What inspired you to travel abroad?
I had not done much traveling prior to teaching abroad, so it was a great way to travel whilst gaining some teaching experience.
It was a good way to balance traveling with work. I liked the idea of seeing how other countries live and experiencing different cuisines.
Why did you choose the Vietnam TEFL (Hanoi City) of TravelGrad?
I spoke to a few different organizations, but after speaking to TravelGrad on the phone, I felt the most reassured by them. They seemed very genuine and a trustworthy company who love what they do.
They answered all the questions that I had and just made me feel very confident that I was making the right decision for myself.
What was your favorite part about Hanoi?
My favorite part about Hanoi was the freedom to do what you want. The working hours meant you were able to travel often and go on weekends away whenever you wanted.
Hanoi is an affordable city, so we could go out regularly and enjoy all the sights and smells.
The teaching part was very balanced, and I was able to enjoy the experience both inside and outside of the classroom.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
TravelGrad! They were there at every step of the way and supported me through any issues or uncertainties that I may have had.
They gave great advice on where to live, etc, to get the best experience whilst out there! They really made sure the option gave me exactly what I was looking for.
Without them, I don’t think the experience would have been as good as it was.
Ha Long Bay in northeast Vietnam
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The support was great, and any questions were always met with reassurance and good guidance. There was, without a doubt, support throughout the whole duration of my stay.
Support could not have been better, especially for people who may worry about things a lot.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish that I had traveled around Vietnam more. I visited Nha Trang, which was amazing and beyond expectations!
Ha Long was also very beautiful and a great place to visit, so I wish I had visited more places as I’m sure I would have loved those just as much as the others. It is very easy to travel around too.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical school day involved getting a grab bike to school and teaching three 40-minute lessons and, after, eating some breakfast/lunch, then heading home.
Since the break before afternoon classes lasts about two hours, you can spend some time at home to rest and have a coffee before the afternoon starts, which usually consists of three or four 40-minute lessons.
The day ended usually by about 4 pm, leaving plenty of time to visit the local sights or events.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I enjoyed visiting the local lakes/parks for long walks and coffee. Going on weekend trips was very fun and easy to do, including some last-minute trips.
We did manage to do a ten-day holiday in Nha Trang, which was so refreshing and great. It allowed us to experience a different way of Vietnam.
A dish that originated in Vietnam, Bun Cha.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I lived in an apartment, which I absolutely loved! The location was great as it had many local food places that I visited regularly.
The apartment itself was a really great size and included a private balcony in the bedroom. We were also provided a fresh towel and bed change every week.
The roof had a lovely seating area for the hot days if you wanted to sunbathe!
What is one thing every future participant should know about TravelGrad before their program begins?
I would say every future participant should know that TravelGrad is definitely the best organization to go with. They will give you the most support and help and direct applicants toward the best option for them!
Also, I would say that when you first arrive in a new country via TravelGrad, it can be overwhelming at first, but take your time. You’ll get the hang of it!
Would you recommend TravelGrad to others? Why?
Yes Yes Yes! I would and have recommended TravelGrad to others. The amount of support you receive from them is phenomenal, not just up until you arrive but throughout your whole time there.
They always check up on you and make sure you’re satisfied with everything, and if you’re not, they will do everything to change that. They’re the best!!
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think that experiencing different countries and cultures is something that everyone should experience!
It gives you a different aspect of life and makes you really appreciate your own country and other ones, too. The experience allows you to have freedom or opportunities that are local to the place.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
When I first went abroad with TravelGrad, I had just graduated with a degree in business and management and was unsure about what job I wanted to commit to.
My experience with TravelGrad inspired my love of teaching. The opportunity to do it abroad was life-changing, so much so that I’m currently completing my PGCE in primary teaching.
I am looking forward to teaching abroad again to learn from other cultures and connect with its people.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, to me, is about experiencing different cultures openly and taking them for what they are, trying local food, and enjoying different places worldwide.
It is important to me to not only visit tourist areas, but see how the local people really live and eat. By doing so, you can learn more roundly about others!
Teaching is a perfect career to do just that–learning from one another symbiotically for the better.
