Greenheart Reviews

Greenheart Travel was so helpful in getting me set up with XploreAsia in order to get TESOL certified in Thailand! Sara Dorsey and other staff were extremely helpful in answering boatloads of questions that myself and others had prior to our journey to this amazing country. I would recommend asking a lot of questions, no matter how dumb they may seem. Chances are there are a bunch of other people wondering the exact same thing you are --- so don't be shy. I am so thankful that I chose Greenheart in getting set up here in Thailand. The amount of stress that I have been saved cannot be measured! I most definitely recommend using Greenheart Travel to help you go abroad, no matter where you want to end up!

Greenheart travel makes applying to teach abroad a much less daunting process. They were very helpful the entire way through-from the first draft of my application to my final departure. They check your application for any faults before sending it off to the Epik which I love because the application needs to be completed in a very specific way. Additionally, they give you interview tips and a pre-depature info session. I applied for EPIK in 2012, so it's been about 2 years since then; however, I remember the application process running very smoothly, and I know this is thanks to Greenheart.

From the beginning to end of the long application process to teach English in Korea, Greenheart Travel (especially Sara Dorsey), has been exceptional. When I first showed an interest in teaching abroad, the Greenheart Travel website clearly displayed all the details of the program. (from benefits to job duties) I knew exactly how much my salary would be, how long the orientation would last, etc. This was extremely helpful. In addition, I became reassured at the legitimacy of the program when I noticed that Greenheart Travel is partnered with the EPIK-English Program in Korea. (a government-run program)

As the application process continued, Sara was extremely prompt in answering my questions via email and also offered helpful advice on what to expect while living in Korea. Since she had already taught in Korea in the past, it was very reassuring since I was already beyond nervous to move across the world and teach English. After I was accepted, I received a welcome packet and detailed itinerary of upcoming orientation in Korea. This was very helpful and I remember feeling so relieved when I received this from Greenheart Travel. It even had a map of the Incheon airport and helpful tips on how to handle culture shock! Greenheart travel made me feel much more prepared to begin my journey of traveling abroad.

I will be finishing my second year of teaching in Korea in February 2015 and am going to continue to teach and travel abroad. This time, it will be with Greenheart Travel Teach English in Colombia program! Overall, teaching in Korea has been full of ups and downs. But, it's been a worthwhile experience and I've gained various lifelong skills that will help me professionally in the future. These skills include: public speaking, classroom management, patience, and most importantly, ADAPTABILITY.

When I was applying for this program I was having some difficulties that were driving me crazy. The fault for this was of course the paperwork and the bureaucratic tape you had to jump through to get it. I was working full time while I was going through these hoops and honestly if I didn't have the help and advise of Sarah over at Greenheart Travel, I might have just given up. I literally had to apply for something three times because I kept getting rejected for this or that reason, but Sarah helped me manage to get in the essentials of my application so that I wouldn't be left behind in the late application pool. eventually, when I got the rest of my paperwork I submitted it and joined the rest of the applicants in the waiting game. Greenheart Travel was fantastic as they put all paranoia at ease and sent me information to prepare me for the insanity I had just willingly signed up for.

It really is insane to voluntarily drop all the opportunities in your own backyard to move 7,000 miles away to a completely different country and do something for which there is no safety net. But as I sit here in my apartment in South Korea, I know I made the best move I could.. I enjoyed my first year of teaching high school history in the US after I graduated college. I look forward to going back and doing that, but at the time I wasn't ready to submit to the game of politics one has to play to secure a long term job in education. I knew I still wasn't ready to settle down and so I opted to take advantage of my youth and travel. Coming to South Korea was the perfect opportunity. From a historical viewpoint, there is nothing better than experiencing a culture for yourself and actually going to see the history. From the teaching viewpoint, I am becoming more flexible ("Korean surprises" are a daily occurrence, be prepared) and becoming familiar with different methods. This opportunity is not about running away from something, it's about helping myself grow more through less mainstream means.

I have no regrets in coming here and I couldn't ask for anything more (perhaps besides some less expensive peanut butter). There really is nothing like walking down the street after what has become an average day of teaching and just being completely content with life.

This program is very unique. I live in a suburb of Turin, and it takes me about 50 minutes to reach the city center. That means I am less than an hour away to catch trains to virtually anywhere in Europe (reasonable distance by train). It is important that you learn to use the train system and take advantage of the highly discounted airfares by being savvy with your planning–not programmed, but smart.

My favorite aspect is vast array of opportunities for growth. Culturally, I have developed more sensitivity by living in Italy, and I have learned an incredible amount of Italian. I did not expect this, but being here has helped me find direction in life and decide how I want to live the next decade of my life. For me, this program has been inquisitive about my purpose in life, and there is really no better time or place to do this than when you are removed from everything and everyone you know.

Throughout the program, I have felt many highs and lows: It's easy to start to miss your family, your friends, social circle, or college/job. But three foggy are easily made up by a beautiful morning where the snow-capped mountains are visible from my roof. The opportunities for travel are immense, and most families and school administrators encourage you to do it, so when you are here, you had better take advantage of it.

Another wonderful part of this program is that in the town where I teach, I am a small celebrity. Everyone wants to talk to you or have you over for dinner. It is also impressive to be in your early 20s and have a gig like this...

Ciao! I have been in Italy just over a month now and my stomach has been full!...I mean my experience has been full of amazing people, wonderful opportunity to be immersed in the Italian culture and more than enough cafe and gelato that my stomach can handle!
Prior to coming to Torino, Italy I had so many thoughts run through my head....what will my host family be like? What will my school be like? What teaching materials should I bring? What if I don't speak any Italian? Let me be the first to tell you, these are all normal concerns! But....do not fear, you're travel expert is here!
You could say I don't believe in love at first sight but it was love at first sight with my host family. They are wonderful, welcoming, helpful and mom is always cooking a delicious Italian meal. Living with a host family can be awkward at first but the piece of advice I give you is to be open and honest. Tell them what's bothering you, and ask questions. You're host family will be more than happy to tell you how they cook something or suggest a place to travel for the weekend.....or even bring you somewhere for the weekend! Immerse yourself with the culture through your host family and take all opportunities given ..it is the BEST gift to give yourself from Italy.

As far as the teaching part goes....my piece of advice is come prepared for the first couple days with a simple introduction of yourself and where you are from. The students will love to learn about the state you came from. They will have so many questions for you! I felt like I was on a tv talk show the first few days of class with all the questions asked...what is your favorite color? Who is your favorite singer? Let me remind you I am teaching in a middle school. After the first few days you will get a feel for what your school atmosphere is like. Take it day by day...all of the schools and teachers are different so remind yourself not to compare with the other English teachers. Absolutely bounce teaching ideas off of them, but don't compare the situations. All schools in Italy are different and you will have different schedules, students, lessons, etc. Embrace YOUR teaching and share YOUR values and ideas with the students, they will LOVE it. I highly suggest not brining any heavy teaching materials. Maybe a book or two from your hometown but besides this, your teachers will have plenty for you to do. Do no waste precious packing space with teaching materials.

I do not speak any Italian and it has been tough during some si trust ions but mostly I have been getting by just fine. I would suggest using duo lingo or something similar to get a base of the language to recognize some words. I wish I knew more Italian so I could connect with the culture more. As I said it is not s problem because my host family speaks great English, but note, that not all host families will speak wonderful English.

Overall, embrace your travel and teaching and be you! This is an amazing opportunity to touch lives of students and make them excited about learning. If you have energy, and a passion to travel, try this out. Let the world be your classroom.
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Greenheart travel is incredibly organized and made the process of getting to Thailand very easy. Sara was constantly in touch from the moment I showed interest in the program. She responded to inquiries almost instantly and was happy to provide as much information as I needed. The process was just as organized once getting to Thailand. I felt so prepared arriving in Thailand through Greenheart travel, I would recommend this program in a heartbeat!

So far this experience has been amazing! It was so easy to use Greenheart, and a relief to have everything planned out and organized while you were getting ready to leave for the trip! It made it very easy to move across the world and start a new life.

After researching quite a few agencies, Greenheart stood out as the most professional company out there. I applied very early on and Sara kept in great contact throughout the entire process; everything from providing information about the country, giving great directions with the visa process, and being an overall general support. Her encouragement through social media such as Facebook is also a wonderful touch that makes the company feel they're right there with you through the whole experience. Would definitely recommend Greenheart to anyone considering Teaching in Thailand.

A previous participant with Greenheart recommended the program to me. When I started looking for programs to work with, I had really no idea where to start and had heard there were fraudulent and fake programs out there. Thank goodness I had this friend who went through Greenheart, she made my decision very easy.

Once I had applied, the help and support was insane. I knew I had picked the right program. Sara Dorsey is AMAZINGLY and she helped me with even the tiniest nit picky questions (I mean you are traveling to a country you have never been to!).

In summary, I wouldn't change a thing about my process in getting over here to Thailand. I would highly recommend Greenheart and Sara to anyone looking to get involved with teaching English abroad.