Program Reviews

If it weren't for Travel Bud, I wouldn't have been able to make it to Japan. They provided a great path for me to achieve my goal of teaching in Japan and I appreciate the program for being able to both certify me in teaching and facilitate my travel here. Given the state of the world in 2021 and having explored other avenues of travel, I can confidently say if it weren't for Travel Bud I wouldn't be living in Japan now. The program is simple, comprehensive, and they offer guaranteed job placement.

My time in Japan has been short but well spent. In requesting this review, I was told to write something unique to me. However, I think what I'm currently experiencing isn't unique to me at all and that's what makes it so great. I've never met more polite people anywhere else in the world. The food is always well prepared and surprisingly cheap. There is a plethora of activities to enjoy yourself with everywhere you go (my favorite is definitely karaoke). And lastly, my job as an ALT is easily the most enjoyable job I've ever had. I think what's wonderful about Japan is that it has something to offer for everyone. I'd be lying if I said there weren't difficulties. Grocery shopping is a pain in the butt, not just because I have trouble interpreting the price tags but also because the food is so different from America that I never know what to cook. Little road bumps like this will be common in anyone's stay here but I am adamant that the pros outweigh the cons.

The experience was definitely so helpful, especially during the pandemic. I received a lot of support and reassurance from the team and they were very professional and helpful from start to finish! Anytime I had worries or questions, the team will be quick to respond and would make sure to find all possible solutions or remedies. This was especially helpful when borders were still closed and I had to figure out all the paperwork, visa materials, and entry requirements. It felt nice to receive that guidance when everything was still unknown. Coming to Japan was very smooth and I am throughly enjoying my stay!

Travelling to the other side of the world on a budget can be a daunting task. Before arriving to Japan I was nervous about many things, from what to do at the airport to what I should prepare. I decided to use hire Travelbud to help me get a job and to have my back for living alone in Japan. This company was always supportive and would answer and questions I had. I currently work for Interac in the Kochi prefecture. Interac has helped me get set up and they have regular training and meet up with other English teachers. The teachers here are friendly and often share snacks “omyage” and would guide me in events or activities at the school. While my home is in a very rural area, there is still plenty of shops and restaurants to visit. Overall I am happy with how things turned out. With Interac being a supportive company you might wonder if hiring a team was worth the money, but I still think it is. Travelbud is my backup team if I start to have issues with my current company. While Interac have been nothing but great to me, knowing that if all else fails I can get help and advice from an independent company brings me comfort and security while in a foreign country.

I taught in Nagoya, Japan. Being a teacher in America, I was already aware of the joys and struggles of teaching; there would be no shock from the work and pay (or lack thereof). My school was incredibly lacking in proper teaching materials, training, and ethics when it came to aiding students with different needs. It was about money and that's it. The other teachers, however, were kind and knew of the school's faults. I was very lucky to be with teachers who understood what the school was lacking. I built great relationships with the other teachers and can't wait to see them again when I return to Nagoya. My advice to those who go to teach in Japan: be weary of your leaders. Do what you can to make your experience and students happy, but understand that there's only so much you can do. Make connections with those around you and do what you can to appreciate the country and people rather than fixate on the workplace.

Regarding this program, while I wish the school they picked for me was a more qualified one, I appreciated the support and options they gave me. I would definitely return to this program with the current knowledge I hold and ability to differentiate a good school from one that panders to families for money rather than focus on student growth & health.

This program has been supportive and attentive to to your preferences on where you want to reach and how old the students are, although I was limited in choices due to COVID. It does the anxiety inducing work for you in finding a school due to their connections, and having a guaranteed placement is reassuring. Advice I’d give to new travelers is it’s easy to say “anywhere” when moving abroad because it’s exciting, but try to narrow your preferences and the why behind them! I think you’ll be more satisfied if you allow yourself to be more specific and not end up in a place you end up hating.

The program was very fun and exciting to complete. It was a new step in my life, and I was very nervous throughout the whole process and before arriving in Korea, but the placement team made sure the transition was seamless and worry free, and I understood everything I had to do before I moved abroad. Every instruction and email that I was given was always clear and simple. It’s definitely something I’d recommend to other future teachers, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that you won’t regret!

TravelBud was super helpful in helping me become an English teacher in South Korea and made the transition moving to a different country very easy and smooth! Moving to a different country and learning a completely new culture can be very difficult but TravelBud helped me find a very comfortable job and put me in contact with all the right people so when I arrived here my transition has been very smooth and really enjoyable! Would definitely recommend for anyone thinking of teaching English abroad for their first time.

Extremely smooth and informative staff. Saskia Smuts helped me during my application and time in Thailand. I'd definitely recommend this experience. I was a little nervous to go so far away from home alone, but they made the process simple in terms of explaining VISAs and other issues. When i arrived in Thailand, everything was already prepared for me in advance. I loved meeting new people and learning about their culture. Thank you TravelBud for helping me get to Thailand, and for helping me become a certified TEFL teacher!

So much I could really say here but overall, I would say TAKE IN the experience. Being in my 30s, I've found that there's something for everyone to do here in South Korea. The safety is top notch and the Koreans are pretty patient when it comes to the beginner Korean speaking person, such as myself, to be able to properly translate the needs of wants of daily life. It has been a humbling experience on so many levels, from having to depend on public transportation when prior to that I was on my own terms, to learning new ways, the Korean ways of doing things. A major piece of advice that I would give to any future travelers in the problem is be sure you know what is expected of you within your contract and to be open-minded at the same time. Know that the decisions you make from the beginning of the process to your end, will and should be decisions that are BEST for you. It started off pretty rough for me simply because being a veteran educator from the States, it was a bit of challenge to truly understand what a hagwon's expectation was for staff. I did not always agree with their procedures but at the same time, I had to remind myself that I was not here to compare but to embrace the contrast. Once I understood that, I begin to just go with the flow. Again, not being easy as a teacher with experience but it was the weekends and holidays off that really made it all worth where it didn't have to be ALL about work, but some time for fun as well. I do recommend that one knows their contract in and out and really understand what you are signing up for and not just because it sounds good and cute. Do it for the experience, yes, but also do it knowing your true goals and be open-minded because it will get difficult at times. Do it with a friend if you can! But whatever you do, do it because it is in your heart to do! The world is so big. Why not start with exploring outside the 4 walls you are in now?! ENJOY and never be afraid to do what's BEST!