Location
  • Thailand
    • Surin
    • Bangkok
Length
12 - 26 weeks
Classroom Audience
Elementary Middle School High School

Program Details

Qualifications
  • BA (in anything)
Job Type
Government
Classroom Audience
Elementary Middle School High School
Housing
Apartment
Age Min.
21
Age Max
50

Pricing

Salary / Benefits
Key Information:

Currently open to native English speakers, with an undergraduate degree in anything, and with no criminal record
1 semester (roughly 5 months) placement, with possibility to extend for another semester
Monthly salary of about 31/32k Thai Baht – This equates to about 1,000 US dollars per month
7.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday
Teach English at a Kindergarten, Primary School, or High School
Placements are in smaller towns and locations across the country, allowing applicants to experience the ”true Thailand”
Free Accommodation for the duration
Induction on arrival (via our Thailand partners)
In-country support (via our Thailand partners)
Opportunity to spend 1 or 2 months travelling around Thailand after contract finishes
Starting Price
799
Price Details
Application, Training & Support Fee: £749. This price includes a 120-hour online TEFL course, prior to departure, as well as complete help and assistance throughout the VISA application and placement process.
What's Included
Accommodation Visa
What's Not Included
Airfare Meals Travel Insurance
Jan 17, 2025
Dec 27, 2024
6 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Get a taste of life in Thailand and kick-start your post-uni career in the most exciting way possible with our 5-month Thailand TEFL Taster.

Lush green rice paddies, mystical mountains and laid-back, endlessly positive vibes — Thailand is an adventurous graduate’s dream. It might be best known for its insane nightlife and beautiful beaches, but venture a little further, and you’ll discover there’s so much more to the Land of Smiles.

On this 5-month teaching adventure, you’ll experience it all. You’ll get a taste of true Thai culture, gain the skills and confidence to launch your TEFL journey and turn your desire to see the world into a well-paid reality. And you’ll do it all with people just like you.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Competitive Salary
  • Free Accommodation
  • Travel Time

Current Teaching Jobs

Program Reviews

4.90 Rating
based on 29 reviews
  • 5 rating 89.66%
  • 4 rating 10.34%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Benefits 4.75
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.85
  • Facilities 4.65
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 29 reviews
Default avatar
Genevieve
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Straightforward and Reassuring

I am 2 months into the 5-month Thailand TEFL taster. I signed up with my partner because I had always wanted to experience life in Thailand. Working and living in Thailand seemed like the best way to truly experience life here. So far, I have definitely found this to be the case. I am already beginning to see the gap between the small snippets of Thailand that tourists see, and the deeper understanding of it that can be gained by working here. I did expect this beforehand, but knowing where to start looking for work in Thailand seemed daunting.

This is where Travel Grad became useful. As a finalist at uni, who had never had a full-time job, let alone moved to another country, I found it really useful to have an agency guide me through the process. Travel Grad provided me with a timeline of what I needed to do and when and information documents for every step of the process. This assured me that I was doing everything I needed to do.

Another useful feature is the 24/7 WhatsApp chat. I use this to the FULL EXTENT. Whether I have a question or need to double-check something or feel confused, I can quickly send a message and receive a quick reply. As mentioned, moving to work abroad was a strange and unfamiliar process, so being able to contact Travel Grad whenever I needed to (literally whenever) was reassuring!

Of course, while this is a Travel Grad review, it is worth remembering that Travel Grad is one part of a bigger process. Your experience will also depend on the school that you are placed in, and the teaching agency in Thailand (MediaKids) that Travel Grad works with. If you are thinking about teaching English in Thailand, then do consider all factors. However, this advice would apply to any agency.

If you are set on teaching English in Thailand but are trying to choose an agency, then I would highly recommend Travel Grad. Even while in Thailand, we can use still Travel Grad for support. They were in contact with us while we were settling in, they put us in a group chat with all of the other people doing the Thai TEFL taster, and they booked us a complimentary night in a hotel upon arriving in Thailand. They definitely went the extra mile.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most of the experience by exploring, learning from locals, and saying yes to opportunities. We finish teaching at 4pm on weekdays, and evenings and weekends out and about - seeing/travelling to new places, socialising with other teachers, and trying new things like Muay Thai classes or Thai dance classes.

Also, keep trying new food spots, and learn enough Thai to perfect your food order. I found ordering food out really daunting at first, but now the food scene in Thailand is one of my favourite things about it.
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Beth
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand Travel Grad TEFL

I came to Thailand as a qualified teacher looking to improve my abilities in teaching children whose first language is not English and experience a new way of living. I can safely say that I have achieved both of these things and so much more! I never thought I would be so lucky to live with 7 other amazing people in Maha Sarakham, Northern Thailand who I know I will call friends for life! I am also very lucky to live in a very nice city with lots of markets, nightlife, nature and food spots! Meeting the people I have and traveling with them all around Bangkok and then to places like Chiang Mai and Pai for New Year is surreal - I often forget that we have only known each other for 2 months so far! And the lifestyle in Thailand is something much to be admired. It is incredibly peaceful and nobody is ever in a rush! As someone who is a workaholic and always on the go, this took some getting used to, but I have never been so calm in my life! TravelGrad is definitely an excellent gateway into Thailand, and Andrew is incredibly helpful, reassuring, and always there when you have questions. Plus, if you are sensible, you can save enough money to travel more of South East Asia when your contract ends! I am currently planning my 9-week break trip to Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia!

I am very grateful for the experience I have had with TravelGrad so far, I don't want it to end!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
A scorpion on a stick!
Pros
  • Met friends that I will have for the rest of my life.
  • Got to experience a much slower paced, peaceful lifestyle.
  • Got to travel and see a lot of Thailand!
Cons
  • The fee paid to travelgrad to come with them to Thailand - I am not sure what this money was for as there was still lots of expenses to pay on arrival to Thailand such as visa and work permit (though we were made aware of this by travelgrad).
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Samuel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Travel Grad is a gamechanger

Finishing university is daunting, but is much less so thanks to the support offered by TravelGrad. If you're eager to travel then this is the perfect opportunity. The job is rewarding, and balanced enough that you get to explore Thailand and immerse yourself in the culture.

It was always a dream of mine to work abroad, but it didn't feel like a tangible reality until the ease of TravelGrad's organisation and communication came to play. The logistics of moving abroad, which can obviously be very complicated, are made as simple as possible by the organisation.

When you move out here, you'll meet a tonne of like minded people at the orientation for working. Rest assured that as daunting as it is moving to a new country, there are many others in the exact same position. You'll soon develop connections with ambitious like minded individuals as yourself.

The job itself is vastly rewarding. Because Thailand embodies a culture of relaxation and positivity, the kids are very excitable and friendly, and you can guarantee that you'll be working with a smile on your face the majority of the time. You are genuinely contributing something meaningful to life with the work you are doing; a blessing not to be underappreciated.

Thailand is a beautiful country. Since I've moved out here, I've swam with fish and bioluminescent plankton off a coral reef, eaten some of the best food of my life, immersed myself in the culture and its festivities through Loy Khratong and Khon Kaen's annual silk festival. I've seen the most beautiful locations of my entire life down south, exploring the islands. You will feel grounded and present in the Buddhist temples, even if you are not a religious/spiritual person. I've also pushed myself out of my comfort zone and started Muay Thai. Rest assured that you have the work life balance to savour this country fully. Something I couldn't even do working back home in the UK.

If there's anything constructive I'd offer, is before you come out, save as much money as possible. Save more than you even think is necessary. You're going to be overexcited by the new country, and my only regret is that I ran into financial problems from not having saved accordingly. But this is such a minor issue that I barely think about it now. Just make sure money isn't an issue for you inbetween moving jobs/graduating and starting teaching at your respective school.

And as a final note, listen to the advice TravelGrad give you before moving out. They'll work it all out for you, asking for preferences, giving you a timeline for VISA applications (and relevant vital documents). Be on top of your game and be in constant communication with everyone involved to make your life easier. TravelGrad already do the hard work of making your life easy, so give it back to them!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
For sure the most nerve-wracking moment was my first day in Bangkok. This was my first time abroad on my own, so felt hugely out my depth. But just know that this anxiety passes. I have to be honest and say I felt genuinely terrified on my first day, but once you speak to like minded people who are going out to teach, and start making those connections and embracing yourself in the culture, it will all fall into place. Just know that if you do feel terrified on your first day and start to question whether it's the right decision, this is normal. Give it a few days, let yourself gently settle in and soon you'll love it.
Pros
  • Travel
  • People
  • New Challenges
Cons
  • Finances
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An unforgettable experience!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟5/5 stars round of applause for Andrew & the TravelGrad team!!! I am so thankful that I decided to take the plunge and move to Thailand with the help of TravelGrad. They have been a great support throughout what has been a daunting experience, always having an answer to your questions and being there if you need help!

The experience itself has been amazing so far. I have been fortunate enough to meet a group of like-minded people and know they will be friends for life. Living in the North-Eastern Isaan region in Thailand is so much fun. I’m enjoying the quiet life and being able to fully immerse myself in Thai culture. The placements are rural but there is always something going on whether that be joining a Zumba class with local Thai ladies, going to a night market to try new food, or having a beer with the locals! I would definitely recommend the experience, especially for those who want to experience a different way of life, meet people from all over the world, and immerse themselves in a new culture. Thailand is a great place with lovely people, places & food!!!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open minded! You chose to come to a new country to experience a new culture - embrace it and respect it. Reciprocate the kindness and generosity of locals and get involved with activities, festivals and traditions!
Pros
  • Meeting new people
  • Teaching - the kids are so lovely!
  • The ability to travel throughout
Cons
  • The time difference with home!
6 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Brilliant Experience: Thailand TEFL taster

TravelGrad have been absolutely brilliant during every step of my teaching abroad journey.

I knew after I graduated that I didn't want to go straight into the working world in the U.K. and was ready to challenge myself to gain some extra experience of living and working abroad. However, I was unsure of the exact route I would take to do this. I then heard about TravelGrad through a friend who had previously used them and spoke of them highly.

After getting in contact with Andrew and the team, I got excited about the possibility of moving to either Thailand or Vietnam to work. Andrew was really helpful in helping me to choose the right option for me by supplying me with important information about both placements. Once I chose Thailand, the team was helpful in guiding me through the steps that needed to be taken in order to move abroad. They were also always able to answer questions I had whenever I needed to ask them.

Since being in Asia, TravelGrad has been a great support for navigating life abroad. Again, they have always been available to answer questions.

My time in Thailand so far has been life-changing. Immersing myself in the school environment has helped me to learn so much from the Thai teachers, the other graduates, and the children. Thai schools are so cool; unlike schools in the U.K., there is a huge focus on arts, creativity and self-expression. It has been so inspiring to see and get involved with this and it has helped me to take myself and life less seriously.

A big thank you to TravelGrad for helping to facilitate the positive and self-developing experience I have had so far here in Thailand. :)

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Waiting by myself in the airport before my flight to Asia!

To overcome my nerves I spoke to others in the Thailand TravelGrad group chat which I was added to before moving out. This was such a help to reduce any anxieties I had about moving away and to get in contact with some other grads :)
Pros
  • Learning new things about myself and others
  • Meeting new friends
  • Great communication from TravelGrad team
Cons
  • Challenging to start a new job
9 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Elizabeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience in Thailand

I'm so glad I chose TravelGrad for my first teaching abroad experience. Andrew was always available to answer any questions, even though I was in a completely different time zone in the US. I loved that I was able to meet a ton of other teachers at orientation before going to my placement, which helped me not feel alone. My experience teaching in Thailand has been such an adventure! Students are so friendly and excited to see you. Everywhere you walk on campus, you will hear "Hello teacher!" or "Good morning teacher!" and see smiling faces greeting you. They get so excited over small things like playing learning games, which makes it so fun to teach them. I have felt safe and welcomed in my city the entire time. Overall, it has been such a fulfilling experience, and I'm so glad I took the leap and signed up. Also, I can't complain about eating amazing Thai food every night!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I was surprised by all the Christmas celebrations. I thought since it was mostly a Buddhist country that there would not be much for celebrations and I was a bit sad at that thought. However, my school put on an amazing Christmas program and there was a massive Christmas parade like nothing I've ever seen.
Pros
  • Getting to know Thai teachers and people in our neighborhood.
  • Meeting lots of Brits (the other teachers) and making friends with them.
  • Eating out nearly every night because it is so cheap!
Cons
  • My classrooms did not have A/C, only ceiling fans, so I had to get used to being sweaty!
  • Traveling around Thailand can be somewhat difficult if you are placed very far from Bangkok.
54 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Olivier
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Really awesome experience for new or seasoned travellers

I’m currently on the Thailand taster course. TravelGrad made it super easy dealing visa applications and getting you in touch with the local company. Andrew in particular seems like he never sleeps and is always ready to respond to any questions.

Technically you can do all the visa applications yourself but having the peace of mind knowing you’ve got all the documents you need and checked all the right boxes for when you touch down is well worth it. Also just having a first port of call for any issues when you’re out and while you’re getting ready to leave is invaluable for saving yourself time and stress.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Before orientation spent some time on Khosan road in Bangkok, ate a tarantula spider and about 5 scorpions (for less than the price of a pint back home)
Pros
  • Builds independence
  • Met amazing friends
  • Seen amazing things
Cons
  • Adjustment period can be tough at times
  • I know I’m gonna have to finish and go home
  • Bit of a stressful start to teaching but worth it
53 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Greg
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Time of my life

After a solid semester abroad I knew I wasn’t wanting to settle or stay in the UK for much longer than I needed to post graduation, I spoke to the guys at Travel Grad and they were incredibly helpful and understanding. Throughout the whole process Andrew was so insightful and covered literally everything I possibly could’ve needed to know about working abroad. I was originally wanting to go to Japan however he convinced me Thailand was the place for me. Could not thank Andrew and the others at travel grad for the experience I’ve had, and am incredibly sad at the thought of returning back to the UK. Couldn’t recommend travel grad enough to any future grads who are unsure about what they want to do/need time to think or get out of the UK - they have been so supportive and friendly, always there through the good and bad moments! Thank you guys!

What was your funniest moment?
Teaching my students how to sing last Christmas by wham and then having to dress in a Santa costume and throw sweets to the children on Christmas Day! Not how I was expecting to spend my Christmas Day this time last year!
Pros
  • New friends
  • Exposure to new culture
  • Just the funnest time of your life in general
Cons
  • Initial cost
  • You think it’s taking up time out of your career (really it’s not)
  • Stressful moments
59 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers