Thailand TEFL Starter Program - No experience needed

I'm loving my time in Thailand so far, and have connected with some really great people thanks to The Fewer Things. The teaching, though initially challenging, has become so much fun. We have learnt a lot here already, from transferable workplace skills to fascinating Thai culture. Settling in has been easy thanks to the friendly locals, amazing students and TFT team who have been an exceptional help every step of the way. There are so many friends to make and great experiences to be had- I would highly recommend!

From the first moment I spoke to Jaemi from TFT I felt super at ease, and that moving to the other side of the world was not as difficult as I first thought! Pre-departure, TFT could not have been more helpful! They answered all my questions, eased my worries and sorted every single detail in order for me to have a smooth and worry-free experience. I have now been in Thailand for 2 months, and even still TFT are in touch and on-hand to help with whatever I need. Before applying, it was super important to me to find an agency with which I felt I could rely on and would be there for me every step of the way, and TFT are definitely that agency! I have not felt alone at any point of this experience, and I am definitely hoping to pursue other destinations with their guidance and through their Clubhouse.

My experience since being out here has been simply dreamy. I have met so many amazing people, and have experienced so much already in only 2 months! From hanging with elephants, visiting the islands, partying in Bangkok and exploring my local area, it truly has been wonderful so far! I am so happy with my school placement, the students make every day a laugh, and the Thai teachers are very welcoming and friendly. I felt it was very easy for me to settle into my new life, and would definitely recommend TFT and moving to Thailand to anyone and everyone!

Thank you to The Fewer Things for providing the authentic Thai experience.

The advice from Jaemi was very helpful in putting me in the right direction to have an immersive experience in Thailand. The TFT found the perfect place in the heart of the Isan region. Buriram (the city of happiness) is a peaceful city with also a lot to do. So far, living in Buriram has felt like I have been part of the local community. For example, trying out the incredible food in the street markets, visiting the weekend markets, watching Buriram United play, and visiting the historical sites. There's also a social scene where you can watch live Isan music.

I have met amazing people who have helped settle me into the area. My main reasons to go on this trip are to challenge myself in viewing how another society lives and to go on an adventure to explore. From what I've experienced and seen in the Isan region of Thailand, it has an open culture in its social attitudes and it's refreshing to be surrounded by it.

In terms of teaching, everything is new and it's an opportunity to learn an important skill. If I'm honest I'm still learning and trying out different teaching styles to see what works. It allows growth in confidence and you're able to keep learning whilst being able to explore.

The TFT has provided a new bonus with the Clubhouse meaning you don't have to pay the programme fee again if you want to go on another placement. This allows you to think ahead in keeping your options open for the future.

I started my journey 2 years ago but due to personal reasons I was unable to continue the programme. However when I was ready to travel again, Jaemi the Programmes Director was so lovely and helped me start my new life here in Thailand. I wanted to go with an agency as I had no idea where to start, the support I received from Jaemi and the team (Molly and Will) was so helpful. Every step of the way TFT always answered my questions (trust me, I asked A LOT of questions). Even now 2 months on, they still check up on you to make sure you’re okay.

The experience itself is definitely scary and there is a big culture shock. Once you get past that initial shock it is definitely worth it and you meet so many new people as well as making unforgettable memories. The best thing about going with TFT is the people you meet who are in the same boat as you. Plus with The Fewer Things, the whole process is a lot less stressful.

If you love travelling this is definitely for you. With the school I’ve been placed with, there is a 2 month long break starting in March and there are often Thai holidays on Monday/Friday. Which means long weekends away. Depending on where you are placed, you can travel to other parts in Thailand.

Living and teaching in Thailand was made so easy by the team at TFT. From initial application to beginning my placement, there has been constant communication over the steps along the way. Even now two months in, Jaemi continues to keep in touch and is there to help if any issues do arise.

One of the major advantages of the program is the group chat made before coming to Thailand. Here I was able to connect with other applicants and now have ready made friends to travel with at the weekends. Cannot recommend the program enough!

The fewer things are a really supportive and useful community to be a part of, from the moment I had my interview with my program coordinator, Jaemi, he has been abundantly accessible and kind, and supportive in all the questions I have had from the benign to the important. They have also been there for the adjustment period of moving to another country, so if you are leaving home for the first time, these are the guys I would choose as my Shepards; they cater to exactly what you desire, which for me was to be in a remote location in Thailand. Even though it seems daunting, the idea of teaching for the first time with classes of 25+ TFT provide all the means necessary for you to hit the ground running. I am loving my experience in Thailand and think I am going to stay for another semester. If you choose this program be prepared to grow as a person, test you limits, and meet a world of new people. Trust me 4 months will fly by before you know it!

Teaching in Thailand has been an amazing experience so far. I have experienced a new culture in a completely authentic way. I joined the programme slightly later and received amazing support from TFT and Jaemi who were flexible with calls and adapted to my time difference. TFT were able to place me with my friends and have been incredibly supportive throughout the whole process.

Some placement locations are quite rural and far from Bangkok making travel on weekends quite difficult/expensive/time consuming. However this does provide an authentic experience and certainly makes you appreciate your time off of teaching. Schools in Thailand are very different from the UK which has been challenging however teaching in a primary school has been extremely fun. I would definitely recommend teaching in Thailand and TFT as a company☺️

Having been to China with The Fewer Things a couple of years ago, I got back in touch with the guys there to see what my options were to keep travelling. We settled on Thailand and it was great to see the comparisons between the programmes and placements, I worked in a public school in China and now in Thailand too! Everything was more or less the same in terms of support and guidance and I could not have done either trip with out them, it is really top class support! I was a bit worried about the transition from a big city placement to a smaller town like the ones in Thailand, but it has been a breath of fresh air from every aspect and I love my life here!

I would recommend this programme 100%