightful help.

What advice do you have for future travelers?

Prepare to be patient...

The simplest of tasks can become quite challenging and even frustrating and you have to adapt to be patient with this. Things I have faced due to the language barrier are getting a haircut and asking for a trim and instead getting a buzz cut!! Having my laptop break and having a black screen, telling IT that it had a black screen and that it wouldn’t turn on. After two weeks, I chase them up only for them to tell me it has a black screen. I already knew this; what’s causing it and can it be fixed!?

The simplest of tasks can be difficult but you learn from these initial struggles and find ways to adapt to get your message across and it does get much easier.

More Interviews
TESOL Certification with TravelBud
Lindsey Rogers
2016 Alum
Teaching English in Thailand with TravelBud
Samantha Ross
Teaching ESL in Thailand
Alexia de Souza
2016 Alum

Staff Interviews

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

Lydia India Levendal

Program
Paid English Teaching Internship in China
Job Title
Enrolments Coordinator
A woman takes a photo with two little girls.

Lydia is 25 years old, with a degree in Motion Picture and Media. She considers herself a people person, and is passionate about exchange of knowledge and culture which ultimately resulted to her passion for travel. Her commitment to her work is something she is proud of.

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory would be my trip to the Hello Kitty Park in Anji, China. All that pink and candy made me feel like a little girl living my childhood dream! I also dragged some of my male colleagues along with me, and I will never forget their mortified faces on our arrival. Thankfully, I managed to get the guys to somewhat enjoy the experience, so it was not all bad.

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

I’m a new addition to the Travelbud team. However, I can definitely say that my appreciation for my Work Abroad experience has grown since working here. Everyday, I speak to people who are looking for an experience that can change their lives, or those who may be looking for an adventure because they have never had much room for spontaneity in their hectic work schedules.

When I talk to these applicants, I realize the value that was added to my life because of my courageous, immersive travel and work experience. Being able to share my experiences through Travelbud has really benefited me.

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

As a self-diagnosed romantic, having a participant meet their best friend or even the love of their life is always something I find really beautiful. I also love hearing people realize that life does not have to follow the blueprint of societal norms. Many people discover parts of their personality and their abilities through immersive travel, and it’s always good to hear alumni share their personal development stories.

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

I would choose the Teach English – Vietnam Program. Vietnam is the perfect destination for those looking for a beautiful setting to live in while reaping the benefits of high salaries ($1200 USD – $2000 USD per month) and a significantly low cost of living. Vietnam is also one of the only countries where teachers can advance their career in schools through promotion to management positions. This makes it the ideal program to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture, its natural beauty, and unique cuisine while honing your teaching craft and gaining invaluable teaching experience.

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

Our company is unique and special because of the fact that every staff member has firsthand insight into the nuances of immersive travel. This enables us to facilitate and give genuine recommendations and information.

Every time we get a review or feedback by our Travelbud alumni, I am extremely proud that we have helped someone achieve a new level of personal development.

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

The company culture and company mission are what make Travelbud a successful company. We are a dynamic bunch of humans who are very easy to chat to and are sensitive to each applicant’s needs and vulnerabilities.

More Interviews
woman and archery
Lauren Mc Glenatendolf
man in nature
Stewart Brown
CEO
man working on computer
Tristan Owen
Chief Technical Officer
woman on beach in red dress
Grace Martens
Program Coordinator
woman smiling outside
Carolina Barraza Puerta
Program Development Specialist
male headshot
Nick Paul
Marketing Manager
Saskia Smuts
Saskia Smuts
Support Manager
man hiking on top of a mountain
Peter Pittendrigh
Program Manager