The Fewer Things Reviews

My time in Japan was amazing, and I am really happy I chose to do it. I wanted to be sure I had the right options in front of me when doing this sort of thing so that's why I decided to choose a program like this. I actually had a TEFL course already so they gave me a discount on the overall program fee which matched up pretty nicely with other agencies. One stumbling block I had in the beginning is that I don't have a driving licence which TFT told me was quite a common requirement in Japan amongst the public schools and It checks out online too. However, Jaemi told me they had some new options in different areas of Japan and I managed to get myself a public school position still as an ALT in Chiba which is not too far away from Tokyo, I actually benefited being there because the cost of living can be a bit crazy, so it made sense not to be totally in a city like Tokyo. The team and people I came in to contact with were always super helpful and I could not have done this without them. I've since decided to go to Thailand with TFT as well and in the middle of preparing to head there in 2026! Definitely recommend!

The program is well structured and I enjoyed the support I received from TFT and their partners in South Korea. It was great to be guided through the preparation work and have visa guidance before heading out and the language classes were a bonus. Overall the program is definitely worth joining if you want support and a fairly easy route into teaching. The TEFL course was great and I am excited to use the qualification in other roles when I leave here. I would recommend TFT to people who are looking for their first teaching role in Korea.

Many of my peers thought I was strange for teaching in China rather than Japan or Korea, which are more popular. Now that I've done it, though, I think China was the right choice. Chinese schools have a higher demand and lower supply of foreign teachers, so they tend to pay premiums even for light workloads. China is extremely affordable, but it's also convenient. Major cities have all of the same comforts that expats enjoy at home. I truly don't think any country offers so many benefits for teaching abroad.

The Fewer Things is one of the best programs because it sets up its customers with jobs in good cities, many of which cover housing and travel costs. I'm grateful that I chose them to help me find my position here.

It's been a great time in HCMC so far! I am working in a few different public schools and arrived back in August. The process getting here was made easy by the team and I am grateful to have found the program. I was actually searching for around a year to get here and when I found this opportunity I knew it was right fit right away. The training and activities once here when we first arrived were really nice to have, it made everything feel comfortable and it was nice to hang out with others going through the same process.

HCMC is crazy! It is super fast paced and there is something to do here constantly. I am planning on staying here longer and maybe moving into more high standard schools next year.

Would recommend 💯

I got a job teaching and moved to China with TFT in August 2025. It has been an incredible experience so far. From the first stages of applying right to life out here, Jaemi has been here to support me the entire time.

Applying to teach in China is something I have thought about doing for years. Earlier this year I thought ok, now is the time to take the leap and give it a go. TFT made the process of finding a job and getting a visa etc as easy and smooth sailing as possible.

Once I arrived here, the first few months were quite intense and overwhelming- I mean I just up and moved to a new country all on my own. However Jaemi was there to help with any questions or worries I had.

One of my biggest worries I had about coming out here was the social side of things. I didn’t want to spend all my time alone.

This is where TFT have been particularly amazing for me! Before even flying out here, Jaemi connected all the teachers coming out this year via WhatsApp so we could chat, share experiences and start to get to know people going to the same city as us.

When we got here, TFT arranged a social event for us with teachers who were already here which was a great experience and how I met my social circle and now friends here.

Since getting here, I have had the most amazing experiences. My school is great and I love teaching! But aside from that! I live in an incredible city where there’s something new to explore and every week. I am now starting to plan trips to explore other areas of China which is exciting!

Moving across the world hasn’t come without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is the culture shock. Having travelled before, I didn’t expect this to hit me quite as hard but I’ve accepted it’s part of the experience and moving to teach English is about putting yourself out of your comfort zone.

In the first 3 months out here, I have had the opportunity to travel, learn and immerse myself in a new culture very quickly! I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had with TFT and I would recommend to anyone considering moving to China to give it a go! You won’t regret it and you will have amazing experiences and grow as a person!

Coming to China to teach has been a rewarding and eye-opening experience overall. While the transition has had its challenges, it has also offered many benefits that make China a strong option for anyone considering teaching abroad.

One of the first lessons learned was related to the visa process. Due to attempting to arrange the visa on arrival, there was an unexpected delay, which added some initial stress upon entering the country. For future teachers, it is strongly recommended that the visa be completed in advance, as it makes the arrival process much smoother and allows for a more relaxed start.

Compared to other Asian countries, China stands out for its competitive wages and generous housing allowances, especially when paired with the relatively low cost of living. This combination makes it possible to live comfortably while still saving money. In major cities, daily expenses such as food, transportation, and utilities remain affordable, even with a modern lifestyle.

The four major cities are generally more foreigner-friendly, with established international communities and infrastructure that makes settling in easier. However, English is not widely spoken in everyday life, so learning basic Chinese or regularly using translation apps is extremely helpful. Over time, this becomes part of daily routine rather than a barrier.

One of the most noticeable aspects of life in China is how integrated technology is into everything. Nearly all payments, transportation access, and shopping are handled through phone apps and QR codes, meaning physical cards or cash are rarely needed. From the metro to restaurants and convenience stores, everything can be managed through a smartphone.

There are also many opportunities to meet other foreign teachers and international residents. Social circles form naturally through schools, language exchanges, and expat communities, and most Western products can be found with little difficulty, particularly in larger cities.

Pros of teaching in China include strong wages, a low cost of living, modern and clean cities, efficient public transportation, and an impressive high-speed rail system that makes traveling within the country very convenient. Additionally, nearby countries such as Vietnam and Thailand are easily accessible, making regional travel affordable and appealing.

Cons mainly relate to culture shock. There are many small cultural norms that differ from Western countries—not in a negative way, but in ways that may not be immediately obvious during the first few weeks. The population density in cities can also be overwhelming at first, and the language barrier can be challenging since English is not commonly spoken. Security and customs procedures, particularly at train stations and when traveling through ports such as Hong Kong or Macau, are strict, and carrying a passport at all times is necessary.

That said, once the cultural differences are understood and the fast-paced city lifestyle becomes familiar, living and working in China becomes much more enjoyable. With an open mindset and some patience, China offers a unique, dynamic, and fulfilling experience for teachers willing to adapt and explore what the country has to offer.

My experience with The Fewer Things since being in China has been one of constant support! Jaemi and the team have been at the other end of the phone for me for any issue, big or small and for that I have to thank them so much! As a 21 year old post-grad who has just finished uni, I was super nervous teaching abroad as I had never even left Europe! Thanks to The fewer things I feel settled in China and it’s given me the confidence boost I needed to continue travelling and teaching abroad. TFT have been the safety rope and moral support I needed during all the ups and downs of moving to another country and especially if it’s your first time teaching abroad, I would recommend TFT highly! With TFT I know that no matter what, someone always has my back when I’m travelling.

I've been in China (Shanghai) a few months now, and TFT did really well in terms of finding me a good school! It's been a great experience so far, the work hours are reasonable, the work culture for the foreign language teachers are relaxed, and the school itself has been very helpful. The school coordinator will even go with you to the pharmacy or bank if you need it, which makes settling in so much easier. On the teaching side, I've learned a lot of new skills, I'm able to see each class a few times a week which is nice to be able to build good relationships with the students. Unlike my past jobs, teaching actually feels meaningful and I can already see a lot of benefits in my personal life too which has been really rewarding.

Outside of the work side of things- moving into my own place and settling into a routine has been really nice, and I've made some good friends via joining sports clubs etc. Shanghai felt huge and overwhelming at first – as everything is so spread out – but I'm getting the hang of it now and starting to understand the different neighborhoods.

I honestly never thought I'd use an agency, but I'm familiar with how much of a process it can be to get in to China compared to other countries, and I'm really glad I went with TFT. The whole process was smooth, and Jaime was amazing – he knew the answer to every question I had and always responded quickly. I never felt rushed or pressured, which was important to me. I knew dealing with all the China paperwork and requirements would be a headache on my own since nothing is very clear, so it was worth it to have that support.

Living in Shenzhen, China can be described as one thing: convenient. I am amazed at the fact that I can have almost anything in the world delivered straight to my door. I joke that it’s an introverts paradise, everything is done by ordering from your phone, you could actually go your whole time without talking to anyone outside of work.

I however am an extrovert, and I have also found great pleasure in living here. TFT has an incredibly welcoming group in Shenzhen. I was placed in a wonderful school where I teach only grade 3, I lucked out in terms of jobs! Classes are big, around 50 students each, but you should have an assistant teacher with you or be able to request one with your school to help with classroom management.

I highly suggest the program in China, it has the best pay out of any other Asian country and the most travel flexibility. I have 5 weeks off for Chinese New Year in January/February. Living in a major city such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, etc. you will find lots of expats and foreigners. There is also always something to do and so much to explore. If you are like me and always want to be doing things and trying good food and buying things online, you might also have a hard time saving money.

The cost of living is cheap compared to Western countries, and you will receive a housing allowance every month that will cover most or all of your living expenses depending on how luxurious of a life you want to live.

Living here is the safest I’ve ever felt, especially as a woman. If you plan on coming, I would try to learn some Chinese! One of my greatest struggles here is communication. I wish I would’ve studied the language before arriving. PS, make sure you come with a lot of money, because it can get extremely expensive during your first couple of months.

Overall, I would recommend this program for people that are looking to be immersed in a culture living abroad with lots of travel time to explore China or surrounding countries. If you’re interested to be a career teacher I would recommend it as well, although I came here thinking I might be a career teacher and quickly changed my mind, haha.

Thailand was overall a great experience! I was assigned to teaching the IP English program. This program has less students per classroom which is a benefit. I felt like I could really make an impact and build a relationship with my students.

The Fewer Things made the process easier. It can be daunting trying to figure out your visa, banking, and work permits. They seem to be able to make the process run more smoothly. Plus, it helps that you can find teaching jobs all over with no hassle!!!!!!!