The Fewer Things

Program Reviews

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Molly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Perfect for new teachers!

I joined The Fewer Things (TFT) to teach in Thailand in October 2024, and I cannot recommend this programme enough for new teachers! TFT was incredibly supportive throughout the entire process, from assisting with the required documents for working in Thailand and offering packing advice to providing regular communication and promptly responding to any queries during my placement.

I was incredibly fortunate to be placed in Pattaya, which offered a perfect balance of city and beach life. This location also provided many opportunities to travel around Thailand during the length of my contract. While teaching in Thailand was sometimes chaotic and challenging—especially when adapting to a new culture—it was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I have loved getting to know and learning from the students over the semester.

I’ve had an incredible time teaching in Thailand, during which I’ve gained lifelong friends and created unforgettable memories that I will cherish forever. I am so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with TFT as I explore new destinations once my contract ends!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Just say yes and go with the flow!
Pros
  • Supportive team with quick responses
  • Opportunity to grow CV
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Frances
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life in Gyeongju!

I have loved my experience in South Korea so far! I am based in Gyeongju and work in a Hagwon. I started out wondering what was the best option for me to teach abroad and specifically in South Korea, which is when I stumbled on the instagram account of The Fewer Things, I instantly felt like it was the right path for me after seeing the pictures, videos and reviews from others who've made it out here already. After my inital call and prep work I was added to a group chat with lots of other people already in South Korea and felt right at home. The work can be quite tiring but I was told about this before signing up and chose this route as I had more choices of locations. I met a few other expats separate form the program in my city working at other schools and it has been a great experience so far, I plan to stay another year but plan to move to another city to tick off another place! Honestly, I would say anyone thinking about doing this to at least have a chat with the team and you'll see how supportive they are with everything. Big tick and recommednation from me to the guys at TFT!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried Beondegi for the first time, which was from a small street food vendor and it was quite an experience. If you don't know what it is, I won't spoil the surprise and you should google it!
Pros
  • Supportive process
  • Chance to see the world
  • Tips and guidance throughout
Cons
  • Tiring work aspect if you choose this option
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Felicity
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TFT China Review

Hi, I am Felicity and I participated in The Fewer Things China Program in 2023. I finished up my contract in the fall of this year and have now returned back to the States. The program is well put together and offered a ton of support both before and after we arrived in China! I particularly appreciated the group chat on WeChat with all the other participants during the preparation process, we all chatted for months and managed to really get to know each other before heading out. The school I worked in was a public school and I taught the elementary classes. It was a little hectic to begin with even after all the training we got, I was quite nervous during the first week or two but it soon balanced out once I got into the swing of it and the local Chinese teachers in my department were super helpful when I needed any assistance with anything. I loved my time in China and it has left me wanting more, I plan to take some time back at home and will then join another program with TFT later in 2025!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
It can be super daunting moving over even with all the help from the program and other participants. I found it useful to reach out to the others when I was feeling a little anxious and learned that they also had the same feelings, so it give me comfort during that time. You just have to go for it!
Pros
  • Financial set up
  • Free housing
  • Overall everything is great
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James
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life in Vietnam

I came to Vietnam almost a year ago now and have loved every minute of it. I was placed in the public school system in HCMC (which was my top choice) and it's been an unforgettable experience. I actually extended my contract for an extra semester as I was not ready to head back home yet. The support from The Fewer Things has been great and I got to meet lots of people as part of the program. Everything I was told prior to signing up turned out to be a reality and I have nothing but good things to say about this program. The job itself is pretty easy going and we don't have any office hours here (not sure if same elsewhere) so the social aspect of it all is amazing.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I wish I had done it when I first thought about it all 3 years ago. I was too scared to take the plunge back then and ended up feeling a bit lost for a while trying to figure out what to do at home!
Pros
  • Support from the program
  • Friends you make
  • The cost of living very cheap
Cons
  • Communication from the schools can be hit and miss
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Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Program For People Interested in Teaching English Abroad

When I first moved to my placement in Thailand, from the outside, it looked like nothing much was going on. It's a small farm town with little going on, which made me wonder if I should be here. But as time went on, I am very grateful and lucky to be able to be placed where I am. I was able to build many incredible friendships with coworkers who are from Thailand. By having those relationships, I have been able to have so many incredible experiences and special moments. I also really enjoyed the school I'm working at the teachers and the students are all so kind and supportive. I have been able to be a part of a welcoming and kind community that I'm so grateful to have.

Anytime I needed help with anything, at least one person would come up and ask to help me because they were just so kind. It's all thanks to TFT for assisting and helping me to be able to be where I am today. I am also grateful for TFT because they have helped me from the very beginning of this journey of finding a job in Thailand to getting settled into my new home. They help you with any question you have, so if you need assistance navigating Teaching English Abroad, I recommend The Fewer Things :)

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Alex
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Do itttt!!!

Coming to teach in Thailand is honestly one of the best decisions of my life. Right before flying over, I admit I got cold feet. I was about to be on a continent I had never been before, away from everything and everyone I knew. But it has been nothing but amazing.

The TFT team has been so incredibly supportive. Moving to a different country can be incredibly confusing, especially if you don’t speak the language, and while there may be points of frustration, you’re never alone. All the visa, work permit, and any other such processes are handled for you by very capable hands, and the team is always just a text away.

When you first arrive, you have a whole group of people waiting to help introduce you to what life in Thailand is going to be like. And it only gets better from there. The school environment is great and everybody is very friendly - we just had a huge Christmas celebration, which was a nice reminder of home. There’s also so much opportunity to travel and experience amazing new things that you will not want to leave.

If you’ve stumbled upon the TFT page and are thinking about doing a program, you’re on the site for a reason.

What was your funniest moment?
I joined an Ultimate Frisbee league in Bangkok that sees me taking a one-hour Grab (uber equivalent) back home. (No complaints, I really love it, others have just told me I’m crazy/very committed).
Pros
  • Truly experiencing the culture.
  • Being able to travel all over Thailand.
  • Feeling like you’re really living your life.
Cons
  • Sometimes a bit hard to get by, but honestly very manageable.
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Tania
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best way to start teaching in China

I would thoroughly recommend the China programme at TFT to start your teaching journey in China. I had no experience in teaching or any idea on how to get a job in China. The Fewer Things supported me in achieving my TEFL certificate and guided me through all the admin to move to China smoothly. They have great connections with reliable agencies in China and help you land a secure job. Although the salary is below average, it is still enough to live and spend freely and the security and reliability of the job is definitely a positive. I know many other teachers who found work in China by themselves and had bad experiences with dodgy employers and jobs that were not secure, which is not the case of TFT partners. Jaemi, the director of TFT, is also only a message away for any advice which is reassuring. Overall, I’ve made wonderful memories and friends in China and would recommend making the move for a new adventure!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most of the high speed rail! China is huge and has so many beautiful places of interest. The HSR is so efficient and affordable for how far you can travel so take advantage of this and explore as much as you can!
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Nikita
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand Teaching

I have loved my time teaching in Thailand!! The lifestyle and culture have my heart. The kids are wholesome and respectful and the co-teachers are filled with kindness . It's been a warm and inviting environment from the day I arrived in Thailand from the companies and locals. I also enjoyed orientation because it allowed me to make friends outside of my placement school. It's great because I have friends in other cities giving me a big excuse to go see them and explore different places.

If you're thinking about teaching in Thailand, do it!!! It's an experience of a lifetime.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Come with no expectations and you'll be surprised at how much you enjoy the lifestyle. If you're coming for personal growth, its the perfect place to reset.
Pros
  • It's peaceful
  • The locals are kind and respectful
  • Theres so many places to explore
Cons
  • The struggle of not speaking Thai
  • Accomodation is expensive for what we get
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Tom
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A 'no worries' experience

I am so glad I chose to go through The Fewer Things programme to teach abroad in Asia. Before I even arrived I felt reassured as I was able to talk to Will and Molly from the team if I had any problems or questions. The group chat and orientation was a great opportunity to meet teachers before starting work and I couldn't have imagined moving abroad without the company of other teachers in the same boat.

I am living in a small city called Chachoengsao in Thailand and it has been nothing but an authentic experience of living amongst locals, eating Thai food and (trying) to learn the language. Before arriving here I didn't quite believe in the 'mai-pen-rai' way of life in Thailand, which means 'no worries' but my experience has been both adventurous and laid back. I am only an hour away from Bangkok and Pattaya in either direction, if I want to go to the city or the beach.

Overall, taking that first step of signing up to The Fewer Things from my laptop led to my whole life changing a few months later. Now I don't think there is any better feeling than the sun shining as you finish work on a Friday and feeling like you have a made a difference through teaching English, no matter how small.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
While passing a stall of cooked insects in a market in Bangkok, my friends and I decided to try a scorpion. Surprisingly, it tasted it nice! Almost like overdone bacon if you close your eyes.
Pros
  • An informed three day orientation about teaching and living in Thailand.
  • Getting in contact with the team was immediate and cooperative.
  • Help finding accommodation in Thailand.
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Heather
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TFT Programme 2024- Thailand.

I discovered TFT through word of mouth and was delighted with the support I received. Moving to Thailand to teach was a daunting thought, and the help from TFT made it seem so much easier. The group chat was exceptionally helpful, and I have met a best friend through there! The orientation was a great way to meet people and gather some essential skills for when beginning teaching, especially if have not had any teaching experience before. Ultimately, it is possible to sort a teaching position yourself, but the positives attained from the wealth of knowledge that TFT boasts is so desirable, and you will benefit by being placed in the right school and area for you.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
My first day teaching! But after that, it was great!
Pros
  • Making friends
  • Being placed in the right area for you
Cons
  • None