Thailand TEFL Program - No Experience Needed with The Fewer Things

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%

Words cannot describe how amazing this experience has been for me. At first, adapting to a completely different lifestyle and culture was a struggle. However, it quickly became rewarding. If you are seeking to grow personally, develop new skills, and integrate yourself into a new culture this program is for you. I am very happy I found Fewer Things, they made the transition into Thailand a lot less stressful. One of the most valuable parts of Fewer Things is the community of new teachers they connect you with. You will be able to keep in touch with teachers all over the country and visit each other over the weekends. If you are interested and would like to chat message me on insta @piper.a :)

I’ve been in Thailand just over a month and I can say it’s definitely the best decision I ever made ! From the minute I applied, Jaemi was available to message if I had any questions / concerns. It can feel overwhelming and complicated sorting documents etc to move to another country but the support from TFT has been amazing and it’s really reassuring knowing they are just a message away at any time of day, and they will really try their best to help you - I probably asked Jaemi , Will or Molly about 58385 questions before I arrived in Thailand and every time they were always so willing to help which helped massively!!!

TFT also organise group chats before you start, so that you can make friends and even organise flights together, this definitely made the whole experience a lot less daunting for me before I came. I would definitely recommend it as a solo traveller as it is super social and easy to make friends - for example me and a lot of the friends I made during orientation live in different areas of Thailand, but we still see each other at the weekends as we can meet up in big cities

So far I have really enjoyed my time teaching in Thailand and I can’t thank TFT enough for making it happen !! I’ll never forget my time here and I’ve definitely made friends for life :)