Program Reviews

It was one of the most enriching experiences ever, Thai people are by far the most welcoming and friendly people I've encountered, even being back home my Thailand connects are still making me feel the love across continents.

The Travelbud team was a great support structure throughout the process, the fact that you guys are there from the very beginning and continue to follow through throughout the process is amazing. I can say that you guys are hands down the best agency in the game from what I've heard. The welcome dinner and the braai are great touches!

I literally have not a bad word to say about my experience with Travelbud and definitely feel like I got my money's worth. The only constructive criticism that I would pass on would be the handover from you guys to your in-country partner, there were some slight gaps there, perhaps because of the outstanding amount of information that we were getting prior to the handover..

The biggest gap in the first bits of communication from TravelBud's in-country partners (I and many others felt) came in as far as costs were concerned. As much as we're told about the big budget figure that we're expected to have to carry us through, it's just lovely to have a breakdown of just how much of it is gona slip right out of our fingers in the very first week. So things like, bank card costs, songteaw for the month, breakdown of accommodation costs from H-Residence to Hua Hin accommodation etc. but all in all that is not enough to leave a dent in the experience so all's well that ends well.

That said, moving from the course to my placement made my experience that much more amazing. Ayutthaya became home away from home within no time! Having a place where even through the language barrier you can feel the love, is priceless. I straight up cried my entire last week in the place and almost a month later, I'm still getting an out-pour of love from my students something I will carry with me forever and a day!

I would recommend this to anyone and everyone as it will change the way you see the world forever!

I spent twelve months in Yeosu, Korea, a hilly seaside town filled with possibilities. What is lacks in fast-paced Seoul-like metropolitan charm, it makes up for with its ability to wake up the adventurer in you. There are brochures pointing you to the tourist spots, but jumping on a bus and exploring a new part of town, an island or beach or even the “mountain” behind my flat used to yield much more exciting experiences. I had the privilege to meet fantastic new friends with whom I shared an actual connection beyond drinking and partying.

The support from TravelBud was really good, they assisted in my predeparture preparation and would often check in the following months. It was a great help to have somebody else sort out my SIM card. I attended a belated orientation (because I arrived shortly after they had finished another) and met some lovely people from all around the world based in other parts of Korea. Thinking back to the Korean cooking class still makes me smile and salivate a little.

Don’t be fooled; Korea is not for the cowardly. There were difficult times, occasional times that made me wonder what I was thinking. Not even the handsome salary seemed enough. That said I found my sense of humour this year so those few moments were soon dwarfed by the epiphanies, friendships, laughs and splendour that I experienced in my time in sleepy Yeosu. If you have that curiosity in your heart that beckons you to explore and find the joy, you won’t be disappointed.

Last year I decided to pack up my stuff and move half way across the world. I kept hearing about what great teaching opportunities there were in South Korea and how much money I could save teaching here. Of course I didn't believe everything I heard. A friend of mine who was already in South Korea suggested I contact TravelBud and enquire about the opportunities available in Korea. He said he was happy with TravelBud and would recommend it to anyone. So I contacted them, and the journey of a lifetime began.

Naturally I was nervous and worried about moving to a foreign country, a country i had just heard of in passing. TravelBud were there for me every step of the way. They responded really fast, and gave me all the information I needed. I liked that they broke things down for me into manageable bits. It can get really overwhelming if you don't have anyone guiding you through the process. Looking back, I am sure that if TravelBud was not there for me I would honestly not be here today. Even though at the time I was based in Tanzania , TravelBud were so good that it didn't matter where I was. I still got the support I needed. They were so friendly, and caring that they made a process that would otherwise be quite stressful very easy and even enjoyable. I received guidance at every stage. They were extremely professional and definitely knew what they were talking about. They also let me know what to expect once I got here.

Now I am 7 months into my teaching contract in South Korea and I could not be happier. I got placed at an amazing school . I have had absolutely no problems with salary or apartment. I managed to save a decent sum and pay off my loans. I also got to experience a whole new culture. P.S . The food here is amazing.

I have heard so many horror stories of things going wrong here that I am glad that I had TravelBud there for me.
Just as someone recommended them to me, I would happily recommend them to anyone else.

There are too many stories to think of one. Basically, every day is a learning curve regardless of how big or small an activity is. It's been a great experience and continues to reach new levels of adventure. I have recommended TravelBud to everyone who has asked for advice regarding teaching abroad. Even when I had other questions unrelated to TravelBud they were still always able to provide great advice.

It has been a roller coaster of a ride, but most certainly one I wouldn't change for the world. I have been in Thailand for roughly half a year now, closing in on the October break, and there always seems to be something exciting coming up around the corner.
One of the times that do stand out wasn't necessarily one of the big name locations full of tourists, but rather an island just a 20 minute ferry ride, just south of Trang. I met a wonderful Thai lady and her husband at an English camp that i was working at, and of course a smile and good first conversation can go a long way. I was soon invited to her family home on an island called Kho Sukhorn, and I could have almost guaranteed i was the only foreigner on the island, but i was quite happy with that. It was an invaluable experience where i was able to learn and make good friends.
Nevertheless, it all goes down to how this was made possible. It seems hard to think back when there is so much to look forward to. Coming into this venture was made alot easier with the agency and people that I was fortunate enough to work with. Travelbud made the process seem effortless, and if it wasn't for them I'm not sure how this time in my life could have been made possible. thanks to Peter from Travelbud who was always there when we needed questions answered and even came over to Thailand during our TESOL course to show us a few tricks of the trade. I would recommend Travelbud every day of the week, and i suggest you take the opportunity while you still can, you will have the time of your life.

After being stuck in a corporate job that I really began to detest, i was running out of ways to escape and to build a new life for myself. I stumbled across TravelBud's course for Teaching and Thailand and decided to take a leap of faith. After making triple sure that it wasn't a scam (I was very worried about giving a company my money and being stranded in Asia) I applied and was accepted. Three months later I have absolutely no regrets, the entire experience has been life-changing and I have met some really amazing people! The TESOL course was intense but fun and I made friends from around the globe in this one month. I am now placed at a kindergarten in the North of Thailand and am loving every moment. If you are reading this, you are probably looking for a rewarding change that will allow you to explore the globe and yourself. The Land of Smiles awaits you, just do it!

I have been living in Thailand for five months now. At first I was only going to stay for six months but this country has stolen my heart and I am truly not sure when I will ever leave. I came through TravelBud, who from the moment I sent my first email, has stood by me and helped me step by step through this journey. It can be a a bit unnerving, moving to a a new country, alone. Knowing nothing about the culture and the language and even where you're going to live for the next six months to a year. But I have never had a moment to worry, because I haven't ever really been alone. TravelBud has been incredible. From the moment I got off my plane in Bangkok to sitting here, on my bed doing lesson plans in my tiny village, they have been here every step of the way. If I can recommend anything to someone thinking of coming to this beautiful country, stop thinking. And just come. And come with TravelBud. And have an experience that will change you and your life.

Making the decision to step out of my comfort zone to embark on a new adventure was a scary and daunting thing. I had just finished studying and was in no way ready to settle into a job at home. I wanted to travel and experience a new culture in all its beauty. There was something about Thailand that had drew me in, I knew that there was something there for me to see and experience. I honestly didn't even bother looking at other companies I knew from the moment that I wanted to teach in Thailand that I wanted to get there through Travelbud! Travelbud helped me pave the way on the journey to Thailand. They held my hand every step of the way on what would have been a stressful path. They made sure that I was fully prepared and informed about what to expect once I got there and in making sure all my paperwork (visas health requirements photocopied and certified documents) were collected and together. Travelbud stayed in constant contact with me, making sure that I had landed safely and was in the capable hands of their partners on the ground in Thailand. They checked in on me throughout the year and remainder a company that I could rely on if I had any concerns or questions (even if it was where they would recommend I Travel to first on my first long weekend off work).
The experience itself of teaching in Thailand was hands down the most enriching and humbling experience of my life to date. I lived in a small town in the south of Thailand called "Thung Song" where I taught a variety of subjects (English, maths, sport and art) to primary school children. My students have been such a blessing in my life and I can honestly say that they taught me more than I could ever tried to teach them. Being in the classroom making learning fun and spending time with them, despite the language barrier we formed such bonds that I learned communicating is never just about words. Life was never all work and no play. Everyday was a blast at school and on the weekends myself and good friends (friends that I made on my teaching course and have remained so close to) would hop on the last mini van to Krabi ( which was only a 2 hour drive away) where we would spend the weekend exploring the beaches there or catching a ferry to Phi Phi for the night. Life was a constant adventure and one that I was sad the end when I left. But apon my arrival home to SA Travelbud was there, I chatted about my concerns finding a job and they sent me straight to Pentravel (a well known travel agency) they told me to submit my CV in to Pentravel I took their advice and having a deep love travel knew that this was the right job for me get into. I am now a Travel Agent working at Pentravel. Every major decision that I have made in the past two years Travelbud has been there guiding me and offering me support. They never abandoned me and made sure that I was happy working Thailand and even after making the decision to come home making sure that I found my feet here again. Travelbud makes the transition from moving aboard easy and even assist in making the transition in coming home a breeze! Looking back the best decision I have made was contacting Travelbud all those months ago when I wanted to work in Thailand. They are at the root of it all to me, and without them I wouldn't have experienced Thailand the way I did and I wouldn't have found this job I have now. Doing all this alone is a scary task and one that can be overwhelming! This world is too big to go through things like moving aboard alone, having a support system behind you is so crucial, and I recommend Travelbud as the ultimate support system. They have all traveled abroad before and can answer all your concerns first hand because they have done it. They such an awesome team of young and vibrant people who truly understand what you want from this experience and want to help make it everything you want to it to be and more!

So deciding to get on a plane and abondon all your comfort zones and familiarity is a big decision to begin with, but the crucial first step is deciding which company and/or agency to use that will facilitate this big move. TravelBud was my chosen agency and I can definitely say with surety that their services were great. The communication was thorough and all details of the journey ahead were clearly expressed. All the information from the agency was current and without fault and it was comforting to know that members of the staff had also taught in ThailanIt's almost a year now of me teaching in Thailand and it has been a phenomenal adventure. This experience has been memorable because of the opportunities you are given to travel, teach, earn decent money and absorb as much insight and knowledge as possible. My best moments from here has definitely been the relationship I have developed with some of my students. The culture shocks and unfamiliarity have allowed me to delve into new territorys. The program was fun, intensive and definitely prepared me well. This experience is great for whatever new perspective and direction you be interested in taking. The team from TravelBud guide you through it and are quick to settle any doubts and concerns you may have. I'm definitely happy with the choice I made.