Program Reviews

Deciding to move to Thailand is not the easiest of decisions to make, but Travelbud made sure the actual process was seamless, clear and pleasant.

They're always ready to answer questions, queries and concerns (anxiety may get the better of you, it's normal) and guide you patiently through the process.

So, my advice to anyone considering teaching abroad.... JUST GO! Obviously get Travelbud to assist you, it's absolutely worth it.

Special thank you to the entire Travelbud team, you guys are an awesome bunch of people!

After looking through a few different travel sites and doing a bit of research, I decided to sign up for a chat with Peter. Within minutes I trusted TravelBud with the whole process. Everything from signing up, to getting here went smoothly and comfortably for me. Once arriving, Liam and Saskia continued with their support and even took me and a few others out for a couple of delicious dinners. Moving across the world can be very scary, but with the help and support that TravelBud provides, it makes the whole process even more enjoyable.

When considering this big decision to move overseas it can be a bit overwhelming with all the information you need to know to get started. I researched through so many different organizations that help you through this process, but in the end everything kept coming back to TravelBud. From the initial contact, until I finally landed in Thailand they were there every step of the way. Its not so much the information they provided, which is all necessary and helpful, but its the way it was presented and with the care it was given. They are headquartered all the way in South Africa and I am in Chicago and was as comfortable as can be from such a far distance. They constantly help you with the process step by step, never overwhelming you with information. They made sure that I took care of the initial steps before informing me of the next move. They answered all my questions in a timely fashion and most importantly they genuinely care about my well being and constant concerns with the process. Life choices can sometimes be very stressful and full of anxiety that you can't control, but TravelBud makes sure that they won't give any of that on their end. Today I am living in Thailand with a smile on my face and experiencing an adventure I already know I will never forget. They are a huge reason for that, so thank you TravelBud! Also a special shout out to Peter and Saskia in this process! Hope to meet one day and thank you personally!

TravelBud needs to be congratulated by every person who arrived in the April intake. Of course I cannot speak for everyone, but not a single person on my team didnt have anything but great reviews on how we were treated during our first couple weeks in Thailand. This process has seamed to have no admin needed by us due to the fact that TravelBud took care of absolutely everything. The team at TravelBud are extremely supportive and kept a communication line open with us constantly as well as took us on a couple little adventures around Hua Hin. I cannot express enough how I would trust this company to assist me in teaching ANYWHERE in the world. I am 2 months in at an amazing school in Nonthaburi and loving life while TravelBud still checks in and have made it very clear they are always here to help. The team that is TravelBud and the people working for them will be buddies of mine for life!

I am here, sitting in Thailand, already placed at a school in the South, teaching the absolute cutest Primary school children - exactly as I wanted it, not necessarily as I imagined it though. I can't remember how I imagined it, but all I can remember is that TravelBud has made the whole rollercoster ride a smooth one! From the get go, they answered every single question I had, were available anytime for a Skype call and supported me mentally throughout the whole experience of getting adjusted to life in Thailand!
Best of all, the founder of TravelBud and one of his work colleagues decided to pop by and say Hi in Thailand while we were doing our well planned Orientation week and TESOL Course. This just proved how much they care for their participants!
Absolutely appreciate everything you guys have done for me!

What an incredible team of humans! You all have contributed to making my new start in Thailand nothing less than amazing. The level of communication and fluidity of it needs to be recommended. The team constantly kept me up to date with the latest information and lovingly checked in on me from time to time. Starting afresh in a new country is daunting but it feels so good knowing I have such great support. I'd like to extend a massive Thank You to the entire team!!! :)

I am so happy with my decision to choose TravelBud to help me on my journey in becoming an English teacher in Thailand! I have always wanted to travel the world, but that is obviously easier said than done. In truth, uprooting your life and moving halfway across the world is a daunting task! With the help of TravelBud, though, the process has gone incredibly smoothly, and I have been enjoying my wonderful and amazing time in Thailand.

TravelBud is there for you to provide support and assistance both in preparation for your journey, and all throughout your time abroad. Any problem or concern you could possibly have, they will help you with it. They have put my mind at ease by making a difficult and worrisome process go smoothly and easily. I would definitely recommend TravelBud to anyone who wants to teach abroad, but isn't quite sure how to go about it or where to begin.

TravelBud is literally like having an extremely reliable, efficient, helpful and knowledgeable group of friends to travel with (you're probs thinking 'duh Didi, that's maybe why it's called TravelBUD'...yeah, me too).

It's made up of people that basically help you organize your traveling existence. They are not only amazing at their jobs, but they are also magical people who actually care about your peace of mind and easing your anxiety regarding the organisation and eventual fruition of your travel and ESL teaching experience. And the best part is-these awesome people have physically experienced the places you are thinking of going to, so they are equipped to help you out with first hand knowledge (instead of just relying on Uncle Google and his cyberspace mates).

So there really is no reason not to pop them an email, pvt message, visit their website, send a carrier pigeon or whatever! Really, just get in touch with TravelBud (they reply ASAPtually, no jokes) if you have questions or if you want to get started on a global adventure you'll never stop babbling about!

Light and good vibes

I always loved the idea of packing up my life in Cape Town and traveling the world. I had a vision of an independent traveller in my head that could just arrive at a new place, instantly have a place to live and attract different groups of friends from all over the world.
But I am not that person. People scare me and I always leave my socks on the floor; so I'm sure no one in a hostel would want to be friends with me. I've barely just wrapped my head around my cellphone contract back home, how could I ever figure that out in Thai.

Luckily, I found a program that took care of all these things that scared me. Travelbud offered me the training wheels I needed to embark on the biggest adventure of my life. Every single aspect that seems daunting is explained in the most basic steps to take all the fear and uncertainty out, from applying for your visa and getting your insurance to packing your bags and knowing how many pairs of jeans are too many.
And for any questions that aren't explained, there is a team of incredibly friendly staff just an email away that are always happy and ready to answer.

The value of doing the TESOL course in-class and having the cultural orientation in Hua Hin can not be quantified. Those four weeks are everything you need to acclimatize yourself to a new culture, a new language, new food and a new transport system. It also gives you the most important thing you could need in a foreign country, a support system.
More than just a roommate who's socks joined mine on the floor, I was given a whole family of like-minded travelers who are now my closest support system here in Thailand.

Travelbud provided the training wheels I needed to take the leap and come to Thailand and they have supported me every step of the way, I could not recommend them more.

Am i really doing this? This question crossed my mind over and over as i started my journey to Thailand. Travel Bud only made the decision to come undeniable and provided so much predeparture support such as, visa information, budget and dress code, all things you don't realize the importance until you get here. Their support did not end there. Two of their amazing staff members accompanied us during the month of our TESOL course making things feel a little bit closer to home. They took us on excursions on the weekends, making our time in Hua Hin so much more memorable than it would have been. I cannot thank TravelBud enough for their ongoing support, friendship and guidance through this scary but incredible journey. I am half way through my first month in my new town and life is great!