The Fewer Things

The Fewer Things Reviews

Leilah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good times in Korea

The initial steps in Korea were made quite simple with guidance from TFT and the ground agency here, my school now helps a lot with day to day stuff too which is nice. It was about a six-month period from application to arrival but there is a lot to do so I understood the lengthy process. The TEFL course was quite fun and interesting too. Overall would recommend.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Getting on the plane lol it was just really emotional for me, but I did it!
Pros
  • TEFL course is great
  • Nice team to work with
What other participants should know
  • Quite costly but that is mainly South Korea all over
Lindsay
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome program!!

This is an awesome opportunity! I wanted to teach English in China for the longest time, but didn’t know where to start. Jaemi and TFT helped me through the whole process! From pairing me with a school, visa and background check support and everything in between, I finally made it to China! I would not have been able to take on this process by myself without the help of The Fewer Things. I had countless questions throughout the process (moving abroad is a big step) but TFT was able to explain things to me and calm my fears about moving to China. I would definitely recommend this program!

Pros
  • Visa support
  • Background check support
  • School placement
Leona
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An excellent support system and network!

I joined The Fewer Things August 2023 programme for Vietnam and I've found the support network excellent. No question was left ignored and as someone who didn't message Jaemi or the team particularly much, I was regularly met with messages checking up on me which I thought was a very personal and thoughtful touch. And from hearing my peers who contacted HQ far more regularly, Jaemi was very quick and efficient with responding to any qualms presented to him, both before and after departure.
I already had my TEFL certificate so cannot say anything on the course, but there was plenty of other aspects that the company excelled in to ensure I was prepared for my teaching programme. From an extremely comprehensive guide to the country to a video call with two experienced teachers right before leaving to regular events held afterwards to fit all lifestyles, there was something for everyone in those daunting first few weeks. The pacing for all the niggly things that needed to be done before departure was also very well thought out to minimise frustration and maximise excitement.
Accessibility to the social side of things was also done really well. A group chat was set up initially for all Vietnam programme members for the intake, and then specifically for the city of placement (I'm in Hanoi). The aforementioned events as well as this group chat made it easy for even my introverted self to feel very integrated within the group.
Overall, The Fewer Things has made me feel very welcome and prepared for teaching in Hanoi, and I have never found any member of the team unapproachable. I would definitely recommend TFT specifically for anyone ready to sink their teeth into teaching in Vietnam!

Pros
  • A very approachable support network- both in terms of staff and how other teachers are introduced
  • Comprehensive information provided in a timely manner
Jamie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

teaching in Hanoi

I had been planning on getting into teaching abroad for last few years but wasn't sure where to start.
I came across the fewer things programme through my girlfriend who knew of people already doing it. We started the process quite late (February 2023) but jaemi from the fewer things made life a lot easier for us. The 120 hour tefl course was very beneficial and well worth the time in getting it completed. I was in touch with jaemi about twice a week from when I started to discuss any doubts or queries I had and he took time to answer all whether through message or voice note. further more the fewer things set up interviews after completion of the course so you don't have to worry about blindly looking for a job in Vietnam. About a week before flying out to Hanoi we had a zooms chat with 2 experience teachers about life in Hanoi and what the teaching is like which settled any pre nerves. Myself and my girlfriend are both in Hanoi and enjoying life but when we have any questions jaemi is still responding to our messages.
Overall I think the fewer things is an excellent programme to go into as the constant support from Jaemi is second to none.

Pros
  • outstanding support
Elizabeth
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience!

Coming to Vietnam with The Fewer Things, in my opinion, has felt like the best way to do it!

The Fewer Things team have been so helpful from the offset. They are always on the end of the phone to help with any queries. They created helpful budgeting guidelines and a 'survival guide' on Vietnam before we came out here which was really helpful to go through and made me feel set up to come out here from the off. They also hosted a webinar just before our departure so we could ask any questions which also really helped and made me feel a lot calmer in the week running up to travelling :)

I have been nicely surprised at how supportive The Fewer Things have been once we got out to Vietnam too. We are regularly checked on, which is nice to know we have that support system still. We have also had socials organised for us in the first couple of weeks which was good to meet the rest of the group who had come out to Vietnam, or who have already been out here.

The Fewer Things is a great way to start teaching abroad, especially in Vietnam, as some of the culture can be difficult to navigate on your own and so it feels good to have The Fewer Things support behind us :)

Mary
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Moving to China!

I was a bit nervous about moving to China and starting my career teaching. However, after doing lots of research, I decided on The Fewer Things. From my first interview with Jaemi, I knew this was the program I wanted to go with. The support I received before I left was great! The staff in China replied quickly to my questions and concerns. All the paperwork on the China side of things was done rapidly and efficiently. I cannot thank the staff enough. I also had the option to do monthly/weekly phone call check ups just to ease some stress and see how the progress was going. Before I knew it, I was boarding the plane!

Once I got here, the friendliness of the staff never stopped. Diane, Nancy, Lucia, and everyone has gone ABOVE AND BEYOND once I got here. It really soothed my heart and mind. As you might know, moving abroad is a big step that can pose many challenges. They have done so much for me and my other colleagues who came abroad. They also found me the best school as well. I feel welcomed by the staff and I am excited to teach!

China is a great place to travel solo or with friends. If you know a good bit of the language, or none at all, it is an amazing country that will provide you with a fun and exciting experience! Traveling around the city is extremely efficient, and before you know it, you will no longer need maps to help you get around!! Also... YUMMY FOOD! :)

Pros
  • AMAZING TEAM
  • Great Food
  • Great Travel Spots
What other participants should know
  • Might be challenging to get around at first if you don't know the language basics
Sam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic opportunity! Great help from The Fewer Things

From the start Jaemi and his team were really down to Earth and helped you get over the mental hump of moving abroad to teach English. They also give a step-by-step guide for you to follow and constant support via WhatsApp and online webinars so that you can make sure you're absolutely ready for your trip.

Upon arrival in your new home country, the support remains and in Hanoi we had the benefit of Hannah and Aled's social events which help you to have fun and mingle with new friends. We arrived in a large group, and everybody gets along really well so we have a lot of fun. This wouldn't have been possible without the help of The Fewer Things.

Pros
  • You get to move to a new, exciting environment with the support of the programme team.
  • The teaching aspect is really fun and not as difficult as you think.
  • Embrace your new surroundings with new, like-minded friends.
Josh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The fewer things China program review - Shanghai.

The fewer things China program is absolutely worth it. From the moment you apply through to arrival in China and beyond the support is fantastic, I wouldn't have been able to navigate the process without them. Having decided to choose China I completed my application. I received an initial phone call to discuss the ins and outs of everything which made me feel at ease with it all. From there, I received unparalleled support through the process of document legalization, visa application and in being set up with a school to teach in. In the weeks prior to going out to China, the fewer things director, Jaemi, is on hand via weekly call slots to help settle any nerves or apprehensions you may have, after all, moving abroad to teach is a big thing to do. Following moving to China, the fewer things are still there to help should I need any support, but I must say, living and teaching in Shanghai is amazing. So far, so good! A big thanks to the fewer things for helping to make a dream of mine a reality.

Pros
  • salary
  • work-life balance
  • experience
Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best thing I ever did

I’ve have definitely come to realise that only amazing things happen outside of your comfort zone. I cannot emphasise enough how happy I am that I made the decision to teach in Thailand and now Vietnam. The people you meet are now friends for life and it honestly changes how you view life and work. The balance is amazing, currently in Hanoi I am living in a stunning apartment just a couple minutes walk from my friends so can go for dinner and chill after school. After week of teaching (yes it can be tiring but sooo rewarding) you can go explore Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha long Bay or even pop to Thailand! Basically the experience is what you make of it and one you won’t forget in years to come!

Maisie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable experience in rural Thailand

Jaemi and The Fewer Things team were super helpful with all the documents and advice needed for moving out to Thailand. I did one semester teaching from October 2021 in Chaiyaphum which is a lovely central Thailand town with lots to do!

The teaching experience is invaluable and you really get to form friendships with students and fellow teachers. In my placement, I had around 10 other teacher from the UK based in Chaiyaphum, and we all bonded and planned travels together during long weekends and at the end of the semester. The Fewer Things programme is really great because you get put in contact with teachers who are in different areas of Thailand to you, so you can arrange to meet up and travel to different towns.

I definitely recommend this supportive programme if you're looking to gain career experience, travel and meet lots of new people!

Pros
  • Great support and advice from The Fewer Things
  • Lots of opportunities to travel
  • Meet lots of new friends