Program Reviews

The Vietnam taster was a perfect option for me to slow down and refresh (career wise), whilst still earning. It’s been so interesting and easy to live independently in Vietnam. The job is laid-back and Travel Grad were on hand to support when I’ve needed it. I’ve been able to afford the all the in-country travel I wanted from the salary.

One of the best parts of using Travel Grad has been the opportunity to train with other graduates and make friends with likeminded people.

I’m so glad I was brave enough to try something new.

My experience moving to Japan was nothing but exceptional. I was supported by TravelGrad, and their partner, Xplore Asia, through applying for my position, and arranging all of my housing. They were always on hand to support with any questions, even assisting me with setting up my electricity and water upon arrival in Japan. When I was first considering moving to Japan for the teaching experience, TravelGrad were so friendly and helpful on the phone with helping me with regards to what country to choose or what option was best for me. I have been extremely fortunate with my city and amazing friendships that I have made. Currently, I have no plans to leave Japan anytime soon! It has certainly been a whirlwind so far! Definitely I have changed as a personal massively since moving here. I have discovered a big love of nature, mountains, and onsen, as well as Japanese food! I have attached a few photos from this month in my local area of Japan!

I am 2 months into the 5-month Thailand TEFL taster. I signed up with my partner because I had always wanted to experience life in Thailand. Working and living in Thailand seemed like the best way to truly experience life here. So far, I have definitely found this to be the case. I am already beginning to see the gap between the small snippets of Thailand that tourists see, and the deeper understanding of it that can be gained by working here. I did expect this beforehand, but knowing where to start looking for work in Thailand seemed daunting.

This is where Travel Grad became useful. As a finalist at uni, who had never had a full-time job, let alone moved to another country, I found it really useful to have an agency guide me through the process. Travel Grad provided me with a timeline of what I needed to do and when and information documents for every step of the process. This assured me that I was doing everything I needed to do.

Another useful feature is the 24/7 WhatsApp chat. I use this to the FULL EXTENT. Whether I have a question or need to double-check something or feel confused, I can quickly send a message and receive a quick reply. As mentioned, moving to work abroad was a strange and unfamiliar process, so being able to contact Travel Grad whenever I needed to (literally whenever) was reassuring!

Of course, while this is a Travel Grad review, it is worth remembering that Travel Grad is one part of a bigger process. Your experience will also depend on the school that you are placed in, and the teaching agency in Thailand (MediaKids) that Travel Grad works with. If you are thinking about teaching English in Thailand, then do consider all factors. However, this advice would apply to any agency.

If you are set on teaching English in Thailand but are trying to choose an agency, then I would highly recommend Travel Grad. Even while in Thailand, we can use still Travel Grad for support. They were in contact with us while we were settling in, they put us in a group chat with all of the other people doing the Thai TEFL taster, and they booked us a complimentary night in a hotel upon arriving in Thailand. They definitely went the extra mile.

If you're looking for a laid-back teaching experience, Hanoi is definitely the place to go. When it comes to teaching, you teach minimal hours and have almost zero perfect planning. You get paid well, a more than livable wage for the city you're in.

The greatest part of this experience was Travel Grad. They were so helpful throughout the whole process, they guided me through every single step and helped me through any bumps in the road, in the end, it felt like the simplest experience. It was great as someone doing this for the first time as I didn't have to think of anything, Travel Grad told me everything that needed to be done and ensured everything was in place so I would have the simplest move to Hanoi. I moved with my partner and their help with getting us both placed together was invaluable. We moving abroad would have almost never happened without their help! Thank you, Travel Grad!

I'm currently half way through my placement teaching English in Hanoi, Vietnam through TravelGrad. If I could describe my experience so far in one word - incredible.

Like most Westerners, before coming here my perception of Vietnam was mostly limited to what I'd seen from American movies about the war. However, though I still have so much to learn, I can now confidently say that Vietnam is the most interesting country I have ever been to, and I am embarrassed of how little I knew about this fascinating country and its history before arriving. Vietnam has such a rich history and culture and there are no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in it, which has just been fantastic for everyone here. We have visited so many beautiful temples and interesting museums, learned about and took part in so many cultural things already. I am excited for what's still to come and thankful for what I've already experienced.

I can also definitively say that none of this would have been possible without the help of TravelGrad. From the moment I signed up, TravelGrad has been there to answer all my questions, no matter how trivial. They made sure that everything was smooth sailing, that I felt happy with my decision throughout the entire process, and were really approachable about anything at all. The experience itself wouldn't have been nearly as enjoyable without them either, as thanks to the program I have met friends for life that I have been able to share the experience with throughout the whole placement. Our intake still meets up multiple times per week and most of us are to go on another holiday together for Christmas. If for nothing else, the social side of TravelGrad is (what I believe to be) the ultimate sell of the program. It made what would have been an otherwise intimidating experience (moving to a new city alone, on the other side of the world, knowing nobody) fun, as you are in the same boat as everyone else on the placement.

Teaching English is much easier than I had thought. Currently, I teach grade 2-5 and have Monday morning off and Friday afternoon off, which is so much fun as the kids are adorable and teaching is super rewarding. We don't have to be in the schools unless we're actually teaching so we have plenty of time off to pursue our own hobbies, compounded by the fact our company gives us pre made lesson plans meaning we don't really need to spend time lesson planning. I think that TEFL is something I will continue to do for many years to come following my experience with TravelGrad.

Hanoi is also a great place to live. It is absolutely nuts - when you first arrive it can be a real attack on the senses with all the motorbikes zooming around and the strange noises, but most people I know enjoy the chaos of it all. I feel much safer here than I do in Western cities, especially at night. The expat scene is small here when compared to places like Shanghai, Hong Kong or Bangkok, but still sizeable enough that there is still a vibrant scene and lots of events catered to expats throughout the year. Hanoi retains the authentic feel and charm of Vietnam whilst also having Western amenities for when you're missing home. What really stands out as a foreign teacher is the standard of living that TEFL can afford you; I'm six months into my placement and I am still yet to cook a meal of my own as I can afford to eat out for every meal. Though the salary is lower than you might make in China or by Western standards, due to Vietnam's SIGNIFICANTLY lower cost of living you can expect to afford an upper-middle class lifestyle here and even to save some if you try. My lifestyle here is leagues ahead what it would have been if I stayed in the UK post-university. Of course, there are downsides (such as the pollution, traffic and noise), but unfortunately these issues are common throughout the developing world, and do not come close to being deal breakers in my opinion. I'm really glad I get to spend part of my life here.

I am happy to say that six months into my placement, I am extremely pleased with my decision to teach English in Hanoi through TravelGrad. I had originally heard about TravelGrad before starting university, and knew even then from what I'd heard that it was for me. I wasn't let down, and you won't be either. Take the leap - you only regret the things in life that you didn't have the courage to do.

Hanoi is a fast paced city, coming into it with a group of people gathered through TravelGrad means you’ve got an instant group of like-minded people looking to explore a new way of life. The cost of living means that you can afford to go out regularly, pay for classes and hobbies without financial concern or easily do weekends away! Teaching isn’t always easy and each person approaches the job differently, you’ll definitely grow as a person and I guarantee the students are hilarious to work with!

I came to Thailand as a qualified teacher looking to improve my abilities in teaching children whose first language is not English and experience a new way of living. I can safely say that I have achieved both of these things and so much more! I never thought I would be so lucky to live with 7 other amazing people in Maha Sarakham, Northern Thailand who I know I will call friends for life! I am also very lucky to live in a very nice city with lots of markets, nightlife, nature and food spots! Meeting the people I have and traveling with them all around Bangkok and then to places like Chiang Mai and Pai for New Year is surreal - I often forget that we have only known each other for 2 months so far! And the lifestyle in Thailand is something much to be admired. It is incredibly peaceful and nobody is ever in a rush! As someone who is a workaholic and always on the go, this took some getting used to, but I have never been so calm in my life! TravelGrad is definitely an excellent gateway into Thailand, and Andrew is incredibly helpful, reassuring, and always there when you have questions. Plus, if you are sensible, you can save enough money to travel more of South East Asia when your contract ends! I am currently planning my 9-week break trip to Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia!

I am very grateful for the experience I have had with TravelGrad so far, I don't want it to end!

I am living out in Hanoi and have been here for 4 months now! I am absolutely loving my time here and have really been enjoying the way of life. The city is incredible, the people I have met are great and the Vietnamese culture is unmatched. Travel Grad has made it easy for me to settle in here by forming a group of around 15 people who have come out with the company and making sure that we get to know each other quickly and easily. Thank you Travel Grad for your support, and especially to Andrew for helping with any questions on the lead-up to coming out here!

Finishing university is daunting, but is much less so thanks to the support offered by TravelGrad. If you're eager to travel then this is the perfect opportunity. The job is rewarding, and balanced enough that you get to explore Thailand and immerse yourself in the culture.

It was always a dream of mine to work abroad, but it didn't feel like a tangible reality until the ease of TravelGrad's organisation and communication came to play. The logistics of moving abroad, which can obviously be very complicated, are made as simple as possible by the organisation.

When you move out here, you'll meet a tonne of like minded people at the orientation for working. Rest assured that as daunting as it is moving to a new country, there are many others in the exact same position. You'll soon develop connections with ambitious like minded individuals as yourself.

The job itself is vastly rewarding. Because Thailand embodies a culture of relaxation and positivity, the kids are very excitable and friendly, and you can guarantee that you'll be working with a smile on your face the majority of the time. You are genuinely contributing something meaningful to life with the work you are doing; a blessing not to be underappreciated.

Thailand is a beautiful country. Since I've moved out here, I've swam with fish and bioluminescent plankton off a coral reef, eaten some of the best food of my life, immersed myself in the culture and its festivities through Loy Khratong and Khon Kaen's annual silk festival. I've seen the most beautiful locations of my entire life down south, exploring the islands. You will feel grounded and present in the Buddhist temples, even if you are not a religious/spiritual person. I've also pushed myself out of my comfort zone and started Muay Thai. Rest assured that you have the work life balance to savour this country fully. Something I couldn't even do working back home in the UK.

If there's anything constructive I'd offer, is before you come out, save as much money as possible. Save more than you even think is necessary. You're going to be overexcited by the new country, and my only regret is that I ran into financial problems from not having saved accordingly. But this is such a minor issue that I barely think about it now. Just make sure money isn't an issue for you inbetween moving jobs/graduating and starting teaching at your respective school.

And as a final note, listen to the advice TravelGrad give you before moving out. They'll work it all out for you, asking for preferences, giving you a timeline for VISA applications (and relevant vital documents). Be on top of your game and be in constant communication with everyone involved to make your life easier. TravelGrad already do the hard work of making your life easy, so give it back to them!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟5/5 stars round of applause for Andrew & the TravelGrad team!!! I am so thankful that I decided to take the plunge and move to Thailand with the help of TravelGrad. They have been a great support throughout what has been a daunting experience, always having an answer to your questions and being there if you need help!

The experience itself has been amazing so far. I have been fortunate enough to meet a group of like-minded people and know they will be friends for life. Living in the North-Eastern Isaan region in Thailand is so much fun. I’m enjoying the quiet life and being able to fully immerse myself in Thai culture. The placements are rural but there is always something going on whether that be joining a Zumba class with local Thai ladies, going to a night market to try new food, or having a beer with the locals! I would definitely recommend the experience, especially for those who want to experience a different way of life, meet people from all over the world, and immerse themselves in a new culture. Thailand is a great place with lovely people, places & food!!!