Program Reviews

SamuiTEFL has been an experience unlike any other. This program has given me the knowledge and confidence to effectively teach students. The course is very rigorous, but worth every bit of the hard work it takes. The classroom experience, both with adult and young learners, was invaluable. Kathryn and Ashleigh are knowledgeable, helpful, and humorous. They give you opportunities to work individually as well as in groups, which has lead to many new friendships for me. I’d recommend this course to anyone who is serious about teaching English.

Like many of you, I was in a bit of transition when I discovered Samui TEFL. After quitting my lucrative engineering job and gallivanting across Europe for a year, I thought, "Hey, I want to be a teacher in Thailand. How do I make that happen? Oh, look! Samui TEFL has great reviews! Let's send them an email and buy a ticket to Thailand! Then, after surviving the rigor of this course, I can live in paradise with a beach-view, two pools, saving thousands of dollars a month and have health insurance."
And that's how it happened. Sort of. But really, the real story, if you're willing to believe it, involves a buddy from college, a Panamanian rain forest, a spiral into depression from the stress and boredom of entering adulthood in an American Midwest rustbelt city, a bit of jealousy, a massive exodus from my company (started by me), a chance trip to Slovenia with that same college buddy, and a flight to Thailand. It was this buddy's recommendation to go to Samui TEFL that changed my life. A one month, rigorous TEFL course to prepare one for a teaching job. That's what you're promised and that's what you'll receive with Samui TEFL. Don't go in thinking that this will be easy and that you'll be spending every day on the beach, drinking out of a coconut. You have only one month to learn how to excel in the classroom and that month will require a good bit of work out of you. It's worth it. Do it. Simple.

If you are looking for a great experience, learn from one of the very best and make great new friendships, look no further than Samui TEFL. All the ladies at Samui TEFL are extremely reliable, friendly and helpful, and have definitely set the standards very high for any other TEFL institute. I would highly recommend Samui TEFL to anyone wanting to become a EFL teacher. The environment is fantastic and the island lifestyle makes learning an enjoyable experience.

Kathryn and Ashleigh are truly fabulous people who make you feel confident in every part of the course. They were so supportive to me and really made a huge difference in my experience. They boosted my confidence where I lacked it and made me feel like part of the family. They really are lovely ladies and make the course extra special!

Samui TEFL was a great experience for me and I would advise anyone who is looking for a new adventure to give Samui TEFL a look at. The Samui TEFL team not once made us feel as if we had bitten off more than we could chew.
They taught us more than just how to be teachers; they taught us how to become more aware of cultures around us, how to be more confident in ourselves and our objectives, as well as how to make every situation we are in a fun and enjoyable experience. They gave us the opportunity to work as a team, and guided us well by always leading by example.

If you are considering a TEFL course, Samui TEFL should be at the top of your list!

There's a reason you're reading this review right now. Either you're really bored at work or you're interested in earning your TEFL certification and travelling the world. Regardless of why you're reading this, you know that there is something telling you to do it. Well, I'm here to tell you to listen to that little voice and do it! I waited a year from when I first read about SamuiTEFL to when I finally arrived on the island. I spent too long second guessing myself, when really I should've taken the plunge when I started researching. Let me tell you, I am so happy I did it!
I won't sugar coat it, this course is super challenging. Kathryn fits so much into four weeks, but you're better off for it. Unlike some other TEFL courses, Kathryn prepares you for the real world of teaching. Sure, teaching is extremely rewarding, but it's challenging. She will push you, but you will succeed. This course isn't set up for you to fail, it's set up to prepare you to become the best teacher. Kathryn is amazing at what she does, and she will help you become amazing too! Ashleigh is also there to help and support you, which she does an outstanding job with!
Now, while all of this learning is taking place always remember that you're on a tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand! You will wake up every morning with the sun shining, birds chirping, and beautiful blue water to swim in! I'm not sure why anyone would choose to earn their TEFL certification anywhere else. I actually decided to stay on the island and teach at a local school, and I couldn't be any happier! So, throw all of your excuses out the window and get yourself on a plane to Thailand! You won't regret it.

Yesterday you said tomorrow.

I am so happy that I made the decision to choose Samui Tefl to be my springboard into the world of teaching English as a second language.
Kathryn, Ashleigh and Rosanne make a fantastic team and help you with every aspect of the course.
Kathryn is a fantastic trainer and mentor with vast reserves of knowledge, experience and encouragement. You will be left more than prepared for where ever you decide to teach. The education around Thai culture is a very helpful bonus if you decide to teach in Thailand.
Despite the hard work involved, the mere sight of a student's face light up during a well planned lesson is such an amazing experience. Never mind all the exciting tourist and cultural experiences studying on the island of Samui affords you.

It´s not about the beautiful beaches and overwhelming nature. It is not about the friendly people or the great food. It is not about the scooter rider or bar hopping nightlife. It´s about making a life changing decision that will give you tools to touch people's lives.
You will have to study hard and practice harder. Give all the attention to the teacher in the classroom and you will be able to enjoy your afternoons at the beach or having a great meal with your classmates. Get to know your classmates and you will become friends for life. This is an experience that brings people together and you will share so many memories.
Kathryn has so much experience and will be able to anticipate your needs as a future teacher and the skills you should get to shine. Ashleigh will be your greatest support to orientate and motivate you to get things going.
So if you are just finishing university or if you already have experience as a professional like myself, be sure to come with an open mind and give yourself into the experience of your life! - Ricardo Simon - Chile

I am so grateful I ve found and picked this tefl course in Koh Samui - as there are various other options in many different places .
I am not talking about the gorgeous nature, stunning beaches, delicious Thai dishes or friendly people on this island (although these details add to the beautiful overall impression).
I am talking about being a teacher and a student at the same time, about getting tools for teaching successfully, having access to a large pool of tips and tricks for classroom management, games, warmers, pacemakers. About being able to adapt every topic for every learner level. Becoming confident enough to teach in a foreign country, in a foreign language (as I am not an English native speaker).
Days are pretty intense and packed with preparing lesson plans, reviewing grammar, searching for resources, making game boards, having your teacher practices in local schools and language centers. But there is always time to jump into the pool or treat yourself with a massage to relax and enjoy this whole, new experience.
And you are not alone. You are part of a lovely bunch of people, who like you are looking for something new and special in their life. You have all the support and encouragement from Kathryn and Ashleigh, heart and soul of Samui TEFL.
I would like to thank everyonee for being part of my unforgettable experience . (Thank you Jennifer for your yoga classes at the pool on Sunday morning!)
Follow your feet and follow your heart! - Sigrid Kreuzwirth - Austria

I just finished my first proper day of teaching in Vietnam and I must say I am so happy that I went with Samui TEFL for my teaching certification. I can’t imagine what teaching must be like for those teachers that didn’t do their teaching certification in person and instead opted for an online version. From classroom management tactics to lesson planning to real time feedback about your teaching style (with real students) - I feel that Samui TEFL gave me all the right tools to make me a confident teacher and ensure that my classes are fun and engaging. Kathryn’s approach to teaching was certainly a new experience for me but by the end I could see the value and appreciated it immensely. A highlight of the course was Kathryn’s Italian lesson where we got to experience first hand what it is like to be learning a new language that you don’t know anything about. It certainly gave us perspective for just how much care and attention goes into every little detail to make your students comfortable, engaged, and using the language. Ashleigh was a HUGE help to our course as well with prepping for the practice lessons we taught at the various institutions on the island. I can’t recommend Samui TEFL enough if you’re considering teaching English abroad - plus the connections they have to help you find a job (sometimes even before the course is over) are fantastic!

Before deciding to go and booking my place , I have done an extensive research and talked to many people online and face to face about all the possible options and places in Thailand to do this . Then I have come across few who mentioned TEFL Samui and it piqued my interest as this course sounded way more interesting than all the others.
So I took a dive and booked it . I cannot reiterate enough how much fun that month in Thailand with the professional teachers from Samui TEFL and my fellow students had been . I will never ever forget it . The classes were fun and interactive , confidence building and extremely educational . We had plenty of help and assistance during and after the course and Kathryn , our teacher was super fun and very knowledgeable . We learnt a lot through game play , and the actual in - class teaching where we had to teach the class of primary school students . Oh how we much fun that was !
Sadly I couldn't remain in Thailand and had to return back to England but I'm planning to go back there next year to put all that I learnt on this brilliant course into practice and hoping to stay for longer .
Thanks TEFL Samui for all that you taught me !