Moving to Thailand to teach English with TravelGrad was the best decision I’ve ever made. It was the perfect way to travel, meet new people and enrich myself in a new culture, with support every step of the way. I left a confused graduate, and returned a teacher and a traveller, with new friends for life and the most incredible partner. There isn’t a thing I would change about the experience and I would definitely recommend TravelGrad - the team supports with all problems big or small and is available 24/7!

I first made contact with TravelGrad in early 2024, excited to get into TEFL teaching but unsure where to start. Andrew from TravelGrad had a WhatsApp phone call with me that was very reassuring, encouraging and, most importantly, realistic. Based on this phone call, I decided Thailand was best for me. My first placement was in Uttaradit, just three hours east of Chiang Mai. There aren't many foreigners here so I felt very emersed in Thailand culture. I taught speaking and listening which was very rewarding as you can see the progress lesson to lesson. The students were great, the Thai teachers were great and I loved working there. I had to head home for a bit after my first placement but when I wanted to go back to Thailand, Travelgrad were more than happy to help. This time, I'm placed in Udon Thani city, in Issan. This city is busy and has a very active culture due to Nong Prajak Park. I'm now teaching in an international programme and I've been loving the challenge of teaching critical reading and writing. My two placements have been very different in the best way and I'm very grateful to have the support and experience from TravelGrad. Whether it's advice on airlines, social life, work, etc Andrew is always pleasant and happy to help :)

Travel Grad had been an excellent company to work with. They have provided a lot of reassurance and support through our the whole experience. always making sure that we are okay and answering all my million questions. Andrew has honestly been an excellent professional, making you feel at ease about the whole experience. TravelGrad has also provided us with activities where we can meet and get to know each other rather than being on a group chat. It does make a difference, you realise that you are not on your own and everyone is in the same boat as you.
I really recommend travelgrad to everyone.

Loved teaching in Thailand with travel grad. The group that they link you up with was big, easy to get on with, and travelling and teaching with them around Thailand was very fun. The teaching itself is very rewarding and I got on really well with all the students and teachers. It was very easy to settle in due to how friendly everyone was. I also travelled around SE Asia before and after the program too! The friends that you make are ones for life, and I also met my girlfriend from this program too! Couldn’t recommend enough

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.

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!

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!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟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!!!