TEFL Heaven

Program Reviews

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Alessia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It went great

My life changed in Asia. I think I can build a future here and I've never felt like this before: MYSELF. I recommend to people who have not found the right place in the world yet. Its never too late. I'm single, I'm 29 and I will probably keep moving all my life within Thai. So break the rules and go out from your comfort zone but do it ALONE. it's easier with someone, the real challenge is being alone and figuring out everything by yourself. I'm a solo traveller and I learnt to be my self in this country with no regrets. The life is one and we have to live it fully!!!

What was your funniest moment?
Thai are more straightforward than me, I'm not fat( big) I just practice muai thai
Pros
  • Many friends thai and they love me just for my personality
Cons
  • I want to move here
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Kafi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience!

The TESOL course, location and guidance towards a placement was amazing. I honestly cannot fault them.
The program TEFL Heaven used is called XploreAsia, who have great links to school across Thailand and are able to support you from back at home organising visas and legislation, to then in Thailand finding a job, organising the placement including transportation and accomodation and providing the week orientation and TESOL qualification.
The TESOL was very engaging and informative, we were given the opportunity to present to our peers and students numerous times which really did help. My colleagues that did an online TESOL did not feel nearly as prepared as I did!
Since I have been placed and working in my school I have had numerous check-ins from both TEFL Heaven and XploreAsia, and as I had had a rocky experience in my first month due to things happening back home this was so helpful and what I needed! A very good company with lots of support both academically and pastorally.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Durian! Durian is the King fruit of Thailand, most well known for its distinctive smell and texture. The XploreAsia team had set up a scavendger hunt with a list of fun things to do to become acquainted with Thialand and Hua Hin, some of the things included: going to the monkey temple, ordering food from a restaurant that's menu is only in thai and litter picking on the beach. But eating a durian was one of these and that was a very new experience, with the texture of meat and a unexplainable flavour I cannot say I will be trying it again very soon!
Pros
  • A great support system, both pastorally and academically
  • A good way to meet likeminded people
  • TESOL is completed in person, so it is much easier to get hands on experience
Cons
  • The cost
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Becky
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I LOVE TEFL HEAVEN!

TEFL Heaven have been nothing short of amazing each step of the way. From the initial interview right until you were placed with your agency (and even still now). Mike and his team have created an incredible opportunity and his passion truly reflects in the TEFL Heaven program he created. I honestly couldn't have imagined doing my TEFL certification with anyone else. I decided to take the leap of faith and started my journey towards becoming a TEFL teaching in September 2020. I did my TEFL training on the beautiful island of Koh Chang where I met some lifelong friends. There were so many amazing moments it's hard to write about all of them in this review but it felt like we were a family on the island. The nerves, the fears, the anxiety were still there, which is of course natural but the people and TEFL Heaven staff were so supportive with everything. What makes this company stand out from the rest is their sincere genuinity for everyone. I love what TEFL heaven stands for and what their vision is for TEFL teachers all over the world.

The TEFL training course was set up incredibly well. There is only so much you can cover in three short weeks but I think they prepared us as best as they could. I had absolutely zero teaching experience prior to this and I didn't believe I could do half of the things I can now. You gain so much experience and they give you so many kills and tools to use, I truly feel without this training I wouldn't have been prepared enough going into my first teaching position. After the TEFL training was over we returned back to Bangkok, where we met with our placement agencies who took us to our teaching location. I, along with nine other TEFL Heaven trainees were placed at a public school in Chachoengsao, Thailand. I'm just finishing my first term teaching Primary 1 and it is the BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE. I have grown in ways I never dreamed were possible and have stepped out of my comfort zone a countless amount of times that my confidence is much higher than it has ever been.

My favourite thing about the program was meeting so many likeminded individuals but also the support TEFL Heaven provided every step of the way. There are a lot of anxieties and worries at the beginning with visas, documents, financial, personal...etc. but TEFL Heaven are a very experienced company and truly make you feel at ease. I also loved how we got to meet Mike himself at the orientation and he actually came to our island for a couple of days, which added a great personal touch and you can tell he cares for everyone. Listening to his own story and sharing his vision was truly inspiring. I loved this program, I loved the staff and I loved all the wonderful people I met along the way. Thank you TEFL Heaven for making my dream as a TEFL Teacher become reality and pushing me out of my comfort zones each day. SO TAKE THE LEAP OF FAITH, TRUST IN THE PROCESS AND LIVE YOUR BEST MOST FULFILLING LIFE DOING WHAT YOU LOVE.

I wish you all the best and who knows, maybe at some point down the line I will meet some of you.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment was definitely presenting in front of your peers during the TEFL training course. I never thought of myself as much of a public speaker, in fact I hated talking to a big group of people. I remember the first task I had to do was present a 10 minute lesson on a subject (Directions). I was super nervous and anxious and all I wanted to do was run away but I got through it and after that everything seemed a lot easier. I overcame this by simply accepting that it is okay if you aren't good at something you have never done before (that is the whole point of training). I told myself that the only way to grow and improve is by making it through difficult and uncomfortable situations. At the end of the day we are all in the same boat and you can't let the fear of failure/ judgement overcome you. Take each challenge as it comes and watch yourself transform into the person you always hoped you could be. You may surprise yourself with what you are capable of.
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Donna
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great classroom experience.

No complaints with the classroom experience at Vallarta International Academy. Excellent instruction and support from Alan and Fabian. The teaching practices were very helpful. Rachel and Nick gave "firm but fair" scores along with good advise on how to improve. I feel much more confident and prepared to teach after my four weeks at VIA.

What would you improve about this program?
There is definitely mixed messages from TEFL Heaven and VIA regarding what happens job-wise after completing the course. This initially led to confusion and misunderstanding. We're back on track now, though. Looking forward to finally getting started in a teaching position.
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Grant
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Love It!

My TEFL Heaven experience was nothing short of fantastic. From the second I began looking on TEFL Heaven's website, assistance was given to me by their dedicated staff members. Every step of the way during the signup process, the staff members were there to answer any questions I had about teaching/living in Thailand, training on an island, and moving across the world.

After signing up, the team members continued assisting me with tips on what to pack, where and how to arrange my paperwork and passport documents, and with the logistics of arriving in Thailand and transportation to the training destination on Koh Chang. I felt a sense of comfort during preparation as no question I had went unanswered. Additionally, we were added to a Facebook group where the trainees and staff could interact - a chance to get to know one another and bounce questions/ideas around.

After landing in Bangkok, we had two action-packed days of team-building and orientation. During this, we met our fellow trainees and got so see some awesome cultural sites in Bangkok, such as Wat Arun. Additionally, we were educated on some Thai cultural practices and words which came in handy as we set off for the island of Koh Chang. The transportation to Koh Chang was arranged by TEFL Heaven - one less thing to stress about.

The training experience on Koh Chang was absolutely wonderful. First off, the island was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been - and we got to spend 3 weeks there! On the weekdays, our training group received comprehensive, in-depth training by our Trainers. Having never taught a single thing in my life, this education was extremely valuable. I was able to learn from the ground up, with no prior knowledge.

We learned how to teach English as a foreign language, how to manage a classroom, and how to effectively communicate with the students. Additionally, we were educated on the ins-and-outs of the Thai school system. Lastly, we got 1 hour of Thai language class every day. The trainers were so qualified and enthusiastic! Our classroom was on-site at the resort on Koh Chang - I could see the ocean and palm trees while learning! The things I learned during training have helped me immensely inside and outside of the classroom.

On the weekends and afternoons, our TEFL training group was allowed to explore the island, seeing some amazing spots such as waterfalls and hiking trails, and trying the ever so delicious Thai food that Koh Chang has to offer. Any time I had a question or an issue came up, the TEFL staff was able to provide prompt and thorough assistance. Even during a relatively serious personal matter on the island, the staff was able to help me through it as friends, and provide guidance for which I am very thankful.

As for the guaranteed job - I was placed in the awesome city of Chachoengsao. This placement was done after the folks at TEFL Heaven and my agency were able to discuss where they thought I would thrive. The job placement is guaranteed, and intentional, in order to set the teachers up for success. Not surprisingly, the agency and TEFL Heaven has operated extremely professionally and assisted every step of the way.

I can say with confidence that TEFL Heaven has changed my life in the most positive way. I gained knowledge, training, cultural orientation, some great friends, and an awesome job here in Thailand. I had my reservations, as anyone would, about moving across the world to start a new life teaching English. However, the folks at TEFL Heaven made the experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Looking back, now that I have been here for 3 months, I would not change a thing. I recommend TEFL Heaven wholeheartedly to anyone considering making the leap.

THANK YOU TEFL HEAVEN!!

-Grant

What was your funniest moment?
When Byron tried to order Khao Soi at the restaurant on Koh Chang but the waitress didn't understand him and brought him white rice. Oh well, Mai Bpen Rai!
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Cody
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Koh Chang and Khorat

My experience has been really amazing. I had never left the western United States until I decided to embark on this adventure and it has been extremely eye opening. Koh Chang was like something out of a movie so beautiful and everyone that I trained with was very friendly and fun. My city I teach in is called Khorat and is a pretty big city with lots to do! I got lucky enough to teach sport and health and that has been a lot of fun. I would definitely recommend not inky TEFL Heaven but also teaching abroad

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Definitely getting to my city the day before school started and being handed 9 textbooks finding out that I would be teaching 9 different grades
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Iona
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great TEFL Programme Costa Rica

I decided to apply for a TEFl course half way through my final year of university and knew I wanted to come to Latin American so I could learn Spanish along the way and experience a completely difficult culture than Scotland. I decided to go with Maximo Nivel through TEFL Heaven because of the on site 4 week course they were offering that would allow me to meet people and settle into Costa Rican a little more. In hindsight this worked well for me because I met some great people who I have become really close with and even moved in with. I was also able to find a job before even finishing the course and received lots of support in this process. The course also offers 10 hours of practical teaching experience which is accessed in order to track your progress therefore you leave the course feeling ready to go in the profession.

What would you improve about this program?
The only downside to this course is the price. I personally feel that it was worth it for the added experiences that come with doing the course in the country that you want to work, however, I feel for some people it would be unaffordable.
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Wesley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best decision I ever made! TEFL Heaven: you changed my life!

My experience with TEFL Heaven was absolutely tremendous. I attended the training on Koh Chang in April 2019 and it was the perfect way to jumpstart my Thailand experience and my career as an English teacher.
They helped me figure out all the logistics of my travel plans before I flew out to Thailand. Their assistance in lining up a job for after the training was incredible and tefl heaven works with some great teaching agencies. We had a great mixture of cultural experience and practical learning and preparation.
The training helped me understand the logistics of the job but more importantly the cultural expectations of teaching in Thailand. My trainers made sure that we all had the type of support we needed to leave the training feeling confident about our capabilities to teach. They made us feel that we could ask any questions and air out any potential concerns or worries and address them right away. I continue to be supported by the organization and will have their support moving forward in my next chapter. I seriously can’t rave about my experience enough. Hit me up with any questions and I’d love to talk more about why TEFL Heaven is the best choice!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Book it. The price is worth the experience and support. Pack light and bring your positivity and excitement. Thailand is a land of smiles and happiness and, though it won’t ever be perfect and a lot of things will shift and change while you’re here, it will change your life for the better.
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Roberto
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thank you, TEFL Heaven

Getting my certification with TEFL Heaven is one of the best decisions I've made in my life so far. My training course was extremely practical and informative, and we even got some hands-on experience teaching children at an English camp during our training. I can't explain how beneficial such an experience was for someone like me, a first-time teacher with no real experience in a classroom; it gave me confidence as a teacher. The trainers were helpful, knowledgeable, and made our experience fantastic every step of the way. I made some lifelong friends during my training, and learned a lot - about teaching, and myself as a person. I recommend TEFL Heaven wholeheartedly to anyone who is considering getting into teaching English abroad. You won't regret it.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take that first step and never look back. You will thank yourself later.
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Jade
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best decision I ever made

I took part in the TEFL Heaven Thailand internship programme and I really cannot praise it enough. The whole experience has been absolutely incredible - loads of support at home and out here in Thailand. The course itself was 3 weeks long in a beautiful resort on the island of Koh Chang - the trainers were fantastic and the course was really thorough including the opportunity to practice teaching children which not every tefl course has. We had a mixture of theory and practical teaching and the whole thing was so much fun. The small group dynamic makes for a really supportive environment. Being trained in Thailand also made a huge difference in settling in and getting used to the culture. I was placed with a great agency and a great job and have had continued support since the course. If you're thinking about doing it, I can promise you won't regret it!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open minded, take every opportunity and savour every moment. Don't hold back and be yourself, it's an incredible opportunity to grow if you want to.