Program Reviews

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!!!!!!!

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 only thing I wish is that my agency (Media Kids) prepared me for teaching IP English. I had to learn to ask for help and for materials. I was also required to make the curriculum for all my classes. It could be stressful at times but you gain work Exper

I travelled to South Korea in 2024 with The Fewer Things and was placed in Hagwon school in Incheon. I was incredibly nervous about the prospect of doing this and weighed it up for years. I finally took the leap and contacted TFT! I contacted them on the website first before sending in an application and they were super helpful with at answering my questions. My dream was always to move to Korea and I am so happy I decided to go with this agency, everything was taken care of and I could focus on completing my TEFL course and language classes with Joo (who was the amazing tutor you get set up with).

The team did give me a heads up that working in a Hagwon is a lot more hands on and strenuous than working somewhere like Thailand, and they even advised I could start off there and move to Korea later, but I was determined to for South Korea and after the first couple months I started to feel comfortable with the teaching and working hours. The hours are long but it is very rewarding and the benefits make up for it. The school as very supportive and they understood it was my first time teaching and offered me support when I needed it.

I'd recommend TFT to anyone!

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to do this experience!! It has changed my perspective on the world and broadened my views. I feel like i have had a lot of personal and professional growth already. The teachers, students and organisation has been great!! Everyone is so kind, caring and friendly. Thailand is such a beautiful country with so much to offer. This way provides an affordable way to travel as well! The kids are so special and really do make it worth it, I hope I make a difference to them

I was very excited to start teaching in Thailand 2 months ago and when it got to it, it turned out to be exactly what I have expected and more! My best moments so far included participating in Loy Krathong festival here and having fun teacxhing kids at the English camp. Although its been proven to be challenging remembering 100s of students names, it is such a rewarding and fun job which challenges me in different ways daily. The work to life lifestyle is very balancd here and co teachers are laid back and friendly. The Fewer Things have supported me each step of the way and I couldn't have asked to be with a better company. I'm looking forward to the rest of the year in my placement.

I have loved almost everything about my experience in Thailand. The only thing I don't like is how humid it gets here! Because you're washing your clothes outside, they take forever to dry! Otherwise, I have made some incredible friends through TFT. Even after you touch down, the organization will reach out to check up on you regularly. I was also given a placement in an ideal location filled with peers and of course, students, that make the experience so incredible. I wake up excited for work!!

Moving to Thailand really has been the best decision ever and I wouldn’t change it for the world! I have met so many lovely people who have made my experience incredible. The chance to travel as-well as teach has been amazing and I would recommend to anyone! The schools are so welcoming and everyone is so friendly it really makes the experience of moving across the world a lot less daunting. The Thai community feels like such a safe place everyone is always willing to help with absolutely anything and everything :)