Program Reviews

Teaching in Thailand was one of the best things I could have ever done. I applied on a whim, utterly terrified and unsure of what to expect, but the staff at TravelBud (ESPECIALLY SASKIA :D ) could not have been more helpful and supportive, it was a huge comfort to me knowing that someone was hearing and helping me.
The TESOL course was incredibly helpful, I think I would've been completely lost without it as I'm still drawing on those skills that I learnt and it proved to be incredibly useful in the classroom.
The most important piece of advice I can give when finding your feet in this lovely country is this: KEEP. AN. OPEN. MIND.
I have always sworn by this but I found that it helps, especially in Thailand. My fellow Thai teachers are just AMAZING, helpful when you ask questions and love sharing food! (And I am someone that never turns down food, haha). Keeping an open mind when trying to immerse yourself in this new culture can be trying at first but it will be the best tool to help you overcome your anxiety about being outside of your comfort-zone. For me, it turned out to be a fun, amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. I'm loving every minute of it, I love the new friends I've made and my students are growing on me each day!
Lastly, I'm loving this, I am so glad I chose to do this and one FINAL, extremely special THANK YOU to Saskia for helping me keep my head on straight!
XOXO

We found out about Travelbud through a posting on Facebook. Immediately I was intrigued about the programs they offered and how everything worked. Travelling and working abroad was a bucket list item that my husband and I had discussed when we were still in high school. After having a Skype call with Peter, we were sold! This was something we needed to do and Travelbud was the company who was going to help us. We applied for the teach in Thailand course and sent through all our necessary documents. Everything was so easy! Travelbud went out of their way to provide a seamless experience for us. All of a sudden we were boarding a plane and beginning our adventure and we have never looked back.
What we learnt while abroad (just a few):
1. Yes you are here to travel and experience the culture and have an incredible experience but as a teacher, your students should come first! Always put your best foot forward for your students.
2. Embrace the culture and the people you meet. It may not be what you are used to but it doesn't make it wrong, just different. You'll be surprised at the incredible experiences you have once you accept this.
3. Do your best to make meaningful friendships while you are aboard. Your life will be so much richer for it.
Teaching in Thailand, and Thailand itself, has opened our eyes to what is truly important in life. I am sure that your experience travelling and teaching/volunteering abroad will be the same for you, should you choose to allow it.

Going through Travel-Bud was fantastic from start to end.
I had a million and one questions before I went over (The jitters were real) but dealing with Peter was great in that he answered each and everyone of them, gave his own personal accounts of what I should expect on the other side and advice for aspects I hadn't quite thought of.

The orientation month consisted of culture related excursions (making Thai food, going to temples, meeting elephants and learning the basics of Thai language)
My favourite part was the fact that we stayed with a group of 30 of us for the first month, since we were all in this together, we bonded A LOT quicker than your normal friendship. Every night we were bonding over food, games, drinking by the pool, playing guitar, doing yoga in the park, making fun of each others accents and sharing why we had embarked on this new chapter.
I'm still in touch with most of these people and during the holidays we would meet up in different cities around Thailand. Now that I'm back home we often FaceTime one another and they're friendships I'll treasure forever.

The teaching part was great too, for the first year I was a teacher at a government Thai school, where I was the only foreigner. Sometimes it would get lonely but the Thai teachers honestly put in SO much effort to converse with me and make me feel comfortable.
My last 6 months I was an MEP teacher (I taught one class of 6 year olds all the subjects from English, maths, Science, Health and Art) at a wealthier school, where I worked alongside 3 other English teachers. Both had pro's and con's but I wouldn't give up either experience!

If you're interested in going over, I would suggest DO IT. If you really don't enjoy it - fly home. But if you do, imagine all the stories you can tell your grandkids one day?! This journey honestly grows you in a way you can only understand once you've gone through it. I'm so thankful I didn't let fear hold me back because now I can't shut up about all the adventures I experienced and people I met.

Thanks to the helpful efforts of travelbud I have now been living in Vietnam for 6 months without a single regret! I have a excellent job working in a small town and am loving every second of it. If you want to live in a country where the people are kind, friendly and helpful , the nature is pristine and breathtaking , the food is amazing and the cost of living incredibly decent - then Vietnam is for you. Teachers in Vietnam are highly respected and this shines in every aspect of life here. Especially in a smaller city the people are very eager to get to know you and are constantly inviting you to their family homes. The kindness and friendliness of the Vietnamese people is truly something that has touched my heart.

The program was given with a lot of information that was clear and was easy to comprehend. We were given a lot of support throughout the program with lesson plans and constructive criticism to help us improve on the quality of lessons we gonna soon deliver. The practical part of the program was also beneficial, it gave us a feel of teaching an actual classroom and break the ice before teaching at our placements. After this program, I feel I am ready to face the teaching world with loads of confidence.

I have very little experience in traveling to new countries when I decided to move to Vietnam to teach. I did a lot of research on the various agencies before settling on TravelBud & their partners. They came out on top time and time again. They then surpassed my expectations. The facilitators made themselves available to us at all times and for any issue, we were dealing with. They all have extensive knowledge on teaching and moving to a new country with completely different rules and culture and this shows. One of the best parts of using of using them is that you are guaranteed to get a job and can continue to use them indefinitely.

Ultimately you are here to teach and the team ensures that you are well prepared by having informative lessons and using real-life situations as examples. We had in-classroom experience where we learned more in two hours than any book could teach you.

The maths is simple if you want to ensure your success in a new country and new profession you have to use them.

From before leaving my country (South Africa) to getting work in Vietnam I have received the greatest support. The team is very professional and guided me every step of the way.

The staff were friendly and efficient too. It helped a lot that they had also been through the same experience and were able to advise the best options that suited me.

Thank you- I would not have been able to do it without the program.

TravelBud and their partners were extremely helpful in getting me trained and placed in a good job in a great place - Ho Chi Minh City. It was a lengthy, fairly expensive process but very worth all the time, effort and money. I would certainly recommend both companies if you're looking for a new adventure and line of work. Don't be mistaken on that note - this is a job after all, not an easy holiday.

Coming to teach in Thailand was the best decision I ever made for myself. I have grown in so many ways I never thought I would. What I love the most about Thailand is the Thai people that are very friendly and the delicious Thai food. Working with Thai kids is a pleasure as are keen to learn. Overall I’m so happy that I was able to have this experience and so grateful to TravelBud for making it possible!

I am currently living and teaching in Vietnam. I did an in class TESOL through a partnering company of TravelBud. TravelBud is an amazing company and I can’t compliment them enough. From day 1 until now they have been on top of things and so helpful- they made my move from South Africa to Vietnam a breeze. I wouldn’t have been able to do it alone- thanks so much TravelBud! I highly recommend them to anyone.