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TravelBud

8.9 (81)Verified7 Programs

Why choose TravelBud?

TravelBud is an international travel agency that specializes in offering the best teach abroad programs to adventurous individuals looking for a meaningful travel and work abroad experience. We have all taught abroad ourselves and offer the invaluable first-hand experience to prepare every applicant for exactly what is in store for them. The teaching placements we provide are in countries where ES...

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TravelBud Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

8.9

Total Reviews

81
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Culpable Seller of a Defective, Discriminatory Program

October 19, 2025by: Dario Barrera - United StatesProgram: Paid Teaching Program in Japan with TravelBud
1

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.

Not worth your time

August 08, 2025by: Mark Leon - United StatesProgram: Paid Teaching Program in Japan with TravelBud
1

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

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TravelBud responded to this reviewAugust 21, 2025

Hi Mark, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re always open to hearing ways we can improve our program and service. That said, we also need to follow the requirements set by our partner schools in order to maintain our promise of guaranteed placement. While some of these policies may feel strict, they are in place for valid reasons, which is why our application process includes detailed questions to identify any potential concerns early on. To clarify, the enrollment fee only applies once a full application has been submitted, reviewed, and accepted by our team, and you’ve chosen to move forward. We ask all applicants to provide full and accurate information, as undisclosed details can unfortunately affect eligibility later in the process. In your case, some important information was not disclosed during the application stage, which ultimately led to challenges with moving ahead. Despite our terms and conditions stating otherwise, we offered you a full refund of your fees as a gesture of goodwill. Our intention throughout has been to handle this matter professionally, fairly, and with understanding. If you could kindly respond to our email from early August regarding this matter, we would be happy to continue this conversation.

I'm having an amazing time!

September 02, 2024by: Lilah Cseh - United StatesProgram: Paid Teaching Program in Japan with TravelBud
10

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!

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TravelBud responded to this reviewSeptember 03, 2024

Hi Lilah, Thank you so much for your glowing review and kind recommendation. We're thrilled to hear that your time with our team has been so positive and that their expertise and support have made your teaching journey in Japan such a smooth and enjoyable experience over the past six months. Your encouraging words inspire us to keep delivering outstanding experiences for all our future teachers. We also love seeing your incredible posts on social media, showcasing all the amazing adventures you've had. Wishing you even more fantastic experiences ahead! Best regards, Ben & The TravelBud Team

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Grace Martens

Interviewed in 2023

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

Ever since I started working with TravelBud as an applicant myself, I felt a connection with the culture and values of TravelBud. When the opportunity to work at TravelBud came up after my own experience abroad in Korea, I knew I had to go for it!

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James Taylor

Interviewed in 2023

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

I had spent quite some time abroad and worked in the commercial field beforehand. I decided the best way I could give back was to help young people live a similar experience in their own unique way.

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Saskia Smuts

Interviewed in 2023

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

My passion for education and travel inspired me to work for TravelBud. After I returned from teaching in Thailand for a year, I fell into my role at TravelBud and have been working for the company for over eight years now. It has allowed me to work remotely, travel the world and help others experience the amazing adventure that is teaching English abroad.

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TravelBud

TravelBud

8.9Verified

Ready to Learn More?

TravelBud is an international travel agency that specializes in offering the best teach abroad programs to adventurous individuals looking for a meaningful travel and work abroad experience. We have all taught abroad ourselves and offer the invaluable first-hand experience to prepare every applicant for exactly what is in store for them. The teaching placements we provide are in countries where ESL teachers can learn from new cultures and give back to the local communities in which they live and teach English. We offer English teaching positions in Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Myanmar, Costa Rica and Japan. We also provide those who want to teach English abroad with the necessary TEFL/TESOL training course, both online and in-class, at our TEFL/TESOL schools in Thailand, Vietnam, South ...

Awards

Check out awards and recognitions TravelBud has received

2025 Finalist - Innovative Intern Abroad ProgramGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - TEFL / Teach Abroad ProgramInnovative Intern Abroad Program 2023 FinalistTop Rated Teach Abroad Organization 2022