The Fewer Things Reviews

Moving from South Africa to Thailand was a massive leap, but looking back at my first month here in Chachoengsao, I can confidently say it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. My name is Ayoub, and working here as a PE teacher has completely expanded my world in ways I didn't expect.

The Experience & Favorite Moments
Being a PE teacher here is an absolute joy. Language barriers disappear when you are on the field; sport is a universal language. My favorite moments so far have been seeing the sheer energy and enthusiasm of my students. Whether we are playing football or just doing warm-ups, their smiles are contagious. Living in Chachoengsao offers this perfect blend of authentic Thai culture while still being accessible. Exploring the local markets, trying the incredible (and spicy!) street food, and visiting the stunning temples on weekends has been amazing.

Challenges & Growth
Of course, it hasn't been without challenges. The heat is on another level compared to back home, and the initial culture shock of navigating a new city where I didn't speak the language was daunting. However, these challenges have taught me resilience and patience. I’ve learned to communicate with gestures, smiles, and a few key Thai phrases. This journey is shaping me into a more adaptable and open-minded person. I feel like I see the world through a wider lens now.

Support from TFT
I couldn't have done this without the support from TFT. From the pre-departure guidance to the on-the-ground support when I arrived, they made a scary transition feel manageable. Knowing I had a team backing me up allowed me to focus on teaching and soaking in this incredible experience.

If you are thinking about taking the leap, do it. It’s not just about teaching; it’s about how much you learn about yourself and the world in the process.

I found The Fewer Things on Instagram, and so far they have been so lovely and helpful during this experience. They introduce you to the Thai school agency - Media kids which then continue to support you. You are able to say where you preferably would like to be put and can do it with a friend. You then start teaching at the school and are able to experience working in Thailand among locals and enjoy the amazing Thai culture. If you’re looking for a complete lifestyle change then this programme is perfect.

Moving to Thailand has been a significant transition, and my first month has been full of learning moments. Adjusting to a new culture, new routines, and a new school system has taught me a lot about flexibility and staying open to new ways of doing things.

My students have been kind, curious, and welcoming, which has made the classroom experience meaningful. Exploring everyday life here — from food to language to local habits — has also helped me understand more about the community I’m living in.

I’ve appreciated having points of contact available during the initial adjustment period, especially while navigating the early logistics of settling in. I’m still finding my footing, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow in a new environment and see teaching from a different perspective.

I have been teaching in Thailand for 4 weeks now and have had an incredible time so far. I have previously taught in Indonesia and was very excited for my new adventure in Thailand.

Going through the agency meant I already had access to a community of teachers here; like minded individuals who I’ve gotten to call friends.

I have been able to explore my local area and spend weekends in the city and on quaint islands. The school has also been fantastic. The English department at my school has around 20 foreign teachers so I have been able to build my community and make more friends super easily. The school and my colleagues have been supportive if I’ve ever needed anything. I have also participated in Muay Thai classes through orientation and plan to train regularly. There have been so many opportunities here already and I’m excited to enjoy the rest of this semester.

My experience teaching in Thailand after using the Fewer Things company has already been genuinely life-changing, and far more rewarding than I ever expected. From the moment I applied the company has been consistently supportive, communicative, and present. One thing that stood out immediately was how quickly they responded to every question I had (and there was many). No matter how small the query was, i always received a helpful, reassuring answer the same day. That level of communication made the hard transition to living and working abroad a lot easier.

When I arrived in Thailand and began my role as a teacher, A Fewer Things continued to check in, making sure i felt safe, confident and settled. In my second week i managed to break my laptop-a complete panic moment considering how much i needed it for work. But my fellow teachers and Thai teachers at school stepped in. They helped me get it repaired by telling me where was best to go. Their kindness made me feel immediately welcomed and supported. This workspace has a real sense of community.

I was really lucky with my placement in Chonburi. I live near the beach! The beaches at Bangsaen is beautiful, with lots of cafes and street markets. I have struggled with home sickness as I have left so much behind. But i feel safe and settled here which i'm sure will allow me to grow not only as a teacher but as a person! I'm learning to be more independent and organised and hopefully more capable than I ever realised I could be.

This experience has even propelled me to apply for a PGCE back home, something I might not have felt prepared for without the confidence and classroom experience I’m gaining here.

Another major transformation has been financial. Before coming here, travelling felt unrealistic for me—I’ve never been the best at budgeting or saving money, and long-term travel always seemed out of reach. But the structure, security, and affordability of living here have changed that completely. For the first time in my life, I’ve started to manage my money well enough not only to live comfortably but to save. I should be able to save enough money that I can go solo backpacking for a month or two, which has always been a dream of mine. The fact that this opportunity has made this dream reachable means more to me than I can express.

Overall, my experience so far with A Fewer Things has been positive, empowering, and deeply meaningful. I’ve felt supported at every stage, I’m growing professionally and personally. I’d recommend this programme to anyone considering teaching abroad—it has opened doors for me I didn’t think I’d ever be able to walk through.

My first month in Thailand has been full of positive experiences. Orientation was wonderful, and the school environment has been genuinely welcoming. I’ve loved moments like celebrating Loy Krathong and connecting with students. Early on it can feel difficult adjusting to the culture and routine, but I’m learning flexibility, patience, and confidence. It is the main reason I chose to move to another continent, to experience something as different to my reality and experience of life so far. This journey is already shaping me in meaningful ways, and the support from the agency has helped me feel grounded and reassured, If I have any issues with the school, Lesson prep, Area etc The fewer things have been helpful in pointing me in the right direction.

If you told me a year ago I’d be working in Thailand, I don’t think I would’ve believed you. When I heard about the opportunity to teach in Asia, I wasn’t sure I would go, but I already felt excitement. When I was searching for a program, I wasn’t sure it would ever work out, but I started to feel like I wanted it to. When I struggled to find a program, that’s when I was sure that if I felt this much love toward a country I hadn’t been to, then something amazing was waiting for me there. When I found TheFewerThings, I was ready to go if accepted - I usually take some time to decide, but I didn’t need it; I booked an interview right away. In the moment when I got the email, I had no doubt it was meant for me - and how right I was.

However, having various teaching experiences in Europe is kind of an advantage - the knowledge I got during the two-week orientation helped me become a better and more efficient teacher. The support and the dedication of all the people in the program really push you to become even better. I can’t explain the constant support we got. I remember getting a sense of peace when I got my confirmation email from TFT, then my placement, and I was right to trust them, because the support has been insane. From the constant information about everything going on in the country to making sure we get to Thailand and then to our placement, they made sure we were not only ready to do this, but to do it feeling secure. Never have I ever imagined that coming aaaall the way to Southeast Asia would be this calm and almost easy!? Moving is never easy, but the team behind you literally does everything in their power to help you ease into this new life - not only as a teacher but as a foreign person in Thailand.

I had a couple of goals in mind coming to Thailand - learn about different cultures, experience REAL slow life, become a better teacher, make a routine, eat healthy, focus on the positive things, and experience life at its fullest. Well, safe to say it’s already happening, and it is unbelievable. When I tell you I’ve never worked this hard, but I’ve also never experienced such “quiet.” Apart from the culture shock of spicy food, confidently crossing the road, everyone riding a motorcycle (yes, even if it’s a three-year-old holding onto their parent), and weird insects (as part of everyday life and part of the cuisine as well), life’s never been more peaceful. Every day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, talk to strangers, smile at people, show the students a whole new world, be the coolest teacher ever, try to learn Thai, and experience the locals’ warm welcome. And if in doubt: “mai pet” or “mai pen rai.”

I taught in Shenzhen, China for a year through TFT, and they were amazing, Jamie was really helpful and the team took care of everything including the Visa, and I'd have really struggled to sort everything out myself. They also set me up with a their partner in china who are also really professional and look after first time travellers well. If it wasn't for them and TFT working together the process would have been extremely stressful, its honestly more difficult than you'd imagine to communicate with, and get assurances from chinese recruitment agents, so having TFT and thier partners in China in my corner was essential

Starting my TEFL journey was a big decision for me; however, it turned out to be the best decision I have ever made. It started with a very phone call with TFT, which turned into a semester in Thailand. The Fewer Things have been so helpful throughout my journey as an EFL teacher in Thailand, from the very beginning to the very end, they have shown great support. And with their TFT clubhouse scheme, I have the ability to choose whatever and wherever I want to go next (depending on school placements). To anyone new or old to the TEFL world, I couldn’t recommend The Fewer Things enough, 10/10

I came to Thailand with The Fewer Things having never taught before, and was placed in a city to teach with my husband. We are truly very happy to have done so, despite my initial nerves at teaching! We have been given good support and even when there have been some small problems (as would be expected moving halfway across the world to work!) The Fewer Things have been really supportive and responsive. Thailand is a fantastic country, very calm and peaceful- the school and students themselves have been very respectful and a joy to work with. We are super happy to have made this career change as two slightly older participants- I liken it to taking off a backpack of stress I didn't even realise I had! Even if you are not a recent graduate, you won't regret it! ❤️