Paid Teaching Program in Japan with TravelBud

I had a disappointing experience with the placement process. I completed significant preparation, maintained a strong academic record, and obtained medical clearance from my doctor regarding concerns in my medical history. Despite that, I ultimately felt that older documentation and medical-history concerns were weighed more heavily than my actual qualifications, communication skills, and ability to succeed abroad. Communication throughout the process was generally professional, but I left feeling discouraged after investing substantial time and effort into preparing for teaching abroad. From my perspective, the process felt more focused on avoiding potential complications than evaluating applicants holistically as individuals. I understand organizations have policies and screening standards, but I would encourage future applicants to also explore direct-hire opportunities with Japanese schools and companies rather than relying only on placement/recruitment programs.

TravelBud, as the entity that marketed and sold this program package, is fully accountable for the operational failures and the discriminatory rejection carried out by its partner, XploreAsia. They sold a defective service and are hiding behind vague slogans like "Lifetime Placement Guarantee" and "Guaranteed Job Placement." 1. Complicity in Discriminatory Practices TravelBud is culpable for the unethical nature of the product it sold: Admitting to Discrimination: TravelBud's communication, through Support Manager Charlotte Del Grande, explicitly detailed the discriminatory nature of the rejection, citing my private, mild neurodivergence (Autism spectrum) as a factor for denying the "Future Placement Support." Unprofessional Blacklisting: TravelBud sanctioned the rejection based on vague, subjective complaints about "short-term memory" and discussing "personal matters." I demand that TravelBud provide the specific, written job requirement that states my personal conversations violate the terms of their guarantee. 2. Policy Failure and the "Flute Rule" TravelBud sold a program that operates under the flawed logic of the "Flute Rule," and is therefore accountable for the resulting injustice. The "Flute Rule" Explained: This refers to the arbitrary job requirement in international teaching that demands a Bachelor's Degree in any subject, regardless of its relevance. My degree is in Music Performance. It’s exactly like telling a brilliant metal band guitarist that they must first learn to play the flute just to get the job! The Policy Injustice: TravelBud is liable for selling a program based on a requirement that rejects skill (120-hour TEFL) and valid credentials (Associate's degree). The program relies on a prejudicial, secret feedback mechanism to reject applicants, demonstrating a complete disregard for professional fairness and making a mockery of their "Lifetime Guarantee." 3. Accountability and Strategic Action This is being addressed as a failure in Strategic Legal Action and Policy Reform, not a minor customer service issue. As a strategic thinker specializing in Consumer Law and Policy Reform (with a Law Background), I am challenging this injustice through formal channels. I have filed formal complaints with the OCPB, UTEP, and BBB, asserting that TravelBud is liable for selling a program based on deception and discriminatory practices. I am currently pursuing all available regulatory avenues to force accountability and expose the misleading nature of their guarantees.

This company is not worth your time or money because if you have any type of ADHD or Autism diagnoises they will rightfully deny you. They will also not refund your money back once you start paying for the program. Waste of time for people who are diagnosed with mental disorders

I am coming up on 6 months into my placement as an English teacher in Japan and could not be happier that I chose to work with TravelBud! TravelBud makes it extremely easy to begin the process of moving your life abroad, from facilitating a TESOL certification course, setting up interviews with prospective schools, and even connecting you with incredible people making up an in-country support team. Every staff member I have spoken with from this company has been incredibly kind, patient, and more than willing to answer any and all questions I had about teaching, living abroad, and the entire process of doing so. If you are thinking about teaching abroad, I cannot recommend TravelBud enough - they are a perfect resource to make the process of moving your entire life to another country as seamless as possible, whether it's your first or tenth time doing so!

Honestly, amidst the entire COVID craze and when the japan borders were closed, the on-the-ground team did great with being as supportive as possible with its limitations. And I mean many limitations such as most of the schools not interviewing until the end of the year, or when borders opened. The support team was especially great, as they check in with you very thoughtfully. The program does listen to your specific preferences (such as age group, location, etc) but as I said, it was limited due to borders closed. I think if it weren’t COVID, if I had applied in another time, my experience would’ve been even more great due to more school options and an in-person cultural immersion. People think it’s sketchy at first, which is fair paying so much money, but when you think about it’s worth it as they do the hard work for you with their connections to schools and prioritized getting into the country.

I've had a terrible experience with TravelBud. Please Stay Away from them!!! -I've been waiting almost a year to get a job in Japan after paying my fee -They promised me a job within a few months and made it seem as if it will be easy to get the job and that they would get it for me, there is still an interview to pass and those schools take the best of the best, they do nothing to actually get you in to the school -They are way too costly to make me wait so long and give me this horrible service. I also hardly get feedback from them on my job placement and when they do give me feedback it's to say I will soon get a placement -Other recruiters do this for free, I suggest to rather go with those recruiters. I thought by paying such a high fee, I would get amazing service and get a job quickly -I've wasted R5000 and will not be moving forward with this program, what was promised was not delivered -I feel as if I've been scammed and my money taken away with nothing gained