The Fewer Things

The Fewer Things Reviews

Amy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great opportunity

As someone with little experience teaching abroad, I wasn’t sure how to get going with it. I had never taught or even travelled to Asia before. My experience teaching in Hanoi was made so much easier with the support of TFT.
The initial support before flying out from Jaemi was great and helped to ease my nerves massively. He was able to answer any questions I had throughout the placement process and was very informative. We were also provided with a survival guide and other resources with useful information on life in Vietnam. The video call with Will and Molly was really helpful to answer any last minute questions in the weeks leading up to departure.
Once arriving in Vietnam, the meet ups with Hannah and Aled were a really great way to meet everyone and get settled in. The group chat that TFT organises is also great and means the social side of things and making friends is super easy. You can also message Jaemi if you ever have any concerns or questions once you have started your placement and throughout the year.
Overall, I’ve had a great experience. It’s definitely a good way to get started with teaching, meet new people and gives you the opportunity to travel parts of Vietnam too :)

Lucy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience with TFT

I have never taught before so it was quite daunting and I didn’t really know what to expect. TFT were so helpful getting everything sorted before coming out and provided plenty of support. The group I came out with are so nice and TFT arranged plenty of activities for us all to meet and mingle which was great and helped build community out here in Hanoi. We had some issues with the employer out in Hanoi but overall the experience has been great and I’m looking to try somewhere new later this year.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Just have fun and try not to take every day too seriously
Pros
  • Super helpful
  • Good social activities
What other participants should know
  • Some issues with the employer in Hanoi
Hazel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fabulous Course!

I cannot recommend The Fewer Things enough! They have been brilliant from the beginning and continue to be a great source of support and advice now, 4 months into my teaching contract in Thailand. Pre-departure, they were available 24/7 to discuss anything and everything. They provided some really good advice on planning, packing and adapting to the new culture, which allowed me to focus on the exciting stuff! I have had an amazing time teaching in Thailand where I have made lifelong friends and formed great relationships with my students and fellow teachers. I am now reaching the end of my contract and planning my next semester with Jaemi from TFT help and advice.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
My most nerve-racking moment was probably the day I left the UK and my family! It was an emotional rollercoaster but I just kept reminding myself that the worst-case scenario was having to come home earlier than planned and everyone I loved would be there for me. Luckily, this has not been the case and I have loved every minute of my experience! Being away from my friends and family has pushed me to form strong friendships quickly and it is comforting knowing myself and the other foreign teachers are in this together.
Pros
  • Simple and effective guidance
  • Reassurance and friendly support
  • Options and opportunities
Josiah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Wonderful Year that Rescued my Resume!

I graduated during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic and finding a job afterwards was almost impossible. I struggled for over a year and decided to look into a Fewer Things advert I saw in my research one day, then never looked back! Initially I planned on teaching in China after feeling super comfortable with the intake and application process, but after a summer Covid resurgence I felt nervous about the big move and decided to defer my application. Jaemi and the team were so kind and accommodating the entire time and a year later, when I decided to pursue my placement in South Korea, I was able to hop right back in where I left off! I can't say enough good things about the support I received before leaving.

My time in South Korea has been exactly how it was laid out for me, the hours are a bit longer than other placement countries but I've been able to save a comfortable amount and spend time exploring beautiful Seoul on the weekends. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul Metropolitan Library (who make it very easy for foreigners to get a library card!), Lotte World, etc are all just a short bus ride away. This is also a great environment for people eager to practice their language skills with plenty of support. Most signage is in both English and Korean which makes the whole city super foreigner friendly. The food is incredible, the health insurance is the best I've ever had, and I've made so many friends since moving. It wouldn't have been possible without The Fewer Things and next year I look forward to applying for their Teach in Japan program through the new TFT Clubhouse feature!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I'm an anxious solo-traveler so I've had my share of nerve-racking moments but the biggest was probably, in the first few weeks after arriving in-country, figuring out how to navigate my first jimjilbang (bathhouse) totally naked and in Korean -- a super fun and rewarding experience after the initial confusion!
Pros
  • communicative and knowledgeable support team
  • incredible work experience for recent graduates
  • flexible placements
George
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience with TFT

I travelled to Thailand in October 2023, and I’m loving every minute of it. The Fewer Things have been by my side each step of the way. It would have been incredibly difficult to prepare and sort all the documents necessary to travel and work in Thailand, if it wasn’t for the fewer things guidance and support along the way. Even a month after I had landed in Thailand they reached out to me to see how I was getting on. If I ever need advice about certain useful teaching methods they reply in a very timely manner and with some great suggestions which I have used myself.
Overall I am very happy with the support TFT provide and would recommend them to anyone else who is ready for an adventure to Thailand :)

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Fried grasshopper- surprisingly tasty
Pros
  • New friendships
  • Experience new culture
  • Best job I have had
James
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Clubhouse review

I had a great time in Vietnam with TFT in 2022. The support is lovely to have and the guys help you with absolutely everything. Most people in my group had never taught or been to Asia before so we definitely needed the help with most things. Vietnam is a great place although a little chaotic at times and I had to adjust to that lifestyle massively. I am opting for Thailand next year through the clubhouse scheme in hopes for something a little more chilled out. Happy to be joining another great program and working with TFT again!

Pros
  • Great support
  • Getting set up in a new country
  • The pay is good
What other participants should know
  • How busy Hanoi was
Mia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Perfect Program for First Time Teaching Abroad!!

Moving to a foreign country can be so scary at first but the support of The Fewer Things eased so many of my nerves. It can be quite difficult and stressful to figure out all the predeparture paperwork and obtaining the visa but The Fewer Things helps you with every single step of it. Any questions I had no matter how big or small I would get a quick response from Jaime detailing out the answer and even leaving voice memos or calling on the phone to get more clarification.

You are also placed in a group chat with others doing the exact same thing as you so you automatically have friends before you even get there.

I was placed in Esan which is such an authentic experience of Thailand. All of the locals here are so over the top friendly and welcoming. We have made a few really good Thai friends while living here who have taken us to beautiful temples and night markets, it's such a treat!

While in Thailand, The Fewer Things continues to help you. I entered this program with interest to improve my teaching and I have since reached out to The Fewer Things for classroom management help. They are so helpful it truly feels like some friends that previously had a great time teaching abroad and now want to help others to have the same experience.

After such a great experience I have chosen to do another semester in Thailand and The Fewer Things is helping me to pick whatever location I want in Thailand... I'm thinking somewhere on the beach haha! After doing one semester with them they will help you FOR FREE teach anywhere else you would like in SE Asia. Again, like your good friend who just wants to help you have an amazing experience.

It is such a life changing opportunity, if you are on the fence definitely do it!!!!

Jaeda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Unforgettable Experience

I have always aspired to teach English abroad, and TFT has helped me to attain this goal! I moved to Thailand in October 2023, and I will complete one semester by March 2024.

When it came to moving and securing a teaching position in Thailand, I hadn't a clue how to go about it. Luckily, TFT has been an amazing support system, and I was guided every step of the way on what I needed to prepare before flying out. The TFT team is also very communicative throughout the whole program -- just a message away. I especially appreciated when Jaemi did check-ins once I was settled in, as this reinforced that I could contact the team for anything. We also have an active group chat with the other teachers, so this helps us to seek peer support and advice, or to make meet-up plans.

While you will be in the school teaching for most of the semester, there are several whole-day school events on campus, and plenty of national holidays throughout the year; those long weekends are great for exploring the country! Thailand is an optimal placement as a base for traveling around SEA, and I look forward to visiting the neighboring countries at the end of the term.

To be honest, I had no idea what to expect when I chose to move to Thailand. I figured that whatever experience I would have here would be an opportunity to learn and grow, no matter what. I am happy to say that the Thai people and culture have been so warm and welcoming to me and my fellow foreign teachers. I am so grateful to be surrounded by a friendly community, and such endearing students at my school.

Although I still have a few more months in Thailand, I already know that I want to continue my professional development in ESL/EFL instruction abroad. Once again, TFT has come through to support my goals with the TFT clubhouse. As a clubhouse member, the opportunities are endless, and I'm hoping to make Vietnam my next base in fall 2024.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Keep an open mind, and be ready to adapt and accept when things are different from what you may be used to. When in Thailand you've got to embrace the sbai sbai and enjoy living in the present moment during this unforgettable experience.
Katherine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Chaiyaphum, Thailand

This was my first time flying out of the country and I have to say it was an overall great experience. I decided to go with an agency because I figured I would need a lot of support (as this is my first solo travel experience). Working with Jaemi, Will, and Molly has been great, they get back to you in a timely manner, and with all their combined travel knowledge, they are an amazing resource for almost everything you need (teaching, social scenes, restaurants, or even someone to have a good rant with lol).

I was placed in Chaiyaphum, Thailand, it is about 5 hours from Bangkok, which makes it a bit hard to travel to unless there is a long weekend. However, it is a good area with amazing food! I love the fact that TFT team took the feedback from the placement form and came up with Chaiyaphum. It has a decent-sized expat population, so there are nice restaurants around with some Western influence (One Bar and Ms. Buns). There are nice parks and plenty of things to do here. Overall, I would recommend it because it has a bit of everything, grocery stores, movie theaters, a night market, mountain trails, temples, fishing, waterfalls, vegan options, and many other convenient amenities.

Even though there are some...hiccups with some of the operational stuff on MediaKids' end (not part of TFT) I am happy that I got in contact with Jaemi and got the ball rolling to come to Thailand, at times it truly is like a dream!

Kush
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Exceptional Thailand Program Experience with Outstanding Support from Jaemi!

I recently had the pleasure of participating in the Thailand program offered by Fewer Things Ltd, and I cannot express how impressed I am with the entire experience, especially with the invaluable assistance provided by Jaemi.

From the outset, the program was meticulously organized, offering a perfect blend of cultural immersion, professional development, and personal growth. The itinerary was well thought out, allowing us to explore the beauty of Thailand while also engaging in meaningful activities that enriched our understanding of the local culture.

What truly set this program apart was the exceptional support and guidance offered by Jaemi. His expertise, coupled with genuine enthusiasm, made a significant difference in my experience. Jaemi was not only knowledgeable about the intricacies of the Thai culture and customs but also went above and beyond to ensure that each participant felt comfortable and had their individual needs met.