TravelGrad

Program Reviews

Chloe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Living in Hanoi

It has been an incredibly positive and rewarding experience so far. Through this program, I have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and build meaningful connections, which has really helped me settle in. I have also been able to fully immerse myself in Vietnamese culture, from the food and traditions to everyday life, which has been an unforgettable experience. My job is very manageable and straightforward, allowing me to enjoy a great work–life balance and make the most of my free time. This has made it easy to travel on weekends and explore different parts of the country.

Compared to Ireland and the UK, the cost of living here is extremely affordable, making it possible to live very comfortably while still enjoying travel, social activities, and new experiences. Travel Grad was a huge support throughout the entire process, especially when it came to organising visas and securing a job. They made everything simple and stress-free. I was also able to connect with other people through Travel Grad who were moving at the same time, which meant I already knew a few familiar faces before arriving. This made the transition much smoother and helped me feel at home right away.

fiona
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience would recommend to ANYONE!!

I couldn't have asked for a better company to have gone with on this journey. You never feel alone, Andrew is always there ready to answer any questions or help you with anything for what literally feels like 24/7, 7 days a week!

The company is extremely professional and organized, they ensure you have everything you could possibly need in preparation and even once you're there.

I highly recommend TravelGrad to anyone thinking about doing something like this, you will not regret it... do not be scared! It's an experience of a lifetime.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Being in in a foreign country and worrying about the amount of support i would receive once there... This should never have been a thing!!! Travel grad are there supporting you every single step of the way no matter the time or day.
Pros
  • Very organised
  • Around the clock support
  • Friendly and professional
Fleur
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Five Months of My Life

Moving to Thailand to teach English with TravelGrad was the best decision I’ve ever made. It was the perfect way to travel, meet new people and enrich myself in a new culture, with support every step of the way. I left a confused graduate, and returned a teacher and a traveller, with new friends for life and the most incredible partner. There isn’t a thing I would change about the experience and I would definitely recommend TravelGrad - the team supports with all problems big or small and is available 24/7!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travellers is to say yes, put yourself out there and be brave. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and it’s important to take it all in!
Pros
  • Cultural enrichment
  • 24/7 support
  • Meeting new people
Naomi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Two Fantastic & Different Placements in Thailand

I first made contact with TravelGrad in early 2024, excited to get into TEFL teaching but unsure where to start. Andrew from TravelGrad had a WhatsApp phone call with me that was very reassuring, encouraging and, most importantly, realistic. Based on this phone call, I decided Thailand was best for me. My first placement was in Uttaradit, just three hours east of Chiang Mai. There aren't many foreigners here so I felt very emersed in Thailand culture. I taught speaking and listening which was very rewarding as you can see the progress lesson to lesson. The students were great, the Thai teachers were great and I loved working there. I had to head home for a bit after my first placement but when I wanted to go back to Thailand, Travelgrad were more than happy to help. This time, I'm placed in Udon Thani city, in Issan. This city is busy and has a very active culture due to Nong Prajak Park. I'm now teaching in an international programme and I've been loving the challenge of teaching critical reading and writing. My two placements have been very different in the best way and I'm very grateful to have the support and experience from TravelGrad. Whether it's advice on airlines, social life, work, etc Andrew is always pleasant and happy to help :)

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I'm quite lucky that I've had the opportunity to start over again! This time around I didn't have to deal with the culture shock so I was able to jump back in to practicing everyday Thai, tasting new foods and socialising broadly. Whereas last time it took me a while to adjust! I would definitely recommend learning as much Thai as you can before you arrive as it's a great skill to have!
Pros
  • You'll meet lots of great people!
  • You're learning new skills and grow in ways you didn't know you could!
  • You will see some incredible views and try amazing food!
Cons
  • It can be a little lonely at times but you just need to keep putting yourself out there.
  • This is a full time job, so don't expect to be adventuring every day of the week.
  • You will experience a language barrier, but you will learn so much from working around it.
Nicole
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience with TravelGrad

Travel Grad had been an excellent company to work with. They have provided a lot of reassurance and support through our the whole experience. always making sure that we are okay and answering all my million questions. Andrew has honestly been an excellent professional, making you feel at ease about the whole experience. TravelGrad has also provided us with activities where we can meet and get to know each other rather than being on a group chat. It does make a difference, you realise that you are not on your own and everyone is in the same boat as you.
I really recommend travelgrad to everyone.

Pros
  • Support and reassurance
  • Helps you make friends
  • Helps you experience a different culture
Cons
  • the process is initially slightly expensive
Shaun
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

5/5 would recommend

I was very scared upon first signing up for the programme but the travelgrad team were absolutely amazing. I was in contact with Andrew and he ensured a smooth process throughout and gave me relevant and guided help whenever I needed it. He even spoke privately with my mother and helped her get some documents so I hope this gets passed to Andrew to tell him we are very thankful ! I highly recommend this opportunity for anyone who is unsure what they want to do or are looking for a new experience.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve racking moment was teaching for the first time to grade 1. I overcame it through the tips from travel grad and my mentors.
Pros
  • Character growth
  • resilience
  • Learnt new culture
Cons
  • Tough transition at first
  • Not speaking language
  • Setting up docs in country
Owen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Safe and straightforwars

Really good experience so far, the program organisers were very helpful. There is a lot of support when you arrive, everything is explained and the people who receive you do a lot to make the process easy. Teaching in another country can be stressful, especially if colleagues don’t speak English, but there are enough people who do to help out and solve any problems. China is a very friendly country, people tend to want to help foreigners and are curious. It’s easy to make friends if you make the effort to be outgoing.

Lewis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TravelGrad - China

TravelGrad were an invaluable help when applying for my job in China. Andrew was always just a message away and always supported with finding job offers and VISA/culture questions. He always gave all the options along with the pros and cons of them all. TravelGrad also has a supportive community of former or current teachers to share their experiences about living and working in China, a few of who I have met since moving here. I do not think this process would have been possible without Andrew and his team’s guidance.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do it. It’s not as scary as it seems once you’re here, especially when you have some amazing people supporting you.
Pros
  • Experienced advice
  • Always contactable
  • All options covered
Logan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loved every bit

Loved teaching in Thailand with travel grad. The group that they link you up with was big, easy to get on with, and travelling and teaching with them around Thailand was very fun. The teaching itself is very rewarding and I got on really well with all the students and teachers. It was very easy to settle in due to how friendly everyone was. I also travelled around SE Asia before and after the program too! The friends that you make are ones for life, and I also met my girlfriend from this program too! Couldn’t recommend enough

Diana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fun, eye-opening, bite-sized experience

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.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Chicken feutus - wouldn’t recommend 🤣
Pros
  • Making likeminded friends
  • Enough salary for in-country travel
  • Everyday is interesting
Cons
  • Some culture shocks in public schools